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Blade Steel: Cru-Wear
Cru-Wear occupies a unique niche in the realm of knife steels. It boasts a reputation for achieving a near-perfect harmony between two crucial properties – toughness and wear resistance. This delicate balance makes Cru-Wear a compelling choice for blades tasked with demanding applications.
Understanding Cru-Wear's effectiveness necessitates exploring its composition. Unlike some traditional steels, Cru-Wear is crafted through a process known as powder metallurgy. This technique offers several advantages, including the creation of a uniform and consistent grain structure throughout the steel. This uniformity translates into predictable performance and enhanced properties.
Cru-Wear shares some similarities with its predecessor, Vasco Wear. Both steels prioritize a balance between toughness and wear resistance. However, Cru-Wear carves its own path with a higher vanadium content. Vanadium is a hero in the world of wear resistance, and Cru-Wear's increased reliance on this element elevates its ability to maintain a sharp edge. This boost comes without a significant penalty in terms of machinability, ensuring the steel remains manageable for sharpening.
A closer look at the precise composition of Cru-Wear reveals the story behind its success. Carbon forms the backbone of a strong and hard steel. However, an excessive amount can introduce brittleness. Chromium plays a vital role in bolstering the steel's resistance to corrosion. This becomes especially important for blades exposed to moisture or harsh environments. Manganese's contribution lies in enhancing the steel's hardenability and toughness. Hardenability translates to the steel's ability to become hard when heat-treated, while toughness signifies its resistance to fracturing under duress. As mentioned earlier, vanadium is the champion of wear resistance. Its presence in Cru-Wear allows the blade to retain a sharp edge for extended periods. Silicon plays a crucial supporting role. It aids in deoxidizing the steel during the manufacturing process, removing unwanted oxygen that could compromise its properties. Additionally, silicon can contribute to improved hardenability.
The specific composition may vary slightly depending on the manufacturer. However, the percentages outlined provide a solid foundation for understanding the key ingredients that define Cru-Wear's characteristics. Its reliance on powder metallurgy and a well-considered composition has positioned Cru-Wear as a favorite among knifemakers and enthusiasts who demand exceptional performance from their blades.
Composition
Carbon- 1.1%
Chromium- 7.3%
Manganese- 1.6%
Vanadium- 2.4%
Silicon- 1.2%
The success of Cru-Wear lies in its ability to excel in diverse cutting tasks. Its resilience allows it to withstand demanding applications without succumbing to chipping or breaking. Additionally, its exceptional wear resistance ensures the blade retains a sharp edge for extended use, minimizing the need for frequent sharpening. This combination of toughness and wear resistance makes Cru-Wear a compelling choice for a variety of knives.
Cru-Wear stands as a testament to the constant evolution of knife steel. Through the strategic use of powder metallurgy and a well-defined composition, this steel offers a near-perfect balance between toughness and wear resistance. From the wilderness to the workplace, Cru-Wear equips blades with the necessary qualities to excel in demanding cutting tasks, solidifying its position as a favorite among knifemakers and enthusiasts alike.
What to Buy
The Benchmade Mini Adamas is a USA-made folding knife designed for everyday carry. It features a 3.25-inch blade made from CPM Cru-Wear steel, known for its exceptional wear resistance and toughness. The blade is coated with a black Cerakote finish, which adds scratch and corrosion resistance while maintaining a stealthy look. The handle is made from G-10, a composite material known for its strength, grip, and lightweight properties. Overall, the Benchmade Mini Adamas is a compact, lightweight, and durable folding knife that's perfect for everyday tasks. With a total length of 7.62 inches and a weight of 4.6 ounces, it's easy to carry without feeling bulky or cumbersome.
The Benchmade Shootout Out-the-Front Automatic Knife (Cool Gray) features an impressive 3.5" CPM-CruWear steel tanto blade with a Flat Dark Earth PVD-coated finish, making it both stylish and incredibly strong. This knife utilizes a dual action out-the-front automatic mechanism, allowing for swift and easy one-handed opening with a thumb slide. The handles are crafted from Cool Gray textured Grivory for a secure and comfortable grip, while an ambidextrous stainless steel pocket clip ensures convenient carrying. For added versatility, the Benchmade Shootout also includes a lanyard slot. With a closed length of 4.71" and a weight of 2.8oz, this knife is an ideal choice for everyday carry.
The Spyderco Para Military 2 is a versatile, folding knife ideal for everyday carry. While currently out of stock at Smoky Mountain Knife Works, this knife boasts a 3.47” CPM-Cru Wear steel blade known for its exceptional edge retention and wear resistance. The handle is crafted from brown micarta, a textured material that provides a secure and comfortable grip. The Para Military 2 features a compression lock, a user-friendly mechanism that allows for one-handed opening and closing. With a blade length of 3.47 inches and a closed length of 4.87 inches, this ambidextrous knife offers a good balance of portability and cutting capability
Written By
Drew Clifton
Sources Used
Knife Steel Nerds
Zknives
Expert Reviewed
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.