CPM S45VN steel
CPM S45VN is a powder metallurgy stainless steel from Crucible. It rates 6/10 for edge retention, 5/10 for toughness and 8/10 for corrosion resistance, and is usually hardened to 59–61 HRC.
At a glance
- Type
- Powder metallurgy stainless steels
- Hardness
- 59–61 HRC
- Maker
- Crucible (USA)
- Process
- PM
- Price tier
- Premium
- Used by
- Chris Reeve (Sebenza 31), Spyderco, Benchmade, Hinderer, Pro-Tech
- Also called
- S45VN, CPM-S45VN
Composition
| Element | Weight % |
|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | 1.48 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 16 |
| Vanadium (V) | 3 |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 2 |
| Niobium (Nb) | 0.5 |
| Nitrogen (N) | 0.15 |
| 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 S45VN behave the way it does
CPM S45VN contains 1.48% carbon, a high level that supports high hardness and a large volume of hard carbides; 16% 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; nitrogen (0.15%) partly takes the place of carbon, which helps corrosion 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.
Higher Cr + N for better corrosion resistance than S35VN.
Knives in S45VN
| Knife | Brand | Blade | Weight | Lock | List price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spyderco Para 3 | Spyderco | 2.93" | 3.4 oz | Compression lock | $263 | Blade HQ |
| Spyderco Paramilitary 2 | Spyderco | 3.45" | 3.8 oz | Compression lock | $279 | Blade HQ |
Buy links go to retailers; some are affiliate links, and we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Disclosure.
How to sharpen S45VN
S45VN is moderately easy to sharpen (5/10). Water stones and ceramics work; diamond plates speed up reprofiling or repairing a damaged edge.
Compare S45VN with
FAQ
Is S45VN a good knife steel?
S45VN is strongest in corrosion resistance (8/10) and weakest in ease of sharpening (5/10). Its average across the four ratings is 6.0/10, and it sits in the premium price tier.
Does S45VN rust?
Not in normal use. S45VN rates 8/10 for corrosion resistance; wipe it dry after contact with salt or acidic food.
Is S45VN hard to sharpen?
S45VN 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 S45VN?
Knives in S45VN are usually hardened to 59–61 HRC. Makers can run it outside that range; harder means better edge retention but lower toughness.