cpm 20cv

gscreely

gscreely

Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
Joined
Jun 3, 2008
Messages
178
Have many of you guys worked with CPM-20CV? How does it machine and finish? What would be some comparable metals to work? Is it difficult to get a mirror polish.
 
CPM 20CV is identical to that of Bohler M390, Duratech 20CV and of CTS 204P, if you have worked with any of these steels CPM 20CV will work similar or near identical to these, it is on the higher end of the steel spectrum and thus won't machine and what not as easily as say o1 or any other simpler steels like that.
 
i made a folder blade out of 204p and it wass not too bad (its sure not mild steel ) the powder makes it less hateful then one wouel think bu tits still extra work
in my book its worth it i have been loving my test folder blade
i think its my 2nd fav. SS to use and for the blades i woudl want to use it for it woudl be killer
 
Ive gotten really good feedback on the edge retention. It seems to hold up really well in kitchen knives. After it is hardened there is pretty much no use in hand sanding it, I have seen some blades mirror polished though, no idea how they do it.
 
Would you say it is a good bit easier to work than S90V? Maybe somewhere between S90V and 154CM?
 
I have not worked s90v but what I can tell you is I used about twice as many belts on the 20cv compared to aebl. The issue I have with this steel is that only the expensive ceramic belts cut well and did not last very long. Once the belt looses its bite they just heat up the blade. Very problematic on thin hardened knives. The good news is you can take this steel down to final dimensions before heat treat.
 
I didn't have any problems finishing it. Same with S90V. I do a brushed scotchbrite finish. timos is correct that sharp ceramic belts are the best to use. IMO, grinds the same as any other CPM steel.
Scott
 
timos- said:
After it is hardened there is pretty much no use in hand sanding it, I have seen some blades mirror polished though, no idea how they do it.
Click to expand...

Tenacity....and elbow grease......LOL

Added....I've hand sanded S90V and M390....though not much of either....and believe 90V to
require more effort....by virtue of the much higher V carbide volume.
 
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I agree with Russ. The M390 has always been much easier to grind and work . S90V a S100V are both steels that I find require a lot of extra work to get to a good satin or polished finish.
Frank
 
i know 10v was no fun so when it comes to high alloy stuff i let buyers know up front they done want to pay me to hand sand them. if i dont liek the work they are not goingto like the price ;)
 
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