steel for idiots

Garrett19

Garrett19

Joined
Jul 20, 2003
Messages
71
Admittedly, I havent done a detailed search on the subject, but what is the difference between S30V and 440V steel? Would a non technical user understand the difference? I have the S30V Military, and I am looking at a Gunting right now, but you cant get the S30V in plain edge like I want, or at least I havent found it yet. I am really wanting to get a Gunting I am just wondering if I would notice any real difference in the metals.

Any info or links to other threads are much appreciated,

Garrett
 
Big difference!

S30V is a more user friendly steel, much tougher, easier to sharpen and takes a better edge.

S60V AKA 440V has better wear resistance and better rust resistance (IMHO)


Which is the better steel? What are most companies renound for good knives tooling up for...Spyderco, Strider, Chris Reeve... Need I say any more? :p
 
Crucible powder steels S30,S60,S90, and S120 are how this series is currently known. S60 was called 440V previously. S90 was called 420V. The numeric in the name refers to the Vanadium content. S30 is about 3%, S60 is about 5.5%, etc. S30V targets cutlery use and has a lower austenizing temp than the other Sseries steels. It is still expensive to use in the production of cutlery. It requires ceramic abrasives to grind and is resistant to stamping. S30V has a good balance of alloy mix to yield tough edge retaining performance.
 
General, I have seen that most of the major manufacturers are going to S30V, but I would prefer to have a PE Gunting for ease of sharpening and all... Would a normal end user notice an extreme difference in the two metals?

Ed,

thank you for the indepth explaination, I hpe you dont mind me quoting you in the future, the next time someone spies my Millie and asks what S30V stands for!!

Garrett
 
Define a normal user! :)

S30V is the easier steel to live with and sharpen. I greatly prefer it over CPM 440V, which had issues over toughness in some instances. Though in fairness the Gunting design is very very well thought out and strong. No weak tips on that knife!

The only thing I think you *may* notice is that S30V is quite easy to sharpen against CPM 440V, which can be a nightmare if you are a novice.

Well thats my experience, YMMV :D
 
I've had my military since late august 02. combo edge s60v. Tough durable steel, takes a nice edge and holds that under daily use for about 3 weeks for me.

Just got my BM921s 2 weeks ago, combo edge s30v. Been doing 4-5 strokes on my strop at night to keep it popping hair.
 
I think the only thing an average user would notice is that 440V is harder to sharpen. I have 3 knives in 440V and 2 in S30V and prefer S30V. S30V is easier to sharpen and seems to take a finer edge with less work. Edge holding seems a little better than 440V also. 440V is still a good steel, but S30V is a little better.
 
Ed Schempp said:
S30V.....is resistant to stamping.
Click to expand...

Aha, so that's why they are laser engraved and not stamped like VG-10 knives.

Thanks for that.
Ted
 
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