20CV vs S30V
20CV holds an edge longer and resists corrosion better; S30V is easier to sharpen. Choose 20CV for edge retention, S30V for easy sharpening.
Who wins each property
Side by side
| 20CV | S30V | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Powder metallurgy stainless steels | Powder metallurgy stainless steels |
| Hardness | 59–62 HRC | 58–61 HRC |
| Edge retention | 8/10 | 6/10 |
| Toughness | 4/10 | 4/10 |
| Corrosion resistance | 9/10 | 7/10 |
| Ease of sharpening | 3/10 | 4/10 |
| Price tier | Premium | Mid-range |
| Maker | Crucible | Crucible |
Composition
| Element | 20CV | S30V |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | 1.9 | 1.45 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 20 | 14 |
| Vanadium (V) | 4 | 4 |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 1 | 2 |
| Tungsten (W) | 0.6 | — |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.3 | 0.5 |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.3 | 0.5 |
| Phosphorus (P) | — | 0.03 |
| Sulfur (S) | — | 0.03 |
Property by property
Edge retention
20CV holds an edge longer: 8/10 against 6/10 for S30V, a 2-point gap.
Toughness
Both rate 4/10 for toughness. Typical hardness: 59–62 vs 58–61 HRC; harder blades trade toughness for edge holding.
Corrosion resistance
20CV resists corrosion better: 9/10 against 7/10 for S30V, a 2-point gap. Chromium: 20% vs 14%, though what matters is the chromium left in solution, not the total.
Ease of sharpening
S30V is easier to sharpen: 4/10 against 3/10 for 20CV, a 1-point gap.
Knives in each steel
20CV
| Knife | Brand | Blade | Weight | Lock | List price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WE Knife Elementum Titanium | WE Knife | 2.96" | 3.31 oz | Titanium frame lock | $207 | Blade HQ |
| Demko AD20.5 20CV Clip Point | Demko | 3.125" | 3.7 oz | Shark Lock | $265 | Blade HQ |
| Fällkniven G1z Garm Fighter | Fällkniven | 3.58" | 3.2 oz | — | — | Blade HQ |
S30V
| Knife | Brand | Blade | Weight | Lock | List price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Benchmade Bugout 535 | Benchmade | 3.24" | 1.85 oz | AXIS lock | $200 | Blade HQ |
| Benchmade 940 Osborne | Benchmade | 3.4" | 2.9 oz | AXIS lock | $300 | Blade HQ |
| Benchmade Griptilian 551-S30V | Benchmade | 3.45" | 3.88 oz | AXIS lock | $175 | Blade HQ |
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FAQ
Which is better, 20CV or S30V?
20CV holds an edge longer and resists corrosion better; S30V is easier to sharpen. Choose 20CV for edge retention, S30V for easy sharpening.
Which is harder, 20CV or S30V?
20CV is typically run at 59–62 HRC and S30V at 58–61 HRC.
Is 20CV or S30V more rust resistant?
20CV (9/10). Both are powder metallurgy stainless steels.