Steel CPM S30V

CPM S30V Steel

This steel is among the top in the world production and is most commonly used for knife blades and cutting tools. The steel was designed and manufactured by Chris Reeve, a world-renowned knife maker. It is no surprise that this steel is primarily found on high-end knives intended for outdoor use, as well as for gardening and kitchen purposes. 

Chemical Composition 

• 1.45% carbon: increases hardness and wear and corrosion resistance
• 14% chromium: for tensile strength and edge retention, increases resistance to corrosion and wear 
• 2% molybdenum: increases machinability and strength 
• 0.2% nitrogen: improves strength and edge retention 
• 0.5 manganese: increases hardness 
• 0.5 silicon: increases strength 
• 0.03 phosphorus: increases strength 
• 0.03 sulfur: increases machinability 
• 4% vanadium: improves wear resistance and hardenability 
• 0.4 tungsten: improves hardness and wear resistance 
   

The hardness reaches a respectable 58 - 61 HRC on the Rockwell scale.

CPM S30V steel is one of the best in terms of wear resistance due to the content of vanadium and chromium.

Useful Properties 

• resistant to corrosion  
• decent toughness 
• wear-resistant 
• excellent edge retention 
• resistant to chipping 
• high hardness 

The knife made of this steel has one disadvantage. Due to its high hardness, the steel is more difficult to sharpen. On the other hand, it holds its edge excellently, so you won't need a sharpener too often. Products made from this steel are considered premium, which can naturally reflect in the price. In any case, you are buying quality that is worth it.