duratech 20cv or cts xhp

sykes3170

sykes3170

Joined
Feb 18, 2010
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For a good hard use/tactical fixed blade which would you prefer and why. Duratech 20cv or Carpenter cts xhp?
 
CTS-XHP. I could compare both on XM-18s with identical blade and edge profiles and it outperforms Duratech.
 
Interesting.

20CV(M390) seems to be a relatively high alloy steel when compared to CTS-XHP. Carbon and Chromium content are higher, so I don't think corrosion resistance is all that different. 20CV also has a much higher vanadium content, making it more wear resistant. I also believe both steels are run at Rc 60-62.

On paper, 20CV sounds like it ought to perform better as a cutter/slicer. Though perhaps CTS-XHP would have higher toughness that would be desirable in a knife like the XM-18.
 
My experience with my Manix 2 in CTS-XHP hasn't been a glowing one thus far. Not sure if I sharpened it improperly or if the edge angle is too low(about 10-15 degrees per side), but after trimming 2 cases of corn(about 100 corn total) today, the edge quickly went from hair popping to catching on paper when I try to slice it.
 
I'll take 20CV over CTS XHP. Of course there's a few I would take over either one of these, starting with CPM M4, M2, Vascowear/cruware, 10V ( in certain applications), Super blue, 52100, etc., etc. Depends on the job I guess.
 
Joe, could you please elaborate, I am always interested in your personal observations?
 
Seconded. Your reference to 52100 caught my eye. I have only one blade in 52100, a Mule, but it is very satisfactory.
 
Lorenzol, To be honest I like the grain structure and the Vanadium carbides which help give 20Cv/M390 the extra wear resistance while still being pretty easy to sharpen. This steel is almost up there with the S90V class steels IMO.

CTS XHP is also doing pretty good when it comes to wear resistance, and edge stability but push it hard and you will notice the absence of those big hard carbides.

Sure, they are both great steels though. Clean, and able to take great edges and keep them.

JNewell, when I start including other steels in the manner that I did don't put a lot of thought into it. It's just my way of saying that there are lots of great steels around that can perform at very high levels. There really isn't a best one though IMO. I' like most other people have steels that I like to work with and use as they have proved their value in the past to me. Best steel though? I haven't found it yet.

As far as 52100 goes it's one of my all time favorites as such because it takes great edges, has excellent edge stability and loves to cut. It's pretty tough too.

It's a bearing steel though. They typically make good blades. BG42 ( stainless HS bearing steel) is another bearing steel that IMO does really well.

Regards. Joe
 
Thanks, Joe. How would you rate those two steels compared to CPM-D2?
That's one of my top steels, with S90V and M4. A real pity that it seems to have been phased out during the Crucible crisis...
 
I have a differentially tempered bowie in 52100 that I have used hard and its been very impressive.

The Mastiff said:
As far as 52100 goes it's one of my all time favorites as such because it takes great edges, has excellent edge stability and loves to cut. It's pretty tough too.

It's a bearing steel though. They typically make good blades. BG42 ( stainless HS bearing steel) is another bearing steel that IMO does really well.

Regards. Joe
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Thanks, Joe. How would you rate those two steels compared to CPM-D2?
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Lorenzol, the CPM D2 and CTS XHP are pretty similar composition wise. A bit more chromium in the XHP but I'd guess whichever one was harder would probably outperform the other.

They are both clean, high quality powder steels so I'd be happy with either one, as similar as they are.
 
From the Chart that I saw M390 (20CV), CTS-204P, and CTS-XHP are all in the same league so they should be very similar depending on heat treatment.

I rated M390 higher than 20CV though from my personal testing on cardboard, they aren't really the same steel.
 
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CPM D-2 is alive and well. We have over 10,000 pounds of slab in our inventory and some sheet in stock. We have also sold some sheet to SB Specialty Metals in Arlington and the NJ Steel Baron. You can call us at 800-424-0048 or visit our website www.nsm-ny.com for price and availability.
Bob
 
M390 & 20CV http://www.zknives.com/knives/steels/steelgraph.php?nm=DuraTech%2020CV%2CM390

I'd bet whichever one is harder will perform better in cardboard cutting all else being the same.

One poster here claimed that 20CV is just M390 imported and renamed. Larrin maybe?

Thanks for the update on the CPM D2 from Niagara. It's good to know information. I really liked the steel. It cured everything about D2 that I didn't like. No question it's a premium steel and was received well in the knives that introduced it.
 
The Mastiff said:
M390 & 20CV http://www.zknives.com/knives/steels/steelgraph.php?nm=DuraTech%2020CV%2CM390

I'd bet whichever one is harder will perform better in cardboard cutting all else being the same.

One poster here claimed that 20CV is just M390 imported and renamed. Larrin maybe?

Thanks for the update on the CPM D2 from Niagara. It's good to know information. I really liked the steel. It cured everything about D2 that I didn't like. No question it's a premium steel and was received well in the knives that introduced it.
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That's possible, not sure because I haven't seen any side by side testing comparing the two in equal knives and hardness.

I would like to see some knives in the Carpender vers of the steel, CTS-204P.
 
I think Bohler is on the third generation of PM technology. I don't know where Carpenter is, or how that would affect terminal performance in knives if there were a difference.
 
hardheart said:
I think Bohler is on the third generation of PM technology. I don't know where Carpenter is, or how that would affect terminal performance in knives if there were a difference.
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They call it Clean Steel, will take a high mirror Polish and it's very pure etc.
 
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