Hunter in new Crucible CPM-s45vn

Matthew Gregory

Matthew Gregory

Chief Executive in charge of Entertainment
Joined
Jan 12, 2005
Messages
6,390
This is my hunting knife for this year, in the new Crucible stainless steel alloy CPM-S45vn. The gang at @nsm Niagara Specialty Metals were gracious enough to provide me with the material to make the first handmade knife out of it. This one features a 3-3/4" blade of Crucible CPM-S45vn, with a tapered tang and a primary bevel ground on a platen which simulates a 4 foot diameter wheel. A gentle swedge reduces thickness at the tip, and there's a hidden slot on the butt to use a lanyard, should one wish to.

The handle is stabilized curly Vermont rock maple from my friend @Wulf . The 'flats' at the front of the scales are delicately scalloped, or hollow. I've found that this provides a nice bit of grip that's an improvement over rounded or flat surfaces, here. The shimmer and chatoyance is belied by my marginal knife photo skills, but I hope you get the idea.

Overall length is 8-1/2" inches.

2019110111492955--4758790595944369978-_DSC6539-X3.jpg



Here’s the official press release on the alloy:

“Niagara Specialty Metals is proud to introduce a new CPM grade from Crucible Industries. CPM S45VN is the latest evolution in a line of steels designed specifically for the cutlery industry. We were asked to produce a grade with more corrosion resistance without sacrificing the wear resistance and toughness of S30V or S35-VN. Preliminary reports indicate we accomplished that goal with the added benefit that it takes a nice edge and is easy to machine.
The S45VN chemistry was proposed by Niagara Specialty Metal’s Western Sales Manager and Knife Steel Specialist, Frank Cox. Final refinement of the chemistry and mill production methods were developed by Bob Skibitski of Crucible Industries. The chemistry is nominally 1.48% C, 16% Cr, 3% V, 2% Mo, .5% Nb and .15% N.
There is stock available at Niagara Specialty Metals in most of the common sizes. Pricing will be posted at nsm-ny.com next week or you can call 1-800-424-0048 for pricing now. Distributors will stock it if the demand for it is there.

Thanks for your support,
Bob Shabala, Niagara Specialty Metals”




Thanks for looking!
 
Steven65 said:
Great looking knife Matt. Was the heat treat cycle similar to S35? What hardness did you achieve?
Click to expand...

Thanks, buddy. Similar. I was under the gun to get this knife finished before the official release announcement, so I haven’t done a full work-up on this, yet. Sort of a ‘ready-fire-aim’ situation. :D According to the protocol I used, this knife should be about 61RC after temper.


I’m starting samples today. I’ll let you know what I come up with.
 
Matthew Gregory said:
Thanks, buddy. Similar. I was under the gun to get this knife finished before the official release announcement, so I haven’t done a full work-up on this, yet. Sort of a ‘ready-fire-aim’ situation. :D According to the protocol I used, this knife should be about 61RC after temper. I’m starting samples today. I’ll let you know what I come up with.
Click to expand...

Excellent thank you. I would also love to hear your thoughts and experience on S45's added corrosion resistance. :)
 
it's better, sure, but @Larrin shows some pictures after 24hrs and 48hrs with 1% salt solution... it's honestly difficult to see a difference imho

Matthew, just fwiw, that knife is really dialed in; I love the overall shape, the blade design and geometry look perfect and the handle material and shape also look extremely well thought out. I'm normally in Canada, but in early December I'll be very near your neck of the woods ; ) Would love an opportunity to visit your workshop if that is possible
 
Wow !!!!! That’s a really nice looking knife !!! The whole thing is just beautiful ! Great job !!!!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top