CPM D2 or CPM 3V for a solider

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unky_gumbi

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Aug 28, 2009
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Which is better for a hard use knife that may see some action overseas? I have read the data sheets on both steels and from my limited understanding it looks like CPM 3V wins hands down. So if you were making a knife for a friend that could see some overseas action, which would you choose?
 
i like this because yes 3v is a bad ass steel but for a knife that is maybe not going to be able to be cleaned off all the time, D2's corrosin resistance might be a better choice. it is up to you but my vote is for cpm 3V
 
Truthfully, either one would be a fine choice. But, the 3V would be stronger. The D2 would be more corrosion resistant.
 
I am going to do a little more investigating on the user side of it, and find out what he values more toughness, or corrosion resistance. If it was left up to me I would just go with the toughness because a rusty, stained knife will penetrate and cut better than a broken one:p
 
You won't be disappointed with either one. Blade geometry, design, and comfort will likely play a bigger role, so pick whichever one you want between the two with little regard to the performance of the steel. I think CPM-D2 takes on a polished finish better, if aesthetics are going to figure into the equation :)
 
what about elmax? more wear resistant and tougher then D2 and its a stainless steel.
 
I would use a steel that is easy to sharpen in the field. I don't know enough about 3v other than it is supposed to be extraordinarily tough. D2 = tough to sharpen without machines. Personally if I was a soldier I would want something easier to keep an edge on like 1095, 5160, A2(maybe), 154CM/ATS-34 etc. Ease of maintainence is just a big factor with me.
 
Dave Behrens said:
I would use a steel that is easy to sharpen in the field. I don't know enough about 3v other than it is supposed to be extraordinarily tough. D2 = tough to sharpen without machines. Personally if I was a soldier I would want something easier to keep an edge on like 1095, 5160, A2(maybe), 154CM/ATS-34 etc. Ease of maintainence is just a big factor with me.
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another good thing about elmax is it is pretty easy to sharpen from what i have read. cpm 154cm is a great steel to:)
 
Dave Behrens said:
I would use a steel that is easy to sharpen in the field. I don't know enough about 3v other than it is supposed to be extraordinarily tough. D2 = tough to sharpen without machines. Personally if I was a soldier I would want something easier to keep an edge on like 1095, 5160, A2(maybe), 154CM/ATS-34 etc. Ease of maintainence is just a big factor with me.
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The guy is a driver, while they do get stuck out in the field once and awhile, most of the time they return to base after dropping their cargo. Also I have never had a problem sharpening any of the D2 knives I have with nothing more than a good set of water stones and I find they hold a workable edge for a long time, maybe its just me getting lucky though.
 
chad2 said:
what about elmax? more wear resistant and tougher then D2 and its a stainless steel.
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I am a firm believer in tools steels:o I just love the edge I can get on them. While I can get a stainless blade sharp, it just never feels as sharp to me as a good tool steel. I will admit that there may be some bias there, its not like I have any sort of scientific proof, but to me tool steel always feels sharper:confused:
 
unky_gumbi said:
I am a firm believer in tools steels:o I just love the edge I can get on them. While I can get a stainless blade sharp, it just never feels as sharp to me as a good tool steel. I will admit that there may be some bias there, its not like I have any sort of scientific proof, but to me tool steel always feels sharper:confused:
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I agree 100%. I could'nt have said it any better. Most of the knives I sell are D-2. I don't use 10XX steels unless requested by the customer. I think A-2 is superior to any 10XX steel.
 
i use 3v one my field knives you cn beat the hell out of it even when tempered to 61

as fare as rust a light etch and buff (not to buff all the matt finishe off ) and a simple wipedown when cleaning all his other gear and the blade will stay in great shape

one of these days maybe i ll get a blade bacck in for sharpening but none yet (i have the option that when theyv get out i ll dress the blade up for them)
strip sand and rehandle so that its less "combat" and more if you wanted to take it hunting its not over the top tac tee cool (maybe something to keep in mind when comming up with style
 
I'd vote for a tougher stainless, maybe cpm154.

Consider that soldiers, or swat cops, have a lot to do besides wipe down carbon steel knives after every wet exposure. Theres the unit/team gear that needs to be cleaned and prepped for the next operation, theres personal primary and maybe secondary weapons that will take cleaning priority, theres nylon gear, etc... and personal time.
When I got a request to make a knife for a local swat cop my first thought was 3V because of its reputation for being tough. He wanted stainless and I can certainly see why. I dont have any experience with 3V though. Maybe it isn't all that prone to rust. OR maybe it'd be worth coating the blade with cerakote or gunkote type products.
 
Butch the knife I will be making is not tactical at all, it is a version of the one I made for Mark, the guy just wants a black handle and sheath. He thinks he would like black Micarta, but I just ordered some black dye walnut and redwood burl, so I am going to show him the pieces when they get here. I am hoping that I can sway him enough that he will take one of the wooden blocks over the micarta.
 
You can buy little credit card-sized diamond stones, so field sharpening of even the high-V steels need not be an issue anymore. I have limited experience with D2 but quite a bit with 3v. If I knew I would be carrying a knife into critical situations, 3v would be my first choice.
 
CPM 3V, without hesitation. To branch out, 5160, 9260, S7, S5, 12C27 or 12C27M.
 
I am leaning real hard towards the CPM 3V, I just have to get in touch with my HT guy to see what he has to say. I wil probably include a smaller utility knife out of something like CPM 154 in the package for day to day use.
 
JBS TOOLMAKER said:
I agree 100%. I could'nt have said it any better. Most of the knives I sell are D-2. I don't use 10XX steels unless requested by the customer. I think A-2 is superior to any 10XX steel.
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I don't know alot about the different steels but i do know my old Busse SHSHII is the sharpest knife i own and it is made of A-2. So i agree with you also.
 
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