Question about Military with cpm 440v

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killgar

Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
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Sep 24, 2002
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So I bought a Military many years ago with a cpm 440v blade. I never took to the knife so it didn't see much carry or use. My understanding is that Spyderco stopped using that steel and has since used others. What I would like to know is, is the cpm 440v Military still a desireable model or is it considered yesterdays news among Spyderco enthusiasts?
 
CPM 440 V is the old designation for CPM S 60 V. S60 is a higher spec'd steel S30 but is a lower spec'd steel than S90. S60 has about double the Vanadium of S30. Vanadium forms a very hard carbide in steel which Rockwells at about 82C. Since S60 has more Vanadium than S30, it has more wear resistance than S30. If you don't like the knife, I'll swap for an S30 Military.
 
killgar said:
So I bought a Military many years ago with a cpm 440v blade. I never took to the knife so it didn't see much carry or use. My understanding is that Spyderco stopped using that steel and has since used others. What I would like to know is, is the cpm 440v Military still a desireable model or is it considered yesterdays news among Spyderco enthusiasts?
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As with most things, it depends. In this case, on the type Spyderco enthusiast viewing the knife. It would be yesterday's news to those chasing the latest and greatest blade steel, highly desirable to those having a soft spot for 440V, and somewhat collectible to Spyderco collectors.
 
Totally worthless, but I'd give you 50 bucks for it out of the kindness of my heart. :devilish:
 
Thanks for the info :).

Sorry tiguy7, I'm not looking to trade it for a different Military, like I said, I'm just not into this style of knife.

And thanks for the generous offer shunsui, truly you have a kind heart ;).
 
I believe I read that 440V had issues with chipping and its use was by Spyderco was cut short due to heat treat woes. Can anyone confirm or clear this up?
 
I have read 440v needs to be left soft, 56ish. If pushed higher it will tend to chip. It will still have very good wear resistance but can have a tendency to roll at the edge depending on what is being cut.
 
The heat treat was tweaked by spyderco from the steels initial release. Some love it, it's carbides are plentiful and it cuts a long time. The steel is very tough, also hard on knife making equipment. It was quickly supplanted by s30v, and went out of production. Tony Bose bought the last remaining stock.
 
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