S30V vs CPM3V (specific question, not just one vs the other....)

joeyza

joeyza

Joined
Feb 27, 2013
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Was just wondering does CPM S30V have any advantages over 3V?
Am asking this because I noticed that you can buy strider smf's in S30V or 3V for the same price, and I know 3V is way tougher so there must be something that S30V has over 3V for them to still go at the same price? Any ideas??
 
For one, S30V is way easier to sharpen. For another, and I believe this to be the case, S30V corrodes much less.
 
S30V is a stainless steel, in production blades at least S30V has just slightly better edge retention (D2 levels)
 
S30V:stainless,higher wear resistance.
3V:much higher toughness,non stainless.

Both are similar in edge holding at the same hardness. The trade of would be toughness or stainless. My opinion for a folder, S30v is plenty tough enough. So for a folder S30v and for a fixed blade 3V hands down.
 
I am basing my response on my Bark River Knives Bravo 1 experience and info I read and found on them when buying them awhile back.

S30V is a true stainless. Its easy to sharpen, holds a great edge, but again, it is a stainless steel, so is very corrosion resistant as I have extensive experience with it.

CPM3V is more on the lines of a tool steel like A2/D2. It is super tough and holds a great edge, but since it is not a true stainless, is more prone to rust.
 
gine said:
S30V:stainless,higher wear resistance.
3V:much higher toughness,non stainless.

Both are similar in edge holding at the same hardness. The trade of would be toughness or stainless. My opinion for a folder, S30v is plenty tough enough. So for a folder S30v and for a fixed blade 3V hands down.
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yea that makes sense, S30V should definitely be enough for any folder..still lookin to get my first fixed blade in 3v just dont know which one!
 
joeyza said:
yea that makes sense, S30V should definitely be enough for any folder..still lookin to get my first fixed blade in 3v just dont know which one!
Click to expand...

Fehrman makes some of the best 3V fixed blades available right now.
 
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