CPM S35VN steel
CPM S35VN is a powder metallurgy stainless steel from Crucible. It rates 6/10 for edge retention, 5/10 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
- Chris Reeve, Spyderco, Benchmade, Hinderer, Zero Tolerance, Hogue, Civivi (select)
- Also called
- S35VN, CPM-S35VN
Composition
| Element | Weight % |
|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | 1.4 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 14 |
| Vanadium (V) | 3 |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 2 |
| Niobium (Nb) | 0.5 |
| 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 S35VN behave the way it does
CPM S35VN contains 1.4% carbon, a high level that supports high hardness and a large volume of hard carbides; 14% chromium for corrosion resistance.
Its 3% 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; niobium (0.5%) forms fine, very hard niobium carbides; 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.
Niobium replaces some V for toughness and machinability.
Knives in S35VN
| Knife | Brand | Blade | Weight | Lock | List price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zero Tolerance 0450CF | Zero Tolerance | 3.25" | 2.45 oz | Titanium frame lock | $295 | Blade HQ |
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How to sharpen S35VN
S35VN is moderately easy to sharpen (5/10). Water stones and ceramics work; diamond plates speed up reprofiling or repairing a damaged edge.
Compare S35VN with
- MagnaCut vs S35VN
- S30V vs S35VN
- 154CM vs S35VN
- S35VN vs S45VN
- M390 vs S35VN
- Nitro-V vs S35VN
- D2 vs S35VN
- 14C28N vs S35VN
- 20CV vs S35VN
- Elmax vs S35VN
FAQ
Is S35VN a good knife steel?
S35VN is strongest in corrosion resistance (7/10) and weakest in ease of sharpening (5/10). Its average across the four ratings is 5.8/10, and it sits in the mid-range price tier.
Does S35VN rust?
Not in normal use. S35VN rates 7/10 for corrosion resistance; wipe it dry after contact with salt or acidic food.
Is S35VN hard to sharpen?
S35VN 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 S35VN?
Knives in S35VN are usually hardened to 58–61 HRC. Makers can run it outside that range; harder means better edge retention but lower toughness.