CPM S30V steel
CPM S30V is a powder metallurgy stainless steel from Crucible. It rates 6/10 for edge retention, 4/10 for toughness and 7/10 for corrosion resistance, and is usually hardened to 58–61 HRC.
At a glance
- Type
- Powder metallurgy stainless steels
- Hardness
- 58–61 HRC
- Maker
- Crucible (USA)
- Process
- PM
- Price tier
- Mid-range
- Used by
- Spyderco (Paramilitary 2), Benchmade, Buck, Chris Reeve (pre-2009), Kershaw, Zero Tolerance
- Also called
- S30V, CPM-S30V
Composition
| Element | Weight % |
|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | 1.45 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 14 |
| Vanadium (V) | 4 |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 2 |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.5 |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.5 |
| 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 S30V behave the way it does
CPM S30V contains 1.45% carbon, a high level that supports high hardness and a large volume of hard carbides; 14% 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 (2%) 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.
First steel designed specifically for knives (2001, Crucible + Chris Reeve).
Knives in 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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How to sharpen S30V
S30V is slow to sharpen (4/10). 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 S30V with
- MagnaCut vs S30V
- S30V vs S90V
- S30V vs S35VN
- D2 vs S30V
- S30V vs S45VN
- M390 vs S30V
- 154CM vs S30V
- 20CV vs S30V
- CruWear vs S30V
- S30V vs VG-10
- CTS-XHP vs S30V
FAQ
Is S30V a good knife steel?
S30V is strongest in corrosion resistance (7/10) and weakest in ease of sharpening (4/10). Its average across the four ratings is 5.2/10, and it sits in the mid-range price tier.
Does S30V rust?
Not in normal use. S30V rates 7/10 for corrosion resistance; wipe it dry after contact with salt or acidic food.
Is S30V hard to sharpen?
S30V is slow to sharpen (4/10). 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 S30V?
Knives in S30V are usually hardened to 58–61 HRC. Makers can run it outside that range; harder means better edge retention but lower toughness.