CPM 154 vs. CPM S30V

[SuperSaiyan]

For those of you guys and gals that know a decent amount about steel, how do you you think CPM 154 and CPM S30V compare from a practical standpoint (i.e. fineness of edge, edge retention, corrosion resistance, etc.)?

 

[David Martin]

Both are powder steels, S30V has vanadium, CPM154 does not. There has been much written on these steels. Have you tried the search feature. CPM-154 is easier to sharpen. Plus, in my sisal rope cutting tests CPM-154 cut more rope. Around 5% more. Both did well in corrosion resistance. DM

 

[Silvanus]

I've experienced both of those steels from Strider and I've had a few other CPM S30V knives from other makers. In my experience using them in an EDC and work carry capacity, CPM154 is sightly better overall. The difference showed most for me in edge retention with CPM154 holding a sharper edge when used under the same circumstances. Corrosion hasn't been an issue with either steel, coated or uncoated.

 

[Harden Knives]

As a maker, I had the opportunity to grind some samples given to me by a buddy as I was on the fence for both steels.
Both were ground at a 90 degree angle then free hand ground and polished but not heat treated.
I found CPM154 is much easier to work with for whatever reason.
Anyways that's just my experience from working with both.

 

[fzla226]

Similar edge holding but cpm 154 is more tough and I haven't run into microchipping problems like with S30v

 

[mete]

Compromise and get S35VN !! Those three steels are close with S30V a bit harder to sharpen. BTW you don't see S30V with a high polish because of the high V content. I take good care of my knives so corrosion is never a problem.

 

[Mannlicher]

I have customs in both steels. In practical, everyday use, I just don't see ane real difference.

 

[toker]

I haven't noticed a real world difference between those two steels in the knives I own.

 

[K.O.D.]

Similar edge holding but cpm 154 is more tough and I haven't run into microchipping problems like with S30v

Good to hear. When I have the money, I plan to buy an SnG in the CPM-154, as have had many chipping/microchipping issues with S30V (don't get me started).