Two premium knife steels that have a reputation for being among the best CPM-20CV and S45VN. However, these two are not often compared. So in this article, we will compare these two steels to see which is better and why.
Short Answer:
S45VN is going to be easier to sharpen, less likely to chip, and more well rounded than CPM-20CV. However, CPM-20CV has far better edge retention, corrosion resistance, and is more wear resistant.
Now that we have looked at the short answer, we can look closer at each steel, how the steels compare in-depth, and the best knives in each steel.
An In-depth Look at S45VN
S45VN is a steel that is known for its good overall performance while still being relatively easy to sharpen.
Here is the composition of S45VN:
- 1.45% carbon
- 14% chromium
- 4% vanadium
- 2.00% molybdenum
- 3.00% Vanadiumniobium
- 0.37% niobium
Wear Resistance: S45VN has remarkable wear resistance, because of its high levels of vanadium and niobium. These elements enhance the steel’s ability to retain its edge over prolonged periods of use, making it particularly well-suited for tasks that require sustained cutting.
Ease of Maintenance: A key advantage of S45VN lies in its fine grain structure, which helps with easier re-sharpening. Unlike some high-wear resistance steels that can be challenging to sharpen, S45VN responds well to honing which is one of the points it was designed for.
Toughness: S45VN has good toughness, making it well-suited for heavy cutting applications. While it is not the toughest steel, it will still hold up well to just about any task you could use a knife for.
An In-depth Look at 20CV
CPM-20CV is a premium knife steel that is known for its toughness and great overall performance in almost all ways.
The steel composition of CPM-20CV is as follows:
1.9% carbon
20% chromium
1% molybdenum
4% vanadium
1% tungsten
Edge Retention: CPM-20CV is known for its great edge retention, a result of its high chromium, vanadium, and carbon content. This combination helps make a blade that maintains its sharpness for long periods of time.
Corrosion Resistance: One of the prominent features of CPM-20CV is its exceptional corrosion resistance. The high chromium content helps keep the steel from staining and rusting making this steel ideal for wet or humid environments.
Wear Resistance: CPM-20CV exhibits excellent wear resistance, thanks to its robust composition and fine-grained structure. Additionally, CPM-20CV has great edge retention that is almost akin to that of S90V which is a steel known for extreme edge retention.
Toughness: One area where 20CV isn’t the best. It is a fairly tough steel, but it is pretty brittle and can easily chip or snap under high pressure.
An In-depth Comparison of S45VN and 20CV
Edge Retention: CPM-20CV outperforms S45VN in terms of edge retention. Because of its higher chromium and carbon content. Additionally, CPM-20CV has better wear resistance so it is better for repeated cutting.
Ease of Sharpening: S45VN takes the lead in this category as one of the things it was designed for was ease of sharpening. So while 20CV has better edge retention, it is going to be harder to sharpen.
Corrosion Resistance: CPM-20CV boasts superior corrosion resistance due to its higher chromium content. So for humid or wet environments, CPM-20CV is the better choice and will hold up better.
Toughness: S45VN and CPM-20CV are similarly tough, however, they have different properties. 20CV is more brittle than S45VN so it is more likely to chip or snap under pressure. S45VN is equally as tough and is less likely to chip.
Best knives in each steel
Now that we know more about each steel, and how they compare, we can look at what the best knives in each steel are.
Spyderco Para Military (CPM-S45VN)
The Para Military is probably Spyderco’s most popular knife so it is a proven design. It’s got Spyderco’s signature thumb hole for opening, a reversible pocket clip, a G10 handle, and Spyderco’s super strong compression lock.
Check it out here (link to Amazon).
Zero Tolerance 0308 – CPM-20CV
The 0308 is a sleek folding knife that is tough and ideal for just about any EDC task out there. It has a G10 handle scale with a titanium back, 20CV steel, a reversible pocket clip, a flipper for opening, and a ball bearing pivot that makes for a smooth opening.
Check it out here (link to Amazon).
Conclusion
S45VN is easier to sharpen and less likely to chip under heavy use. CPM-20CV is more corrosion resistant, has better edge retention, and has better wear resistance. So if you need toughness, S45VN is the better option. If you need edge retention or corrosion resistance, go for 20CV.