CPM 3V: Is it really worth it?

A

AshesFall

Joined
Jul 16, 2019
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Hi all! I'm looking into higher grade steels for a future 6 to 7in fixed blade purchase and I already have fixed blades in 5160 (Ontario RD tanto) and 52100 (cold steel survivalist) and like those a lot, but I'm wondering if CPM 3V is worth the premium price tag for an upgrade? Now I already know CPM 3V is sometimes referred to as a semi stainless, close, but not stainless and I know it's supposed to be super tough stuff. So say I wanted to baton wood a lot and do a good bit of chopping without the use of an axe, would the extra little bit of stainless properties and the "super toughness" really be that much better over 5160 and 52100? Not saying I wouldn't be fine with those two steels, but I've been wanting a new knife in something a little more premium for awhile now and thought I'd get some expert opinions on CPM 3V.
 
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I bought a 5.5'' fixed blade for camping in 3V and used it for wood prepping. I chopped and split everything I could find and the edge seems untouched. I'm very impressed to be honest
 
I am no expert so as a disclaimer I’m only offering my opinion on my limited exposure to CPM-3V.

I only have one knife (Cold Steel Master Hunter) in this steel.

It’s awesome. Takes a nice edge easily and resists impact damage very well. And it holds that edge for a noticeably longer time than 1095 or 5160.

Great stuff!
 
AshesFall said:
Not saying I wouldn't be fine with those two steels, but I've been wanting a new knife in something a little more premium for awhile now and thought I'd get some expert opinions on CPM 3V.
Click to expand...

This is going to be very subjective, but to me the answer is 'yes it is worth it.' If you've got the itch for some new steel anyway, I'd say the answer is likely yes it would be worth it for you as well. One suggestion I'd make is to try some of the latest low temp heat treat protocol, rather than industry standard 3V. It's extremely tough but maintains fairly easy as well.
 
When I first got my Cold Steel Pendleton Hunter I was cutting up a big old double wall shipping box and ran into a large steel staple.
I winced and looked at the blade edge . . .
nothing, no damage, still as sharp as when I started which was hair whitlting and polished.
I looked at the staple and it had a V-notch in it.
:thumbsup:
LINK > > > to photos of the knife and my Mod.
 
I’ve been beating around a Big Chris machete in 3V and it’s without a doubt the toughest steel I’ve used. I was among the “It’s just a steel” crowd, but my goodness is the hype certified, at least in my mind. It’s not going to cut through a katana or a tank, but it is insanely tough. Edge damage gets laughed off on jobs that would roll the edge on most 5160 blades. After using it in a larger blade, where it shines exceedingly well, I’m impressed.

Trust in 3V, haha.
 
Well it seems that all agree so far that it's a good improvement over 5160 and 52100 and think it's worth the price bump and that's awesome. Now I'm curious, does anyone think it's not worth the price bump? Does anyone think 5160 or 51200 would be perfectly sufficient without spending the money and could explain as to why? For all that agreed so far why do you feel it's worth it over the other two steels mentioned money wise? Is it really that "awesome" and if yes, why is it? I'm just trying to get the detailed info and opinions from both people who love the steel and use it and people that think it's just another steel and really isn't worth the price bump before I make a huge purchase. Thanks to all that have already replied and all who are willing to explain more in depth, I really appreciate the help.
 
Wowbagger said:
When I first got my Cold Steel Pendleton Hunter I was cutting up a big old double wall shipping box and ran into a large steel staple.
I winced and looked at the blade edge . . .
nothing, no damage, still as sharp as when I started which was hair whitlting and polished.
I looked at the staple and it had a V-notch in it.
:thumbsup:
LINK > > > to photos of the knife and my Mod.
Click to expand...
Nice knife
 
I've also been looking into Bark River knives. Anyone have any experience with Bark River knives? How's the heat treat on their 3V?
 
Hard Knocks said:
This is going to be very subjective, but to me the answer is 'yes it is worth it.' If you've got the itch for some new steel anyway, I'd say the answer is likely yes it would be worth it for you as well. One suggestion I'd make is to try some of the latest low temp heat treat protocol, rather than industry standard 3V. It's extremely tough but maintains fairly easy as well.
Click to expand...
I also support this.
I use the low temper From Peters....
LOVE IT.

In canse the OP hasnt decided yet.
Just do it. Totally worth the price.
Heat treat is everything.

Custom heats are a big improvement over industry standard. ( including low temper protocol)
And Delta 3V is best. Check out carothers performance knives for that.
 
AshesFall said:
Hi all! I'm looking into higher grade steels for a future 6 to 7in fixed blade purchase and I already have fixed blades in 5160 (Ontario RD tanto) and 52100 (cold steel survivalist) and like those a lot, but I'm wondering if CPM 3V is worth the premium price tag for an upgrade? Now I already know CPM 3V is sometimes referred to as a semi stainless, close, but not stainless and I know it's supposed to be super tough stuff. So say I wanted to baton wood a lot and do a good bit of chopping without the use of an axe, would the extra little bit of stainless properties and the "super toughness" really be that much better over 5160 and 52100? Not saying I wouldn't be fine with those two steels, but I've been wanting a new knife in something a little more premium for awhile now and thought I'd get some expert opinions on CPM 3V.
Click to expand...
:) Only if you actually break or find that your Survivalist is somehow lacking . Drop forged 52100 steel should be pretty dang tough ! :cool::thumbsup::thumbsup:

Exactly what do you need to do and what is it worth to you to pay extra ? Only you can determine this . :confused:
 
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