Questions about CPM-154

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SmallBlock327

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Aug 10, 2013
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Long time no see everybody! Im fixing to purchase a knife with CPM-154 blade and need some input about the steel. I've had blades with 154CM and they were good blades but is their a great difference between the two?
 
Comparing a benchmade grip 154CM to say a Jarrett Fleming Talus in CMP-154 or a big Chris customs hunter in CMP-154 I would say I've found a huge difference.

I know that's not quite a fair comparison but I've found I really like CMP-154. I'd put it up there with most great EDC steels. I couldn't get 154cm sharp, CMP-154 is easier to sharpen and takes a much sharper edge. Just in my isolated experience.
 
the CPM stands for Crucible Particle Metallurgy - it's a powder steel, spray formed, which makes for a more uniform grain structure. That uniform grain structure allows for a keener edge and arguably better toughness. It's an upgrade from 154CM without a doubt.
 
The best thread ever!!!! (This steel does not get enough love)

CPM-154 is the steel I use the most, and love....

Here is why:

It's takes a great edge with a minimal amount of work.

This is the working mans SS steel. It's what I thought S30 was, but it's really CPM 154....

It's average in all area's, which to me equals the best all-around EDC stainless out there.

It holds a great edge, but not forever, it's tough enough for even going slightly beyond "normal" EDC use.

It does not tend to micro-chip, I have personally NEVER had this issue, and I have used it very hard in anything from productions to customs.

It's the perfect all-around SS blade steel, and the only one I can really find nothing negative to say about.
 
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I'm with JR and Scurvy on this one.....the Best all around stainless steel
 
I have ZERO love for 154cm...have been unhappy with it.
However, CPM-154 is an excellent steel and I've owned various knives with that steel.
 
Yes, it is an upgrade from 154-cm. It takes a good edge and is easier to sharpen. I'd say there is some strength differences as well with the steel. I hope you like it. DM
 
SmallBlock327 said:
Excellent! Thank you all for the information on CPM-154. I will give it a try.
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Excellent choice. Please let us know if the majority of the opinions on CPM-154 where correct.

While everyone's perception of what makes a "great" steel varies, I have a feeling you will be very happpy.
 
154CM and CPM154 are the same composition. If you experience radically different performance between the two steels, heat treating is the reason.

The reason CPM154 is used by so many custom knifemakers is because is takes a very nice hand rubbed finish.

If you want edge holding there as many better steels. In CATRA testing, CPM154 was beat by 440C, D2 and N690.

Chuck
 
Alpha Knife Supply said:
154CM and CPM154 are the same composition. If you experience radically different performance between the two steels, heat treating is the reason.

The reason CPM154 is used by so many custom knifemakers is because is takes a very nice hand rubbed finish.
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^THIS. I doubt most people could tell the difference between the two if they're HT'ed the same and both have a tumbled or machine satin finish.

For a big manufacturer, there's not much reason to spend more for a version that's not going to perform much better. They almost always run it well below its optimum hardness anyway so it's easier to grind, so what's the point of using cleaner looking steel if you're not getting the most out of it in the first place and you're going to either stonewash it or cover it up?

For a smaller shop or independent maker, there's really no reason not to pay a little more for the CPM version, in case you do want to hand-rub it or polish it until it practically glows. And when you're willing to run it at 60 or 62Rc with a full cryo treatment, the finer grain and somewhat greater toughness does pay off, performance-wise. :thumbup:
 
I have not had good experience with blades in 154 cm...too soft to hold an edge.
I do, however, have a "new" Strider SMF/DGG in CPM 154 which I suspect is a great blade. I believe that Strider ht will run higher and hold a decent edge.
 
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