CPM 3V steel
CPM 3V is a powder metallurgy tool steel from Crucible. It rates 5/10 for edge retention, 9/10 for toughness and 3/10 for corrosion resistance, and is usually hardened to 58–62 HRC.
At a glance
- Type
- Powder metallurgy tool steels
- Hardness
- 58–62 HRC
- Maker
- Crucible (USA)
- Process
- PM
- Price tier
- Premium
- Used by
- Bark River, Carothers Performance Knives, Cold Steel (3V line), Survive! Knives, Spyderco (Enuff 2, sprints), Fehrman, Lionsteel
- Also called
- 3V, CPM-3V
Composition
| Element | Weight % |
|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | 0.8 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 7.5 |
| Vanadium (V) | 2.75 |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 1.3 |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.4 |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.9 |
| Phosphorus (P) | 0.03 |
| Sulfur (S) | 0.03 |
Source: manufacturer datasheet. Nominal values; where a range is published, the midpoint is shown. Phosphorus and sulfur, where listed, are maximums.
What makes CPM 3V behave the way it does
CPM 3V contains 0.8% carbon, enough to reach typical knife hardness; 7.5% chromium, too little for stainless behaviour.
Its 2.75% 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 (1.3%) improves hardenability.
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.
The benchmark hard-use fixed-blade steel; toughness close to 5160 at 60 HRC.
Knives in CPM 3V
| Knife | Brand | Blade | Weight | Lock | List price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cold Steel 3V Master Hunter | Cold Steel | 4.5" | 6.4 oz | — | $209.99 | Blade HQ |
| Cold Steel Recon Scout CPM 3V | Cold Steel | 7.5" | 9.5 oz | — | $499.99 | Blade HQ |
| Cold Steel Finn Hawk II | Cold Steel | 4" | 5.6 oz | — | $279.99 | Blade HQ |
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How to sharpen CPM 3V
CPM 3V is moderately easy to sharpen (6/10). Water stones and ceramics work; diamond plates speed up reprofiling or repairing a damaged edge.
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FAQ
Is CPM 3V a good knife steel?
CPM 3V is strongest in toughness (9/10) and weakest in corrosion resistance (3/10). Its average across the four ratings is 5.8/10, and it sits in the premium price tier.
Does CPM 3V rust?
Yes, if neglected. CPM 3V rates only 3/10; keep it dry and lightly oiled, especially in humid weather.
Is CPM 3V hard to sharpen?
CPM 3V is moderately easy to sharpen (6/10). Water stones and ceramics work; diamond plates speed up reprofiling or repairing a damaged edge.
What hardness is CPM 3V?
Knives in CPM 3V are usually hardened to 58–62 HRC. Makers can run it outside that range; harder means better edge retention but lower toughness.