S30V and CPM-S30V have very similar names, but are they even different? Is there a reason that one has CPM and the other doesn’t? In this article, we will answer all of those questions. 

Here is the short answer:

There is no difference between S30V and CPM-S30V. S30V and CPM-S30V are the same steel; S30V is just a shortened version of CPM-S30V. The only reason there is a difference in the name is that it’s shorter to type S30V.

Now we can look at some aspects of S30V.

What does CPM mean?

CPM stands for Crucible Particle Metallurgy, which is a process invented by Crucible Industries. This process evenly distributes the particles in the steel, making it stronger and harder. This will also help prevent soft spots in the steel. 

Is S30V a good steel?

We know there is no difference between CPM-S30V and S30V, but is S30V even a very good steel?

S30V is probably the best all-around steel there is. It is very strong knife steel, it has great edge retention, and is just great in all categories. With S30V you don’t sacrifice anything in any fields of knife steel. 

Our favorite knives in S30V

S30V is a great steel but what knife should you buy in S30V? Here are our top picks.

Benchmade Steep Country

The Benchmade Steep Country is a hunting and survival knife. It’s perfect for backpacking as it only weighs 3 ounces. If you love backpacking, survival, or hunting, you need this knife.

Check out this knife here (link to Amazon)

Benchmade Griptilian

The Benchmade Griptilian is a knife with a silky smooth opening. This knife has one of the smoothest openings we have ever seen. This knife also has everything you would want for an EDC knife: It’s completely ambidextrous, it has a 3.5-inch S30V blade, it has Benchmade’s AXIS locking mechanism, and it only weighs 3.5 ounces.

Check this knife out here (link to Amazon)

Conclusion

S30V and CPM-S30V are not different. S30V is a great all-around steel; you can’t go wrong with S30V. If I had to pick one knife steel to use for the rest of my life, it probably would be S30V. 

Other questions

What steel is better than S30V?

S35V, CPM-154, and S45VN are all slightly better than S30V. Damascus and S90V are both a lot better than S30V, but are a lot more expensive. However if we consider price and most other factors, S30V is the most well-rounded steel out of the list.

Is S45VN better than S30V?

Yes, S45VN is better than S30V. But only slightly. S45vn has slightly better edge retention and slightly better hardness. But generally speaking, it is not a huge difference that will take a while before you notice any difference. So, you’ll probably be happy with either.

Is CPM-S30V a good steel? 

Yes, S30V is a good steel. It is considered by most to be a premium quality steel. It has excellent edge retention, amazing wear resistance, and extraordinary hardness. While there are some better steels out there, S30V is probably the most well-rounded.