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Blade Steel: CPM 15V
Published: August 6th, 2025
CPM 15V is a high-vanadium tool steel developed by Crucible Industries. It was first developed in the late 1970s as a more wear-resistant version of CPM 10V, though it did not reach the market until around 1990. Like other Crucible steels in the CPM series, it is made using particle metallurgy, which helps create a fine, even distribution of carbides throughout the steel. This allows it to incorporate unusually high levels of vanadium without the problems associated with large, irregular carbides in conventionally cast steels.
The chemical composition of CPM 15V includes 3.4% carbon, 5.25% chromium, 1.3% molybdenum, 0.4% tungsten, 0.5% manganese, 0.9% silicon, and 14.5 to 14.9% vanadium. The high vanadium content is its most notable characteristic and results in a large volume of vanadium carbides, tough particles that provide high wear resistance. These carbides are much harder than chromium carbides and contribute significantly to the steel’s ability to hold an edge through abrasive cutting tasks.
Composition
Carbon - 3.4%
Chromium - 5.25%
Molybdenum - 1.3%
Tungsten - 0.4%
Vanadium - 14.5-14.9%
Manganese - 0.5%
Silicon - 0.9%
CPM 15V has the highest wear resistance of any commercially available CPM steel. It was originally developed for industrial tooling applications, such as in the plastics and wood industries, where tool life in abrasive environments was a priority. For most of its existence, it remained largely unknown in the knife world, as its properties made it challenging to work with and maintain. The steel is difficult to grind and nearly impossible to sharpen effectively without diamond abrasives due to the hardness of its vanadium carbides.
The steel also offers relatively low toughness compared to more balanced alloys. It does not resist chipping as well as steels with lower carbide volume, and its chromium content is too low for meaningful stainless performance. As a result, it is vulnerable to rust in humid or wet environments if not cared for properly. Its strength lies in edge retention, not corrosion resistance or toughness.
Interest in CPM 15V within the knife community increased as users and makers became more focused on performance-based steels. In particular, wear resistance became a point of interest for people who frequently cut abrasive materials such as cardboard, rope, or wood. Though most major knife brands have not used 15V in regular production models, one company has consistently adopted it for limited runs.
Spyderco consistently uses CPM 15V in its Sprint Run knives. It has been featured in several Sprint Run models, including the Military 2, Manix 2, and various other Spyderco models. These releases are often paired with specialized heat treatments from Shawn Houston (also known as BBB), who has developed protocols to bring out the steel’s full performance, frequently targeting hardness levels above 66 HRC. Spyderco’s ongoing use of 15V has played a significant role in establishing its reputation among knife users interested in edge retention and steel behavior.
Spyderco Native 5 15V Sprint Run
Heat treatment plays a critical role in the performance of CPM 15V. Crucible recommends austenitizing at 1850–1950°F, followed by cryogenic treatment to reduce retained austenite, and tempering in the 400–500°F range. This process allows the steel to reach its high hardness potential while maintaining reasonable structural stability. Testing has shown that the steel’s impact toughness is lower than that of more balanced steels like CPM M4 or CPM 3V but similar to other wear-focused steels such as CPM 10V or K390.
Although CPM 15V is not well-suited for general-purpose knives, it remains useful in applications where edge wear is the primary failure mode. It performs best in dry environments and in tasks involving repetitive slicing, where it can significantly outlast most other steels. However, it is not ideal for tasks that require lateral strength or for users who prefer low-maintenance blades.
CPM 15V exists at the extreme end of the spectrum in terms of edge retention. It is not designed to be an all-around performer. Its place in the knife world is specific and narrow, mostly confined to small-batch production and specialty knives made for users who understand its benefits and limitations. As interest in high-performance steels continues to grow, CPM 15V remains a reference point for what can be achieved when wear resistance is pushed to the limit.
Written By
Drew Clifton
Drew is the lead writer for SMKW's Knives 101, crafting informative and engaging content for the world’s largest knife store. With expertise in knife history, design, and functionality, Drew delivers articles and product descriptions that educate and inspire knife enthusiasts at all levels.
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T.C. Barnette
T.C. Barnette is a dynamic media personality and the esteemed spokesperson for SMKW (Smoky Mountain Knife Works), where his passion for knives intersects with his captivating on-screen presence. With a magnetic charisma and deep expertise in cutlery, T.C. has become a beloved figure in the knife community.