M390 vs CPM 20CV

[g123]

Hi Guys,

Can you tell me if there is any actual difference in performance for a knife blade made of M390 or CPM 20CV. Are they basically the same? Is one more reliable because it's easier to heat treat?

Thanks,

Geoff

 

[marrenmiller]

They're exactly the same aside from the name and country of origin. The heat treat makes all the difference.

Edit: You might here something said about generational number differences between Bohler, Crucible, and Carpenter, but those numbers are meaningless as they're not comparable between companies.

 

[Alberta Ed]

CPM 20CV has 0.30 silicon while M390 has 0.70 silicon. Otherwise for all practical purposes, same steel.

 

[ScooterG]

CPM20CV - Murica!

 

[Monofletch]

CPM20CV - Murica!

Amen!

 

[halden.doerge]

Same steel. Tempering, heat treat, geometry will determine performance differences.

 

[Officer's Match]

20CV all the way, because:

 

[Sonnydaze]

My S!K 4.1 is in 20CV. Great knife. I've had many knives in M390, 20CV and 204P. All are fine high-performance steels.