20CV vs S35VN
20CV holds an edge longer and resists corrosion better; S35VN is tougher and is easier to sharpen. Choose 20CV for edge retention, S35VN for easy sharpening.
Who wins each property
Side by side
| 20CV | S35VN | |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 5/10 |
| Corrosion resistance | 9/10 | 7/10 |
| Ease of sharpening | 3/10 | 5/10 |
| Price tier | Premium | Mid-range |
| Maker | Crucible | Crucible |
Composition
| Element | 20CV | S35VN |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | 1.9 | 1.4 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 20 | 14 |
| Vanadium (V) | 4 | 3 |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 1 | 2 |
| Tungsten (W) | 0.6 | — |
| Niobium (Nb) | — | 0.5 |
| 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 S35VN, a 2-point gap. Vanadium: 4% vs 3%; more vanadium carbide generally means more wear resistance.
Toughness
S35VN is tougher: 5/10 against 4/10 for 20CV, a 1-point gap. 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 S35VN, a 2-point gap. Chromium: 20% vs 14%, though what matters is the chromium left in solution, not the total.
Ease of sharpening
S35VN is easier to sharpen: 5/10 against 3/10 for 20CV, a 2-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 |
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 |
Shop 20CV knives Shop S35VN knives
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FAQ
Which is better, 20CV or S35VN?
20CV holds an edge longer and resists corrosion better; S35VN is tougher and is easier to sharpen. Choose 20CV for edge retention, S35VN for easy sharpening.
Which is harder, 20CV or S35VN?
20CV is typically run at 59–62 HRC and S35VN at 58–61 HRC.
Is 20CV or S35VN more rust resistant?
20CV (9/10). Both are powder metallurgy stainless steels.