CTS-XHP steel
CTS-XHP is a powder metallurgy stainless steel from Carpenter Technology. It rates 6/10 for edge retention, 4/10 for toughness and 7/10 for corrosion resistance, and is usually hardened to 60–63 HRC.
At a glance
- Type
- Powder metallurgy stainless steels
- Hardness
- 60–63 HRC
- Maker
- Carpenter Technology (USA)
- Process
- PM
- Price tier
- Premium
- Used by
- Cold Steel (2012-2016), Spyderco (Techno, Slysz Bowie), Zero Tolerance (select)
- Also called
- XHP, Carpenter CTS XHP
Composition
| Element | Weight % |
|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | 1.6 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 16 |
| Vanadium (V) | 0.45 |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 0.8 |
| Nickel (Ni) | 0.35 |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.5 |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.4 |
| 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 CTS-XHP behave the way it does
CTS-XHP contains 1.6% carbon, a high level that supports high hardness and a large volume of hard carbides; 16% chromium for corrosion resistance.
A small vanadium addition (0.45%) mainly refines grain size; molybdenum (0.8%) 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.
Described as 'stainless D2'; behaves like PM 440C at higher hardness.
Equivalent and similar steels
- XHP class (similar class; compositions differ): CTS-XHP, 440XH
Knives in 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 |
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Shop CTS-XHP knives at Blade HQ
How to sharpen CTS-XHP
CTS-XHP is moderately easy to sharpen (5/10). Water stones and ceramics work; diamond plates speed up reprofiling or repairing a damaged edge.
Compare CTS-XHP with
FAQ
Is CTS-XHP a good knife steel?
CTS-XHP is strongest in corrosion resistance (7/10) and weakest in toughness (4/10). Its average across the four ratings is 5.5/10, and it sits in the premium price tier.
Does CTS-XHP rust?
Not in normal use. CTS-XHP rates 7/10 for corrosion resistance; wipe it dry after contact with salt or acidic food.
Is CTS-XHP hard to sharpen?
CTS-XHP is moderately easy to sharpen (5/10). Water stones and ceramics work; diamond plates speed up reprofiling or repairing a damaged edge.
What hardness is CTS-XHP?
Knives in CTS-XHP are usually hardened to 60–63 HRC. Makers can run it outside that range; harder means better edge retention but lower toughness.