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Blade Steel: S30V
Published: August 9th, 2024
The inception of S30V dates back to the early 2000s. Crucible Industries, a leader in the production of high-grade steel, aimed to create a new type of steel that would meet the rigorous demands of knife users. Partnering with knife maker Chris Reeve, they embarked on developing a blade steel that could deliver exceptional performance in various conditions.
S30V is a martensitic stainless steel, characterized by its hardness and ability to be heat-treated. Its composition includes elements like carbon, chromium, molybdenum, and vanadium. Carbon enhances hardness and edge retention, while chromium provides excellent corrosion resistance. Molybdenum increases toughness and adds to the steel’s corrosion resistance. Vanadium plays a critical role by forming extremely hard vanadium carbides, which significantly improve wear resistance without compromising toughness.
Composition
Carbon- 1.45-1.48%
Chromium- 14%
Molybdenum- 2%
Tungsten- 0.1-0.4%
Nitrogen- 0.2%
Manganese- 0.5%
Silicon- 0.5%
The performance characteristics of S30V steel are what truly set it apart. The steel's edge retention is one of its standout features. Thanks to the combination of carbon and vanadium carbides, knives made from S30V can maintain a sharp edge for a long time, reducing the need for frequent sharpening. This makes S30V an excellent choice for users who rely on their knives for extended periods.
Corrosion resistance is another key attribute. With a high chromium content, S30V offers outstanding resistance to rust and corrosion. This makes it suitable for environments where moisture and humidity are common, such as outdoor activities and marine settings. The steel’s toughness is also notable. Despite its high hardness, S30V retains a good level of toughness, making it resistant to chipping and cracking, which is crucial for knives subjected to heavy use and impact. Benchmade and Piranha knives benefit from this toughness, ensuring durability and reliability in demanding conditions.
The versatility of S30V has made it a popular choice for a wide range of applications. High-end folding knives often feature S30V blades due to their need for a reliable, long-lasting edge. Outdoor and survival knives utilize S30V for its durability and corrosion resistance. Even some premium kitchen knives are crafted from S30V to provide chefs with exceptional cutting performance and longevity. Hogue models often incorporate S30V to enhance their durability and cutting efficiency, catering to professional and tactical users.
Since its introduction, S30V has significantly impacted the knife industry. Its performance has been so well received that it has influenced the development of other premium steels, including S35VN and S45VN, which offer slight variations and improvements based on the original S30V formula.
The development of S30V blade steel by Crucible Industries marked a significant advancement in the materials used for knife making. The steel's combination of edge retention, corrosion resistance, and toughness has made it a favorite among knife makers and users alike. S30V continues to symbolize quality and innovation in high-performance knives, proving that the right materials can make all the difference in a knife's performance and longevity.
Written by Drew Clifton
What to Buy
The Piranha Auto 21 is a sleek automatic knife designed for quick deployment and reliable performance. Featuring a 3.2" CPM-S30V stainless steel blade, it excels in edge retention and corrosion resistance. The camo-finished aluminum handle ensures a lightweight yet durable grip, perfect for everyday carry. With a total length of 7.5" and weighing just 3.1 ounces, it's compact and easy to handle. The push-button mechanism allows for a swift, one-handed opening, while the integrated pocket clip offers convenient carry options. Ideal for tactical, outdoor, and everyday use, the Piranha Auto 21 combines functionality with a striking design.
The Benchmade Mini Bugout is a compact, high-performance knife perfect for everyday carry. Featuring a 2.82-inch drop point blade made from premium CPM-S30V steel with a Crushed Silver Cerakote finish, it ensures durability and sharpness. The Sage Green Grivory handle offers a lightweight and sturdy grip, making it easy to handle. With a total length of 6.49 inches and weighing only 1.5 ounces, the Mini Bugout is incredibly portable. It includes Benchmade's reliable AXIS lock mechanism, a reversible pocket clip for ambidextrous use, and a lanyard hole for versatile carry options. Ideal for those seeking a reliable, compact knife.
The Hogue SIG K320 AXG Scorpion offers precision and reliability. The 3.5-inch drop point blade, crafted from CPM-S30V stainless steel, features a Flat Dark Earth Cerakote finish for enhanced durability. The blade is secured with the robust ABLE Lock mechanism. The aluminum frame, also in Flat Dark Earth Cerakote, houses G-Mascus green G10 inserts for a secure grip. This knife boasts an ambidextrous thumb stud opener and a reversible, deep-carry pocket clip. Overall length is 8.05 inches, with a closed length of 4.5 inches, and a weight of 4.32 ounces. Ideal for tactical and everyday carry.
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.