Thoughts on CPM-154 in a folder?

BePrepared

BePrepared

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Aug 26, 2010
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How do you feel about its performance as compares to other premium steels (CPM-D2, CPM-M4, etc)

What commonly used "supersteels" do you think out perform it in edge retention, durability, and "toughness"?

assume excellent HT for all steels
 
I personally haven't used it in a folder, but this guy is very knowledgeable.
Just one opinion.
 
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Haha. I'll be paying attention to this thread toom I'd like to know how CPM 154 compares to Spyderco's 154.
 
According to Crucible steel, edge holding of CPM 154 be about the same as for 154cm, but the powder steel should be much tougher. I'expect better edge stability with CPM154.
 
Love it. Like D2 but more corrosion resistant. Least that's my experience. Have many knives using that steel
 
arty said:
According to Crucible steel, edge holding of CPM 154 be about the same as for 154cm, but the powder steel should be much tougher. I'expect better edge stability with CPM154.
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Crucible doesn't have stats for "edge holding." They have the stats for the facets that make up edge retention, but no actual 'edge holding' data.

The data they publish can't really sum up the edge retention of a given steel when it comes to knife blades. It can give you a general outline of how it may perform, but it won't actually tell you how it will fare in terms of overall edge retention. CPM-154 surpasses S30V in edge holding, but you wouldn't know it by looking at the data sheet.
 
Actually, you might assume that from the stat sheets as they say that CPM 154 has slightly better abrasion resistance than S30V or S35VN albeit with less absolute impact resistance. ;) all kidding aside, i have heard some say that the inherent abrasion resistance of CPM 154 may be further enhanced a tad by the fact that folk seem to feel comfortable leaving a fair bit harder than some other steels. I hear Jim Ankerson saying that it works great at hardnesses as high as 62 If the heat treater knows what they are doing. I have also heard from folks on the other side of the pond that you can go even harder that that with steels like CPM 154, RWL 34 or even good old ATS-34 and 154 CM on things like kitchen knives IF you are willing to get really anal retentive on the HT process with stuff like 3 stage preheat/austenizing, oil quench and multiple cryo and temper steps..
CrimsonTideShooter said:
Crucible doesn't have stats for "edge holding." They have the stats for the facets that make up edge retention, but no actual 'edge holding' data.

The data they publish can't really sum up the edge retention of a given steel when it comes to knife blades. It can give you a general outline of how it may perform, but it won't actually tell you how it will fare in terms of overall edge retention. CPM-154 surpasses S30V in edge holding, but you wouldn't know it by looking at the data sheet.
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so far, everyone seems to be saying good things... i have a custom folder in CPM-154 coming (hopefully by my Birthday) so i wanted to know what everyone thought.

William Zermeno is making me something pretty :)
 
jdm61 said:
Actually, you might assume that from the stat sheets as they say that CPM 154 has slightly better abrasion resistance than S30V or S35VN albeit with less absolute impact resistance. ;) all kidding aside, i have heard some say that the inherent abrasion resistance of CPM 154 may be further enhanced a tad by the fact that folk seem to feel comfortable leaving a fair bit harder than some other steels. I hear Jim Ankerson saying that it works great at hardnesses as high as 62 If the heat treater knows what they are doing. I have also heard from folks on the other side of the pond that you can go even harder that that with steels like CPM 154, RWL 34 or even good old ATS-34 and 154 CM on things like kitchen knives IF you are willing to get really anal retentive on the HT process with stuff like 3 stage preheat/austenizing, oil quench and multiple cryo and temper steps..
Click to expand...

Yes, CPM 154 is a great steel, just sold my only knife in CPM 154, but I will be getting another soon I think. :)
 
I have been thinking about buying a CPM 154 Strider SMF lately. I think this thread sealed it for me.
 
Brandonsc said:
I have been thinking about buying a CPM 154 Strider SMF lately. I think this thread sealed it for me.
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Makes me happy that my unending series of questions occasionally results in something positive.

I'm way too inquisitive, so the questions never end. Sometimes i worry that it's going to annoy folks, but if every once in a while, someone hears something they needed, it's worth it :)
 
jdm61 said:
Actually, you might assume that from the stat sheets as they say that CPM 154 has slightly better abrasion resistance than S30V or S35VN albeit with less absolute impact resistance.
Click to expand...
I think you misread the graphs, CPM154 has the same wear resistance as 154CM, but increased toughness. S30V has more wear resistance (higher carbon and ample vanadium) and the impact ratings are depicted as nearly equal or slightly in favor of CPM154.

IIRC, S30V is something like 20% more wear resistant, so it would take maybe a couple points difference in hardness for CPM154 to catch up. But that is often seen anyway with S30V at 58-60 and CPM154 in customs 61+.

But CPM154 is a good steel, I like the way it sharpens up and still have a custom chef's knife in the steel.
 
It is amazing what the google and search function can find if used:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/604223-cpm-154-a-super-steel

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/389030-Cpm-154

[video=youtube;D4A2JzRe-jc]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D4A2JzRe-jc[/video]

and CPM-154 equivalent from the other side of the pond RWL-34:

[video=youtube;6qVKTpBjX0E]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6qVKTpBjX0E[/video]

[video=youtube;qgOLDW15y8M]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qgOLDW15y8M[/video]
 
[video=youtube;07PP9EQQCcA]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07PP9EQQCcA[/video]

CPM-154 and RWP-34 are in my opinion some of the best all around steel available on the market today. It offers a balance between performance and workability for the maker without breaking the bank. It can take a very high polished edge as well as a toothy edge depending on the users demands and hold that edge for a considerable amount of time.

Here is RWL-34 datasheet:

http://damasteel.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Datasheet-RWL-34-2012_06.pdf

Note the amount of vanadium is in the .2% region that, according to a few metallurgists, is the optimum amount for a carbide growth boundary.
 
I've used 154CM, CPM154, CPM S35VN , S30V as EDC. Going from 154CM to the powder version is significant and S35VN a better .It's better than S30V as far as sharpening .So S35VN is the winner !!
 
I have a Cold Steel Black Rhino with a custom-made blade by Andrew Demko in CPM-154. Its performance is excellent but hard to compare to anything because it's uniquely shaped. My opinion is purely anecdotal, but it seems to hold a razor edge longer than an S30V Strider SMF, which is the closest I have I can compare it to. It's no harder to touch up than other high-end steels. And it may be just the finish but the blade seems to actually have some color to it! :) A very faint goldish-like teint.
Or maybe Andrew made it out of Mithril, just to surprise me. ;)
 
Thanks for those, Marthinus. So do you think RWL-34 to be preferable to M-390? Or would it depend on the grind and application? I've got a choice to make between the two.

DJK
 
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