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Blade Steel: CPM SPY27
Published: March 16th, 2026
CPM SPY27 was introduced in 2020 as an exclusive steel developed for Spyderco and produced by Crucible Industries using the Crucible Particle Metallurgy process. After decades of working with advanced production steels from around the world, Spyderco partnered directly with Crucible to create an alloy built to its own specifications. The result was a stainless powder metallurgy steel designed for long-term use in Spyderco’s core American-made models rather than a short-run experiment.
The CPM process is central to SPY27’s performance. Crucible Particle Metallurgy begins with molten steel that is atomized into fine powder, then consolidated under high pressure and temperature. This method produces a very fine and evenly distributed carbide structure. In practical terms, that uniformity supports consistent hardness, stable edges, and dependable toughness compared to conventional ingot steels with similar alloy content. Spyderco had years of experience heat-treating CPM steels before SPY27 entered production, which allowed the company to dial in performance around its established protocols.
Spyderco frames SPY27 as an evolution of the time-tested VG-10 formula. While VG-10 had long been a dependable stainless choice for its balance of corrosion resistance and edge stability, SPY27 modernizes that intent with a more complex chemistry. The composition of SPY27 utilizes 1.25 percent carbon, 14 percent chromium, 2 percent molybdenum, 2 percent vanadium, 0.1 percent nitrogen, 1 percent niobium, 1.5 percent cobalt, 0.5 percent manganese, and 0.5 percent silicon. That combination makes CPM SPY27 one of the more unique and diverse stainless blade steels, bringing together several high-performance alloying elements that are not commonly found within a single formula.
Each element plays a defining role, though. Carbon provides the foundation for hardness and edge retention. Chromium delivers stainless properties and contributes to wear resistance. Vanadium forms hard carbides that improve edge life, while molybdenum increases hardenability and supports corrosion resistance. Niobium and cobalt distinguish SPY27 from many other stainless production steels. Niobium forms very hard carbides that add wear resistance without creating the large carbide clusters often seen in non-PM steels. Cobalt, represented by the number 27 in the steel’s name due to its atomic number, influences heat treatment response and helps stabilize the alloy during hardening. A small addition of nitrogen supports corrosion resistance and strengthens the steel matrix.
Composition
Carbon - 1.25%
Chromium - 14%
Molybdenum - 2%
Vanadium - 2%
Nitrogen - 0.1%
Niobium - 1%
Cobalt - 1.5%
Manganese - 0.5%
Silicon - 0.5%
Spyderco launched SPY27 in staple Golden, Colorado models, including the Para 3 Lightweight and the Manix 2 Lightweight. These early versions featured cobalt blue handles that identified the steel at a glance. From there, SPY27 expanded into additional core models, establishing itself as a standard production option within Spyderco’s American lineup.
The steel industry shifted in 2025 when Crucible Industries officially ceased operations. Because CPM SPY27 was originally produced through Crucible’s particle metallurgy process, that development has introduced uncertainty surrounding the long-term production of CPM SPY27. At the same time, Spyderco has continued to invest in the steel. For its 2026 releases, Spyderco unveiled a wide variety of knives utilizing CPM SPY27 across multiple core Golden, Colorado models. Whatever the long-term outcome, CPM SPY27 is still very much present in Spyderco’s Golden lineup heading into 2026.
What to Buy
The Spyderco MicroJimbo delivers compact precision in a purpose-built everyday carry format. It features a 2.45-inch Wharncliffe blade made from CPM SPY27 steel with a satin finish and a PlainEdge, offering strong edge retention, corrosion resistance, and excellent tip control for detailed work. The blade opens smoothly via Spyderco’s round thumb hole and locks securely with the Compression Lock for confident one-handed operation. A 3.8-inch textured blue G-10 handle provides a secure grip while keeping the weight to 2.9 ounces. Measuring 6.22 inches overall, it balances strength and cutting efficiency. A tip-up pocket clip completes this American-made folder. Made in the USA.
The Spyderco Shaman is a robust folding knife built around strength and controlled cutting performance. It features a 3.58-inch drop-point blade made from CPM SPY27 steel with a satin finish and a PlainEdge, delivering excellent edge retention, corrosion resistance, and balanced slicing capability. The blade opens smoothly via Spyderco’s round thumb hole and locks securely with a back lock mechanism for dependable lockup under pressure. A 4.67-inch textured cobalt blue G-10 handle provides a secure grip and fills the hand comfortably during extended use. Measuring 8.25 inches overall and weighing 5.2 ounces, it carries with reassuring heft, and a reversible tip-up pocket clip allows for left or right-hand carry. Made in the USA.
The Spyderco Native 5 delivers refined everyday performance in a compact American-made platform. It features a 2.95-inch drop-point blade made from CPM SPY27 steel with a satin finish and a PlainEdge, offering balanced edge retention, toughness, and corrosion resistance for daily cutting tasks. The blade opens smoothly via Spyderco’s round thumb hole and locks securely with a back lock mechanism for dependable engagement. A 4.0-inch peel-ply-textured cobalt blue G-10 handle provides a secure grip while maintaining a lightweight build. Measuring 6.95 inches overall and weighing 3.1 ounces, it carries comfortably, and a four-position pocket clip supports versatile carry options. Made in the USA.
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.