CPM 154 Hardness ?

thartman

thartman

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Apr 4, 2010
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I usally Heat treat CPM 154 to 58 RC and have been very satisfied with the results in regard to ability to hold an edge and ease of sharpening. I'm considering Heat Treating a CPM 154 Blade to 61 - 63 RC and I'm wondering about what I could expect. Will it be to hard to sharpen, how is the workability of CPM 154 at that hardness and how does it compare in preformance to a blade heat treated to 58 RC. Any and all information would be appreciated.

Thanks
Tim
 
CPM 154 likes it around 61Rc.....I ht at 1950 for 30 minutes and forced air quench. That will give me 63 on the scale. I then triple temper, 375 x 2 hours x 3 times and end up with 61 Rc. Works great for me.
 
63 would be essentially untempered -or at least way out on the edge - and I don't often approve of playing on the edge. 61 is an outstanding hardness for CPM154. If all you want is RHC58, I can't help but think you are missing out on what the steel has to offer.

My inclination is treat CPM154 the same as 154CM - but expect more performance out of it. For instance, 60-61 is pretty common with 154CM. With the CPM154, use the same heat treat, but feel comfortable with a thinner edge behind the final bevel - expect a nicer mirror polish.

My 2 cents. :)

Rob!
 
Thanks for the input. I'm going to HT my next CPM 154 blade to 61 RC and I will go with a thinner main bevel. I'm looking forward to see how it will preform.

Tim
 
i run my cpm154 hard

but for the kitchen knife guys that i deal most with they love it. now that said its not fun to finish grind and it sharpens a bit harder but not hatefully

you can hone it thin and have a nice sharp edge for along time if you have a buyer that is using the blades right
 
CPM 154 at 61 is some great stuff! Fairly easy to sharpen and surprisingly tough, too. Takes and holds a great edge.
 
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