S30v or CPM154 (I chose 154 and here are pics)

From my experience using blades - 154cm. Mirror finish will turn into natural scratches finish over time and that not looks bad too.
 
Definitely CPM 154 for me--I love the way it sharpens up and polishes. It also holds an edge and cuts extremely well. Right in line with the Loveless philosophy, IMHO. (I have the BRKT Loveless Drop Point in 154CM, and it's fantastic.)

DJK
 
Please remember, for those that don't know:

There is a difference between 154CM and CPM-154.

The latter is what we are discussing here and it is made through the powdered/particle metallurgical process.
 
I much prefer 154, in fact the last custom I ordered had this steel. It is easy to sharpen and will hold an edge for a long time. You can't really go wrong with either, I have knives in both and their performance is on par.
 
marthinus said:
Please remember, for those that don't know:

There is a difference between 154CM and CPM-154.

The latter is what we are discussing here and it is made through the powdered/particle metallurgical process.
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Yep--that's why I put the last bit in parentheses. I have two customs in CPM-154 (Three Sisters Forge and KR Johnson), and I much prefer it over S30V, as it is easier to sharpen and takes a great polished edge. But 154CM is quite similar, isn't it? Do you think you would notice a difference between them if no one told you?

DJK
 
I bet Dozier's D2 will out cut and hold an edge longer than both. When I was skinning my bear, Dozier's D2 knife was the only one that would cut the hide. A2 and S30V would not without alot of sawing with the blade. The A2 and the S30V were very sharp. His D2 steel knives made a beleiver out of me.
 
If the blade is going for heavy use then I don't think you want the mirror polished finish. I will pick s30v over the cpm154, my use tells me the s30v is tougher steel...ymmv!
 
expwmbat said:
Yep--that's why I put the last bit in parentheses. I have two customs in CPM-154 (Three Sisters Forge and KR Johnson), and I much prefer it over S30V, as it is easier to sharpen and takes a great polished edge. But 154CM is quite similar, isn't it? Do you think you would notice a difference between them if no one told you?

DJK
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My comment was not directed at you, but more for those that are new and might confuse the two.

As for telling a difference. I have never experienced 154CM at full hardness so can't comment.

However, I think if a person was to sharpen at very low angles the CPM-154 would pull ahead of the ingot 154 CM from my understanding of metallurgy.
 
As a maker I can tell you this,if you go with the s30v you better know how to sharpen a knife.The s30v may hold the edge a little longer but if you let it get very dull you will wish you had not. The 154cpm is a great all around steel and will be just fine with a matte finish.
 
Razor said:
I bet Dozier's D2 will out cut and hold an edge longer than both. When I was skinning my bear, Dozier's D2 knife was the only one that would cut the hide. A2 and S30V would not without alot of sawing with the blade. The A2 and the S30V were very sharp. His D2 steel knives made a beleiver out of me.
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It won't out cut S30V or CPM 154. ;)

Dozier's blades perform due to blade geometry and he puts an extremely coarse, read aggressive edge on them.

D2 is still D2 no matter what and who made the knife though, even things up as in like knives with like edge finishes etc and it puts things right back into perspective.

The reason I know this is because I have done the testing myself, even Dozier's don't make the difference so perception can be a powerful thing.

One can't get around the alloy content, even with the best HT available once all of the other variables are evened out so it's an apples to apples comparison reality and the truth come forward.
 
I would pick CPM 154 if only because it's less common than s30v and it's known to be a great all around steel. I like s30v but I think it's the steel I have the most of after 1095. You can't go wrong with either choice.
 
I have chosen CPM 154 with a satin finish and micarta scales. I will post a picture when it arrives... sounds like April. Thanks for the input.
 
Elkhunt58 said:
I am going to spring for a Loveless style hunter (for actual hunting use) and the maker I like will do either S30V or CPM154 for the same price. The only difference is he puts a mirror polish on the 154 and a matte finish on the S30. I own a few blades with both, I don't have a strong opinion either way. Do any of you? What would you choose?
Thanks
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If we're talking edge retention I doubt anyone can reliably tell a real difference without carefully controlled testing. In actual use they're both good steels with similar performance. I'd personally be tempted to get whichever one is cheaper. If there's not much difference there I'd get the S30V, mostly because I'm not a big fan of a mirror finish most of the time.
 
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