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CPM S35VN vs CPM S30V

Discussion in 'General Knife Discussion' started by cziv, Feb 27, 2011.

  1. Feb 27, 2011 #1
    cziv

    cziv

    10,038
    Nov 24, 2005
    I have two identical knives in front of me and have a question for you steel snobs out there. Looking at them both the knife with CPM S35VN steel looks brighter, or maybe cleaner than the one with CPM S30V steel. They are both the same heat treatment.

    Is this just my imagination or is it true? If true what would that mean to me as a user of the knives? :confused:

    I looked up the steels and they just talk about steel chemistry - lots of elements and stuff. To my eyes the CPM S35VN looks much brighter and finer but I know that's just an opinion at this point.

    Anyone? :)
     
  2. Feb 27, 2011 #2
    kreole

    kreole

    2,720
    Jul 23, 2009
    Isn't part of the purpose of S35vn to make it more machinable, meaning it should get shinier easier? Maybe that makes it look brighter?
     
  3. Feb 27, 2011 #3
    mete

    mete Gold Member Gold Member

    14,368
    Jun 10, 2003
    Yes the lower V content means easier polishing.
     
  4. Feb 27, 2011 #4
    foxx

    foxx

    2,690
    Sep 5, 2010
    I have 3 knives from Bark River in CPMS35VN. Cannot tell in this pic, but there are minor differences in the steel of each knife. The tiger striped custom Highland Special has been polished more than the other two.
    The black TUSK and Custom Highland Special, have less shine and more "lines" from the grinding.
    So, there will always be some differences, at least from the factory. Strop them and look at the edges, then you will get past the "factory" finish.[​IMG]
     
  5. Feb 27, 2011 #5
    cziv

    cziv

    10,038
    Nov 24, 2005
    Thanks, maybe there's something to my observation. :)

    I have a new Sebenza S35VN next to a couple month old S30V (neither one ever used) and the only way I can compare the blade colors is like placing an older silver coin that has started to get more dull and gray next to a new or almost new one. The S35VN blade has a less grainy texture in the stonewash and a more brilliant shine to it.
     
  6. Feb 27, 2011 #6
    JNewell

    JNewell Gold Member Gold Member

    7,306
    Nov 18, 2005
    You're seeing correctly. I was noticing the same thing comparing a CRK polished S35VN blade to a polished S30V blade.

     
  7. Feb 28, 2011 #7
    SpartanSaint

    SpartanSaint

    970
    Jun 17, 2010
    how do they compare other than appearances? like "performance"? i'm eye f@#$%ing a tanto large seb in s30v but wish it was s35vn just cuz its a little different haha
     
  8. Feb 28, 2011 #8
    Buffalohump

    Buffalohump Gold Member Gold Member

    5,919
    Sep 7, 2006
    S35VN is supposed to be a little tougher than S30V. Smaller carbides or some such thing. Dunno if that helps with the polished finish. Many knifemakers have stated in the past that S30V is a beeyotch to finish.
     
  9. Oct 16, 2011 #9
    PAZach

    PAZach Gold Member Gold Member

    1,326
    Oct 30, 2010
    I find that S35VN is easier to sharpen anyone else?
     
  10. Oct 16, 2011 #10
    The_Guide

    The_Guide

    604
    Feb 1, 2009
    ^^^ Yup... I count my strokes, and notice it takes less strokes to get a good edge on S35VN...
     
  11. Oct 17, 2011 #11
    tomsch

    tomsch Gold Member Gold Member

    2,148
    Dec 31, 2004
    I too seem to be able to sharpen my Sebenza with S35VN in less time than my S30V version.
     
  12. Oct 17, 2011 #12
    Reeek

    Reeek

    5,885
    Aug 16, 2008
    I noticed that with my Native 5 too- shinier and a smoother finish - I haven't had to sharpen it yet
     

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