Maxamet and CPM-S110V are two high-end steels–and they can both appear to be pretty similar when they are indeed very different. There is also not much good information on the comparison on these two steel. So, in this article, we’re going to look at the difference between the two and see which one is better.
Here’s the short answer:
Maxamet has great edge retention, but is expensive and not corrosion resistant. CPM-S110V is comparatively more balanced, with good edge retention, great corrosion resistance, and decent toughness. If you need great edge retention, Maxamet is better. If you need corrosion resistance, try S110V.
Now, let’s take a closer look at each steel, which one is better, and why.
Deep Dive on Maxamet
Maxamet is a relatively new steel that has gained a lot of attention in the knife community for its amazing edge retention. Maxamet arguably has the best edge retention out of any steel out there. It was developed by Carpenter Technology and its composition is:
- 2.15% carbon,
- 4.75% chromium,
- 10% cobalt,
- 0.3% manganese,
- 13% tungsten, and
- 6% vanadium.
Carbon is used for hardness and strength (though too much carbon can make the blade brittle). Chromium helps to increase corrosion resistance, but the low chromium content in Maxamet makes it rust easily. Cobalt increases the hardness of the blade, while manganese helps increase the strength of the blade. Tungsten and vanadium help reduce the grain size, which can make the blade more uniform and less likely to break.
Knives made from Maxamet steel are known for their exceptional edge retention. However, Maxamet is expensive, not very corrosion resistant, and not very tough. It’s also difficult to sharpen, but that’s a typical tradeoff with having great edge retention.
Deep Dive on CPM-S110V
CPM-S110V is a high-performance steel known for having great edge retention and corrosion resistance. S110V is made through a process called Crucible Particle Metallurgy, which gives the steel consistent performance and strength throughout the blade. Its composition includes:
- 2.8% carbon,
- 14% chromium,
- 3.5% vanadium,
- 9% molybdenum, and
- 2.5% niobium.
Molybdenum increases hardenability (which basically means it’s easier to manufacture the steel), while niobium helps improve strength and toughness. S110V has a higher chromium content than Maxamet, which makes it more corrosion resistant.
S110V has great edge retention and corrosion resistance, and decent toughness. It’s usually used in a lot of slicing tasks.
Maxamet versus CPM-S110V
Maxamet is great for slicing tasks because of its amazing edge retention. However, it doesn’t have very good corrosion resistance. If you need to operate in humid environments or places that could easily rust a blade, then you’ll want to make sure to keep your Maxamet blade well oiled. Or you can check out S110V.
S110V still has great edge retention–though not as good as Maxamet’s–but it also has a lot more corrosion resistance, and slightly more toughness. If you still want lots of edge retention for slicing tasks, but need corrosion resistance, then S110V could be the better option for you.
In terms of ease of sharpening, they’re both about equal. Usually edge retention and ease of sharpening are opposites of each other: Lots of edge retention means it’s hard to sharpen, and vice versa. In these cases, both S110V and Maxamet are hard to sharpen.
Another thing to consider is the cost. Maxamet is more expensive than CPM-S110V due to its complex manufacturing process and specialized composition. So, if price is a factor, then S110V is the winner here.
In terms of toughness, both Maxamet and CPM-S110V offer decent performance. Neither is necessarily known for its toughness. Toughness is how well the blade can stand up to punishment, which usually comes from the steels being softer–as the harder the steel is, the more prone to chipping. S110V and Maxamet are both harder steels, which is good for edge retention, but means they aren’t the toughest steels out there.
Recommended Knives
Here are our favorite knives in each steel.
Spyderco Native 5 – S110V
The Spyderco Native 5 is a lightweight carry knife that is perfect for EDC or backpacking. It has an FRN (fiberglass reinforced) handle making it lightweight and durable. The Spyderco Native 5 also has a thumb hole opening design making it nearly impossible to snag your pocket when you draw your knife.
Check out this knife here (link to Amazon)
Spyderco Para Military 2 – Maxamet
The Spyderco Para Military 2 is one of the most popular knives out there. It’s a workhorse of a knife with G-10 handle scales, a thumbhole opening, Spyderco’s smooth-closing compression lock, and with this version, has the super steel Maxamet. The Maxamet steel turns this knife from good to great.
Check it out here (link to Amazon).
Conclusion
Maxamet and CPM-S110V are excellent high-performance steels with exceptional edge retention, toughness, and wear resistance. While Maxamet is a specialized steel that is designed for super edge retention needs, CPM-S110V is a comparatively more well-rounded steel. It has more corrosion resistance and slightly more toughness. Ultimately, both Maxamet and CPM-S110V are great options.
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