CPM 20CV steel
CPM 20CV is a powder metallurgy stainless steel from Crucible. It rates 8/10 for edge retention, 4/10 for toughness and 9/10 for corrosion resistance, and is usually hardened to 59–62 HRC.
At a glance
- Type
- Powder metallurgy stainless steels
- Hardness
- 59–62 HRC
- Maker
- Crucible (USA)
- Process
- PM
- Price tier
- Premium
- Used by
- Benchmade (Bugout, 940), Hinderer, Zero Tolerance, Spyderco, Hogue, Pro-Tech
- Also called
- 20CV, CPM-20CV
Composition
| Element | Weight % |
|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | 1.9 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 20 |
| Vanadium (V) | 4 |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 1 |
| Tungsten (W) | 0.6 |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.3 |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.3 |
Source: manufacturer datasheet. Nominal values; where a range is published, the midpoint is shown. Phosphorus and sulfur, where listed, are maximums.
What makes 20CV behave the way it does
CPM 20CV contains 1.9% carbon, a high level that supports high hardness and a large volume of hard carbides; 20% chromium for corrosion resistance.
Its 4% vanadium forms vanadium carbides, among the hardest carbides in knife steels, which drive wear resistance and slow edge loss but also make the steel slower to sharpen; molybdenum (1%) improves hardenability and pitting resistance.
It is made by powder metallurgy: the alloy is atomised into fine powder and consolidated, which keeps the carbides small and evenly spread. That is what lets a highly alloyed steel stay tough enough for a knife blade.
US-made M390 equivalent.
Equivalent and similar steels
- M390 class (same nominal composition from different mills): M390, CPM 20CV, CTS-204P
Knives in 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 |
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How to sharpen 20CV
20CV is slow to sharpen (3/10). Its vanadium carbides are harder than the aluminium oxide in conventional stones, so diamond or CBN plates cut it far more efficiently. Once sharp, it needs touch-ups less often.
Compare 20CV with
FAQ
Is 20CV a good knife steel?
20CV is strongest in corrosion resistance (9/10) and weakest in ease of sharpening (3/10). Its average across the four ratings is 6.0/10, and it sits in the premium price tier.
Does 20CV rust?
Very little. 20CV rates 9/10 for corrosion resistance, among the best of any knife steel, and suits salt water and humid climates.
Is 20CV hard to sharpen?
20CV is slow to sharpen (3/10). Its vanadium carbides are harder than the aluminium oxide in conventional stones, so diamond or CBN plates cut it far more efficiently. Once sharp, it needs touch-ups less often.
What hardness is 20CV?
Knives in 20CV are usually hardened to 59–62 HRC. Makers can run it outside that range; harder means better edge retention but lower toughness.