7Cr17MoV and CPM-154 are two popular types of steel used in the production of knives. Both steels have unique properties that make them ideal for different applications. It’s important to understand the differences and similarities between these two steel types to know which one is better for your particular circumstances.

Here is the short answer:

CPM-154 is a higher quality steel with superior edge retention compared to 7Cr17MoV steel. However, CPM-154 is also more expensive than 7Cr17MoV. 7Cr17MoV steel is a budget-friendly option with decent overall performance for general knife use.

Now that we have looked at the short answer, we can look closer at each steel such as their composition, what they are known for, what they are best used for, how they compare in-depth, and what we at Blad Fun have found to be the best knives in each steel.

Deep Dive on 7Cr17MoV 

7Cr17MoV is a type of stainless steel that is popular for use in budget knives for its inexpensiveness, The steel contains the following elements:

– 0.75% carbon

– 17% chromium

– 1% manganese

– 0.2% molybdenum

– 0.1% vanadium

– 1.5% silicon

7Cr17MoV steel is a low-end steel that is used in the manufacturing of knives and other cutlery tools. It is known for its corrosion resistance and affordability. However, the edge retention and toughness of 7Cr17Mov are lacking and are far from the ability of higher end steels.

Deep Dive on CPM-154

CPM-154 is a high-quality steel that is created using the Crucible Particle Metallurgy (CPM) process which refines grain steels leading to better edge retention and better consistency through the knife blade. The steel contains the following key elements:

– 1.05% carbon

– 14% chromium

– 4% molybdenum

– 3% vanadium

CPM-154 is a high-quality knife steel that is known for its overall good performance. While this knife steel is not as high quality as some others, such as M390, S90V, and CPM-3V, but it does have a good balance between performance and cost.

7Cr17MoV versus CPM-154

When comparing 7Cr17MoV and CPM-154, you must consider what you will be using the knife for.

7Cr17MoV is a great option if you’re looking for a budget-friendly steel with decent overall performance. This steel is suitable for general knife use, but knives made of 7Cr17MoV steel will not have the edge retention, toughness, or corrosion resistance that can be found in CPM-154 steel.

CPM-154 steel is an excellent choice for applications where edge retention is a must, like hunting, bushcrafting, or tactical tasks. CPM-154 is also known for its corrosion resistance, compact grain structure, and easy sharpening. However, due to its higher quality, knives made of CPM-154 are relatively expensive.

Best knives in each steel

Since we have looked at each steel and how they compare, we can look at what we have found to be the best knife in each steel.

Gerber EXO-MOD Drop Point (7cr17MoV)

The Gerber EXO-MOD Drop Point is a skeletonized hunting knife that is very versatile. This knife has an orange handle to ensure you never lose it in the field, has a 3.7-inch drop point blade, has an overall length of 8.5 inches, and weighs 2.6 ounces. If you want an affordable lightweight hunting knife, this is a knife you should look at.

Check out this knife here (link to Amazon)

Kershaw Leek (CPM-154)

The Kershaw Leek is an affordable EDC knife that is sleek and small. The Leek has carbon fiber handle scales, a 3-inch drop point blade, is 7 inches overall and weighs only 2.4 ounces. If you are looking for a new EDC knife, this a great option that you can’t go wrong with. 

Check out this knife here (link to Amazon)

Conclusion

In summary, if you don’t use your knife frequently or you’re on a budget, 7Cr17MoV is a decent option. But if you want better edge retention, durability, and corrosion resistance, CPM-154 steel is the better choice.