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Top Five Premium Blade Steels
Published: June 3rd, 2024
In the realm of premium knives, the selection of blade steel is a crucial factor that separates the exceptional from the ordinary. For the discerning knife enthusiast, the choice of steel can make all the difference in terms of edge retention, corrosion resistance, and overall performance. In this comprehensive guide, we explore the top 5 premium blade steels, including their unique chemical compositions, that have captured the attention of both professionals and aficionados alike.
CPM Magnacut
The bestselling and most popular, Magnacut's unique blend of elements results in steel that boasts exceptional toughness, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance. The Vanadium contributes to Magnacut's ability to form and retain a sharp edge, while Chromium enhances its stain resistance. Molybdenum and Niobium further strengthen the steel, making it more resistant to deformation and chipping, even under heavy use. Nitrogen improves the overall hardness and hot hardness of the blade, ensuring it maintains its edge-holding capabilities even at elevated temperatures. The inclusion of Silicon and Manganese also plays a role in improving the steel's overall performance characteristics. Magnacut's exceptional properties have made it a standout choice among both tactical and outdoor enthusiasts
Composition
Carbon- 1.15%
Chromium- 10.7%
Molybdenum- 2%
Vanadium- 4%
Niobium- 2%
Nitrogen- 0.2%
Silicon- 0.2%
Manganese- 0.5%
What To Buy
The Benchmade Adira, crafted in the USA, features a 3.88" CPM-Magnacut stainless steel drop point blade with a stonewash finish, designed for optimal performance in wet environments. Its durable, textured Depth Blue Grivory handle, equipped with a robust AXIS lock, ensures secure handling. The knife includes a deep carry stainless steel pocket clip and a lanyard hole, accented with a high-visibility orange braided cord lanyard. This knife exemplifies quality and functionality with a closed length of 5.12" and weighing 4.23oz.
Bohler M390
Widely used and a great all-rounder, M390 is a versatile premium blade steel renowned for its excellent edge retention and corrosion resistance. The high Chromium content provides superior stain resistance, while the Vanadium contributes to wear resistance and the formation of a fine, evenly distributed carbide structure. Molybdenum enhances the steel's hardenability, allowing it to be heat-treated to higher levels of hardness without sacrificing toughness. The addition of Tungsten, Manganese, and Silicon further improves M390's overall strength and performance characteristics, making it a reliable option for a wide range of cutting tasks, from everyday utility to specialized outdoor activities.
Composition
Carbon- 1.9%
Chromium- 20%
Molybdenum- 1%
Vanadium- 4%
Tungsten- 0.6%
Silicon- 0.7%
Manganese- 0.3%
What To Buy
The Microtech Ultratech X-Wing Hellhound, an SMKW Exclusive, elevates the standard for OTF (out-the-front) automatic knives. It features a 3.35" Bohler M390 steel Hellhound Tanto blade with a unique Apocalyptic finish. The knife operates with a thumb slide for opening and locking, housed in 6061-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum handles decorated with exclusive X-Wing detailing. An ambidextrous stainless steel pocket clip with a glass breaker adds to its utility. Proudly made in the USA, it measures 5.01" when closed and weighs 3.5oz.
CPM 3V
Extremely tough, a favorite for fixed blades, CPM 3V's exceptional impact and edge resistance are largely due to its high Vanadium content, which helps to create a fine, evenly distributed carbide structure. The Molybdenum, in turn, enhances the steel's hardenability, allowing it to be heat-treated to exceptional levels of hardness without compromising its toughness. Chromium contributes to CPM 3V's corrosion resistance, while Tungsten and Manganese improve its overall strength and wear resistance. These properties make CPM 3V a preferred choice for demanding applications, such as tactical, survival, and heavy-duty outdoor use, where sheer toughness is paramount.
Composition
Carbon- 0.8%
Chromium- 7.5%
Molybdenum- 1.3%
Vanadium- 3%
Tungsten- 0.4%
Silicon- 0.9%
Manganese- 0.4%
What To Buy
The Reate Exo Mini Gravity Knife is an innovative tool featuring a 2.5" CPM 3V tool steel dagger blade with a stonewash finish. Its unique design allows for blade deployment using a flick of the wrist, thanks to its pivoting frame and reverse-positioned button lock. The knife's handles are crafted from titanium with a black Micarta inlay, adding to its sleek aesthetic, along with a bead-blasted titanium pocket clip for easy carry. This Reate knife combines functionality with a modern look, measuring 3.7" when closed and weighing 3.8oz.
CPM S35VN
CPM S35VN is a highly regarded stainless steel known for its well-rounded performance and affordability. Its composition is carefully balanced to achieve a good mix of desirable qualities. Chromium provides solid corrosion resistance, making S35VN a good choice for everyday use and preventing unsightly rust spots. Carbon offers a good balance between hardness for sharp edges and toughness to resist chipping. Vanadium and Molybdenum work in tandem to further enhance the steel's toughness, allowing it to handle demanding tasks without breaking. Tungsten contributes to hardenability and wear resistance, ensuring the blade retains its sharp edge for longer. The addition of Niobium in small amounts may be present in some variations, potentially refining the grain structure for even better performance. Trace amounts of Cobalt and Nickel might also be present in certain formulations, offering slight improvements to wear resistance and corrosion protection. Manganese and Silicon round out the composition, potentially aiding in hardenability and wear resistance. CPM S35VN's combination of properties makes it a versatile choice for both folding and fixed blade knives, offering a good balance between performance and value for everyday carry or various cutting tasks.
Composition
Carbon- 1.34%
Chromium- 14%
Molybdenum- 2%
Vanadium- 3%
Tungsten- 0.4%
Niobium- 0.5%
Cobalt- 0.5%
Nickel- 0.1-0.4%
Silicon- 0.9%
Manganese- 0.4%
What To Buy
The Case Kinzua features a 3.4" CPM S35VN stainless steel spear point blade with a dark stonewash DLC-coated finish. It's a manual folder utilizing a blade flipper for smooth deployment via a ball-bearing pivot. This Case knife is designed with blue anodized aluminum handles, contributing to its sleek appearance and durability. The frame lock mechanism ensures the blade stays securely in place during use. Equipped with an ambidextrous stainless steel pocket clip, the Kinzua is practical for everyday carry. It measures 4.75" when closed and weighs 3.4oz—proudly made in the USA.
CPM S20CV
CPM 20CV - Widely used and popular for quite some time, CPM 20CV is very similar to M390 steel, offering exceptional edge retention and corrosion resistance. The high Carbon content, in combination with the Chromium and Vanadium, contributes to CPM 20CV's superior wear resistance and ability to form and retain a sharp edge. Molybdenum enhances the steel's hardenability, allowing it to be heat-treated to high levels of hardness without sacrificing toughness. Tungsten, Manganese, and Silicon further improve the overall strength and performance characteristics of CPM 20CV, ensuring it can maintain its cutting performance even under demanding conditions.
Composition
Carbon- 1.9%
Chromium- 20%
Molybdenum- 1%
Vanadium- 4%
Tungsten- 0.6%
Silicon- 0.3%
Manganese- 0.3%
What To Buy
Medford's "The Deep" is an EDC (Every Dive Carry) fixed-blade dive knife featuring a 4.5" CPM 20CV stainless steel blade with a durable PVD coating. The blue G-10 handle ensures a secure grip, while the full tang construction promises reliability. This knife, designed by Greg Medford, measures 9.2" overall and weighs 10oz, showcasing a balance of functionality and craftsmanship. It comes with a black Kydex sheath equipped with a Tek-Lok, making it a versatile choice for divers. Made in the USA, "The Deep" embodies Medford knives' commitment to quality.
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.