CPM S90V steel
CPM S90V is a powder metallurgy stainless steel from Crucible. It rates 9/10 for edge retention, 3/10 for toughness and 7/10 for corrosion resistance, and is usually hardened to 59–62 HRC.
At a glance
- Type
- Powder metallurgy stainless steels
- Hardness
- 59–62 HRC
- Maker
- Crucible (USA)
- Process
- PM
- Price tier
- Premium
- Used by
- Spyderco (sprints), Benchmade (Bugout, Mini Adamas S90V), Zero Tolerance, Lionsteel, Hinderer
- Also called
- S90V, CPM 420V, 420V
Composition
| Element | Weight % |
|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | 2.3 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 14 |
| Vanadium (V) | 9 |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 1 |
| 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 S90V behave the way it does
CPM S90V contains 2.3% carbon, a high level that supports high hardness and a large volume of hard carbides; 14% chromium for corrosion resistance.
Its 9% 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%) 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.
Knives in S90V
| Knife | Brand | Blade | Weight | Lock | List price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Benchmade 940-1 Osborne | Benchmade | 3.4" | 2.9 oz | AXIS lock | $350 | Blade HQ |
| Benchmade Lowden | Benchmade | 2.79" | 2.55 oz | AXIS lock | $300 | Blade HQ |
| Benchmade Bugout Taiga Green | Benchmade | 3.24" | 2.52 oz | AXIS lock | $400 | Blade HQ |
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How to sharpen S90V
S90V is slow to sharpen (2/10). 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 S90V with
FAQ
Is S90V a good knife steel?
S90V is strongest in edge retention (9/10) and weakest in ease of sharpening (2/10). Its average across the four ratings is 5.2/10, and it sits in the premium price tier.
Does S90V rust?
Not in normal use. S90V rates 7/10 for corrosion resistance; wipe it dry after contact with salt or acidic food.
Is S90V hard to sharpen?
S90V is slow to sharpen (2/10). 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 S90V?
Knives in S90V are usually hardened to 59–62 HRC. Makers can run it outside that range; harder means better edge retention but lower toughness.