CTS-XHP vs S30V
CTS-XHP is easier to sharpen, and the two tie on edge retention, toughness and corrosion resistance. S30V is the cheaper steel (mid-range vs premium price tier).
Who wins each property
Side by side
| CTS-XHP | S30V | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Powder metallurgy stainless steels | Powder metallurgy stainless steels |
| Hardness | 60–63 HRC | 58–61 HRC |
| Edge retention | 6/10 | 6/10 |
| Toughness | 4/10 | 4/10 |
| Corrosion resistance | 7/10 | 7/10 |
| Ease of sharpening | 5/10 | 4/10 |
| Price tier | Premium | Mid-range |
| Maker | Carpenter Technology | Crucible |
Composition
| Element | CTS-XHP | S30V |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | 1.6 | 1.45 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 16 | 14 |
| Vanadium (V) | 0.45 | 4 |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 0.8 | 2 |
| Nickel (Ni) | 0.35 | — |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.5 | 0.5 |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.4 | 0.5 |
| Phosphorus (P) | 0.03 | 0.03 |
| Sulfur (S) | 0.03 | 0.03 |
Property by property
Edge retention
Both rate 6/10 for edge retention. Vanadium: 0.45% vs 4%; more vanadium carbide generally means more wear resistance.
Toughness
Both rate 4/10 for toughness. Typical hardness: 60–63 vs 58–61 HRC; harder blades trade toughness for edge holding.
Corrosion resistance
Both rate 7/10 for corrosion resistance. Chromium: 16% vs 14%, though what matters is the chromium left in solution, not the total.
Ease of sharpening
CTS-XHP is easier to sharpen: 5/10 against 4/10 for S30V, a 1-point gap.
Knives in each steel
CTS-XHP
| Knife | Brand | Blade | Weight | Lock | List price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spyderco Techno 2 | Spyderco | 2.56" | 3.5 oz | Reeve Integral Lock | $400 | Blade HQ |
| Spyderco Chaparral Lightweight | Spyderco | 2.8" | 2.1 oz | Back lock | $175 | 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, CTS-XHP or S30V?
CTS-XHP is easier to sharpen, and the two tie on edge retention, toughness and corrosion resistance. S30V is the cheaper steel (mid-range vs premium price tier).
Which is harder, CTS-XHP or S30V?
CTS-XHP is typically run at 60–63 HRC and S30V at 58–61 HRC.
Is CTS-XHP or S30V more rust resistant?
Neither: both rate 7/10. Both are powder metallurgy stainless steels.