CPM 90V versus its sister steels

tryppyr

tryppyr

Joined
Feb 5, 2010
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A few days ago when I was looking for some CPM S35VN, I found a couple of places selling CPM 90V, and noted it was nearly twice the cost of S35VN. Naturally, I became curious, but didn't see anything right off the bat that screamed value for the extra money.

So I thought I'd check with those in the know and find out what makes 90V so special, and why would anyone pay so much fo the extra benefits (whatever they may be).

- Greg
 
Shop around. S90V shouldnt cost twice as much as S35VN.

As for performance its a really amazing steel. For a mid sized to smaller blade it blows most other steels out of the water including s30v. It has incredible edge holding, good stain resistance and is about as tough as D2.
 
Might talk to Big Chris. I believe he uses it, and even if he doesn't (but I believe he does ;) ) he should have some contacts.

Another thing... Check Ankersons steel thread in the Reviews forum. He has spent a great deal of time researching and testing various steels. His method is pretty methodical.

Edited to add- http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=793481

Aside from that, for the maker selling knives, the use of high end "super steels" (s90v is firmly in that camp, s35vn is generally not considered a super steel) the knives made with those materials command a premium over those that do not. I believe you will make more than the added cost of materials back by using such steels when selling to the knife enthusiast. These steels are very popular amongst the frequenters of this forum.

Now if you REALLY want to know... Spyderco has a program called the Mule knives. Each year (or so) Spyderco releases the exact same pattern knife, sold as a heat treated blank (no scales). They ht them at the manufacturers recommended schedule for optimum results. They have released quite a few, including s35vn and s90v (I think they got s110v in there too) along with many other super steels and regular steels like damascus. The program is aimed at those that want to do accurate testing (again, every one is the same other than steel and heat treat), or for those that want to try a specific steel but need an example that has a low price tag. I believe they sell them at their cost, so every batch has a different price.

It's a great program for us. The only downside is that they are highly sought after so getting them can be difficult. I started collecting them almost at the start of the program. Unfortunately I sold them to fund other knife purchases and regret it a great deal.

If you're interested, you can get on a list from their site to get the heads up for release dates and to be put on pre purchase lists.
 
I have used S90V alot. Everything that has been said so far is true. CPM 10V is the only steel I have used that will out perform S90V in cutting or edge holding. I have a camp knife made from S90V that has been the main tool on a couple outings and it is wonderful. I do a lot of meat cutting and processing and I have a couple boning knives from S90V that are my go to tools. I try not to hit bones when cutting but it does not seem to phase 90V. It will also cut meat like a meat saw, effortlessly. A knife ground from 3/32" stock to sub .005" at the shoulder is literally a light saber in any medium. Most of my worst cuts have come from S90V knives I have made. One thing that tends to trick people up is that S90V will lose the shaving sharp hair popping edge quickly, but what you are left with is a working edge that has a hard time knowing when enough is enough. Then it will keep cutting some more. It is expensive on belts to grind and finish, and your oven has to be capable of holding 2150 to get good heat treat but the results are superb. If it contained a little more toughness I could work exclusively with S90V, but I am also too big a fan of 3V to give it up entirely. I really can't say enough good stuff about S90V. To me it really has no down sides.
 
Chris if you don't mind me asking it seems that may remember you saying you used a Evenheat kiln??? If so is that what you use to heat treat your S90v? My specs say mines good to 2200°. Is that what you use?
 
I made some knives big knives for a Chinese restaurant. They were to be used to cut veggies and break down meats all day long every day. They wanted something that would hold an edge and cut well. I uses .125" CPM-S90V. The HT was by D'Alton Holder. They were extremely durable knives. I saw the owner regularly for several years, and he always said they were the sharpest and toughest knives he ever owned.

I can't say that I feel the gain is worth the cost normally. CPM-S35VN is more than tough enough for most all kitchen tasks.
 
Ive been meaning to make my wife a set of kitchen knives and have been tossing around the idea of s90v? I was first thinking of s35v but I haven't made my mind up yet. I also like cpm-154 a lot..Oh well, didn't mean to derail the thread.
 
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I agree that the added performance may not be worth the cost difference Stacy. Where I do believe it adds the most benefit is with the gee-whiz factor when marketing to the enthusiasts that frequent knife forums. A lot of guys are willing to pay a premium for the "best" steel. It doesn't really matter how much better the steel really is. Bragging rights and all that. Trust me, I used to be a "steel snob".

Wolf- there may be better, but I've found CPM M4 to hold a great acute edge for a silly length of time. Probably my over all favorite steel.
 
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Just to throw it out there guys tell me that cpm10v holds an edge an insane amount of time too.
 
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