Crucible Industries, headquartered in Syracuse, New York, has been at the forefront of powder metallurgy technology since the 1970s. They first introduced CPM steels in the late 1970s, which revolutionized the steel industry by providing finer grain structures, improved toughness, and enhanced wear resistance. The CPM process involves atomizing molten steel into tiny particles that are then compressed and sintered to produce an ultra-fine microstructure.

CPM-S45VN was developed as a response to the demand for a steel that offered enhanced corrosion resistance over CPM-S35VN while maintaining a similar level of toughness and edge retention. To achieve this, Crucible added a small amount of nitrogen (0.15%) to the steel’s composition while also increasing the amount of chromium from 14% (in CPM-S35VN) to 16%.

This careful tweaking of the alloy composition resulted in a steel that not only retained the toughness and ease of sharpening associated with CPM-S35VN but also provided better corrosion resistance and slightly improved edge retention. The addition of nitrogen played a key role in enhancing the steel’s corrosion resistance without compromising other properties.

CPM-S45VN is often compared to other popular high-end steels, such as CPM-S35VN and CPM-S30V. While CPM-S30V, released in 2001, was designed to be a balanced steel offering good toughness, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance, CPM-S35VN improved upon it with the addition of niobium carbides for improved toughness and sharpenability.

The release of CPM-S45VN aimed to build on these developments by providing a middle ground between CPM-S30V’s wear resistance and CPM-S35VN’s toughness. It retains excellent edge retention due to the high vanadium content while improving corrosion resistance thanks to the increased chromium and nitrogen content.

CPM-S45VN has been embraced by manufacturers like Hinderer, Medford, and Spyderco for high-end folding knives, fixed blades, and outdoor tools. Its performance characteristics make it particularly well-suited for applications where corrosion resistance and toughness are essential. Users appreciate its ability to hold a sharp edge for extended periods, even when used for heavy-duty cutting tasks.

Additionally, CPM-S45VN’s improved sharpenability over CPM-S30V makes it a favorite among knife enthusiasts who value ease of maintenance without sacrificing overall performance.

Although CPM-S45VN is still a relatively new steel, its adoption by major knife manufacturers suggests it will continue to be a popular choice for high-end knives. Its balanced performance profile makes it suitable for a wide range of cutting applications, from EDC folders to outdoor and survival knives.

As the industry continues to push the boundaries of steel technology, it will be interesting to see how CPM-S45VN holds up against future advancements. For now, it remains a top-tier choice for those who demand a knife steel that can perform at the highest level under challenging conditions.