Do you prefer 4V or CPM Cruwear in a folder, and why?

jstn · Aug 7, 2020

So I have an abundance of knives, and with a baby on the way, I have to get rid of some. The PM2 is one of my favorite models, and I have a few sprint models I have recently acquired in 4V and CPM Cruwear. I wanted to see which most of you prefer in folder, as I have used Cruwear a bit in the past but I haven't used 4V at all. I really prefer a bit more toughness over edge retention, so a blade that is less prone to chipping is important to me. Thanks in advance for any and all input.

I suppose I should add too that I have another new PM2 in 20CV, and while I have a lot of experience with the steel and really like it, I could be persuaded to part with it instead of the Cruwear or 4V models.

hhmoore · Aug 7, 2020

Do you prefer 4V or CPM 4V in a folder

Do we prefer 4V or CPM 4V?
Am I missing something?

jstn · Aug 7, 2020

hhmoore said:
Do we prefer 4V or CPM 4V?
Am I missing something?

My bad, I meant to type 4V or CPM Cruwear...

Larrin · Aug 7, 2020

They're both in a similar category of properties. The CPM CruWear does have a bit better corrosion resistance though. What is the hardness on the steels in the two knives?

Murdamook · Aug 7, 2020

As a user of Zwear, that stuff is bomb proof. I don’t have much experience with 4v.

jstn · Aug 7, 2020

Larrin said:
They're both in a similar category of properties. The CPM CruWear does have a bit better corrosion resistance though. What is the hardness on the steels in the two knives?

I am not sure on the hardness. They are both Spyderco PM2 models, and I've not been able to find any info directly from Spyderco disclosing that info.

Ajack60 · Aug 7, 2020

So far, the only 4V I've seen in a folding knife has some type of coating on it. 4V will rust quicker than Cruwear. Those hidden non coated areas could form rust without maintenance, same with Cruwear. Keep the 20CV and ditch the tool steel if you don't want to be bothered having to inspect/clean the knife every time it gets wet. For edge retention, I prefer 4V, for toughness, it's Cruwear. It's really not that noticeable between the two using them. They all get dull if they're used. IMO, the most difficult to sharpen is the 20CV. But that just may be me. The easiest is 4V.

REK Knives · Aug 7, 2020

Larrin said:
They're both in a similar category of properties. The CPM CruWear does have a bit better corrosion resistance though. What is the hardness on the steels in the two knives?

Exactly what I've noticed. That's why I prefer cruwear over 4v.

jstn · Aug 7, 2020

Ajack60 said:
So far, the only 4V I've seen in a folding knife has some type of coating on it. 4V will rust quicker than Cruwear. Those hidden non coated areas could form rust without maintenance, same with Cruwear. Keep the 20CV and ditch the tool steel if you don't want to be bothered having to inspect/clean the knife every time it gets wet. For edge retention, I prefer 4V, for toughness, it's Cruwear. It's really not that noticeable between the two using them. They all get dull if they're used. IMO, the most difficult to sharpen is the 20CV. But that just may be me. The easiest is 4V.

I appreciate the info. Sounds like Cruwear and 20CV may be the ones too keep for my uses. I'm not crazy about the red G10 with the 4V model anyway.

skyhorse · Aug 7, 2020

jstn said:
I appreciate the info. Sounds like Cruwear and 20CV may be the ones too keep for my uses. I'm not crazy about the red G10 with the 4V model anyway.

Congrats on your baby , that's really exciting :thumbsup:

BMCGear · Aug 7, 2020

I'd keep the 4v and Cru-wear. 20cv is a dime a dozen.

JJ_Colt45 · Aug 7, 2020

I'd chose Cruwear without hesitation from those 3 steels. Has the best blend by far IMO. 20cv won't be nearly as tough and Cruwear is pretty resistant to staining if cared for.

Most of my Hinderers in M390 and 20cv are going to go on the block soon ... I wish they had an option for Cruwear for those.

jstn · Aug 7, 2020

JJ_Colt45 said:
I'd chose Cruwear without hesitation from those 3 steels. Has the best blend by far IMO. 20cv won't be nearly as tough and Cruwear is pretty resistant to staining if cared for.

Most of my Hinderers in M390 and 20cv are going to go on the block soon ... I wish they had an option for Cruwear for those.

It does seem like the better option for a "hard-use" knife. My only Hinderer is in S35VN, which isn't super tough, but it's a bit better than M390.