154CM vs S35VN
154CM is easier to sharpen; S35VN holds an edge longer, is tougher and resists corrosion better. Choose 154CM for easy sharpening, S35VN for edge retention.
Who wins each property
Side by side
| 154CM | S35VN | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Stainless steels | Powder metallurgy stainless steels |
| Hardness | 58–61 HRC | 58–61 HRC |
| Edge retention | 5/10 | 6/10 |
| Toughness | 4/10 | 5/10 |
| Corrosion resistance | 6/10 | 7/10 |
| Ease of sharpening | 6/10 | 5/10 |
| Price tier | Mid-range | Mid-range |
| Maker | Crucible / Latrobe | Crucible |
Composition
| Element | 154CM | S35VN |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | 1.05 | 1.4 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 14 | 14 |
| Vanadium (V) | — | 3 |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 4 | 2 |
| Niobium (Nb) | — | 0.5 |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.5 | 0.5 |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.3 | 0.5 |
| Phosphorus (P) | 0.03 | 0.03 |
| Sulfur (S) | 0.03 | 0.03 |
Property by property
Edge retention
S35VN holds an edge longer: 6/10 against 5/10 for 154CM, a 1-point gap. Vanadium: 0% vs 3%; more vanadium carbide generally means more wear resistance.
Toughness
S35VN is tougher: 5/10 against 4/10 for 154CM, a 1-point gap.
Corrosion resistance
S35VN resists corrosion better: 7/10 against 6/10 for 154CM, a 1-point gap.
Ease of sharpening
154CM is easier to sharpen: 6/10 against 5/10 for S35VN, a 1-point gap.
Knives in each steel
154CM
| Knife | Brand | Blade | Weight | Lock | List price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Benchmade Barrage | Benchmade | 3.6" | 4.31 oz | AXIS lock | $250 | Blade HQ |
| Benchmade Mini Barrage | Benchmade | 2.91" | 3.4 oz | AXIS lock | $225 | Blade HQ |
| Pro-Tech Godfather 951 Tuxedo | Pro-Tech | 4" | 3.6 oz | Button lock | $330 | Blade HQ |
S35VN
| Knife | Brand | Blade | Weight | Lock | List price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zero Tolerance 0450CF | Zero Tolerance | 3.25" | 2.45 oz | Titanium frame lock | $295 | Blade HQ |
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FAQ
Which is better, 154CM or S35VN?
154CM is easier to sharpen; S35VN holds an edge longer, is tougher and resists corrosion better. Choose 154CM for easy sharpening, S35VN for edge retention.
Which is harder, 154CM or S35VN?
154CM is typically run at 58–61 HRC and S35VN at 58–61 HRC.
Is 154CM or S35VN more rust resistant?
S35VN (7/10). 154CM is a conventional stainless steel; S35VN is a powder metallurgy stainless steel.