Of all the steel options out there, two that are very similar are S30V and 154CM. Both of these steel are renowned for their well-roundedness and ability to do any task a knife could be used for. However, these two steels are seldom compared. So in this article, we will compare these two steels to see which is better and why.

Short Answer:

S30V is a tougher steel that will hold an edge better but will be harder to resharpen. 154CM is easier to sharpen and is easier to get a finer sharper edge on. 

Since we have looked at the short answer, we can look at each steel individually, what composition each steel has, and how the two steels compare in-depth.

In-Depth Look at S30V

S30V is a steel that is known for being very well rounded and versatile. It is known for its ability to do everything from hunting, to bushcraft, to even precision knife work. There are no real downsides to S30V, however, it does not excel in some areas as some more specialty knife steels do. 

Here is the composition of S30V:

1.45% carbon

14% chromium

2% molybdenum

4% vanadium

In-Depth Look at 154CM

Much like S30V, 154CM is a very well rounded steel. It does not excel in all areas but it does hold its own. You will not get the performance in some areas like a specialty steel but it will do good in most areas where a knife can be tested.

The steel contains the following key elements:

– 1.05% carbon

– 14% chromium

– 4% molybdenum

– 3% vanadium

In-Depth Comparison

Edge Retention: S30V tends to have superior edge retention due to its higher carbon content, making it more suitable for tasks that demand prolonged sharpness.

Corrosion Resistance: Both steels offer good corrosion resistance, with S30V having a slightly higher chromium content, providing a small edge in this aspect.

Sharpening: 154CM is notably easier to sharpen compared to S30V, making it a preferred choice for users who prioritize maintenance and sharpening convenience. However, S30V will hold and edge longer but will take longer to get sharp.

Toughness: 154CM is often considered tougher than S30V, making it more resistant to chipping and breakage, especially in high-impact situations.

Applications: S30V is well-suited for applications where edge retention is crucial, while 154CM shines in tasks that require a balance of toughness and ease of maintenance.

Best knives in each steel

Now that we have looked at each steel and how the two steels compare, we can look at what the best knives in each steel are. 

Benchmade Mini Barrage (154CM)

The mini Barrage is an EDC knife from Benchmade that can be used for any task you can think of. The Barrage has assisted opening, has a 2.91-inch blade, is just over 6 inches open, and weighs 3.4 ounces. This knife has all the features that make a great everyday carry blade.

Check out this knife here (link to Amazon)

Benchmade Griptilian (S30V)

The Griptilian is an ideal higher-tier knife with an affordable price tag. It has a buttery smooth, super easy opening thanks to Benchmade’s AXIS lock. It has a 3-inch blade that can cut through anything you need to. This is a more flashy knife that you don’t want to beat up but will offer high tier performance.

Check out this knife here (link to Amazon).

Benchmade Grizzly Creek – S30V

The Benchmade Grizzly Creek is a Folding knife that is great for hunting. It has a 3.5-inch S30V blade, a gut hook, Benchmade’s smooth AXIS locking system, and it weighs 4.8 ounces. This knife will stay sharp for a long time and is super reliable. You will want this knife if you are looking for a super high-quality folding knife for hunting.

Check out this knife here (link to Amazon) 

Conclusion

S30V is a better overall steel other than the fact that it is more prone to chipping because of its higher carbon content. For everyday tasks, both these steel will work great but 154CM may be the better choice because it is less prone to chipping.