Two very popular steels on the market are CPM-3V and D2. Both of these steels are among the most popular when it comes to survival knives, hunting knives, and EDC knives. However, these two steels are not often compared as to which is better and why. ‘

Here is the short answer:

CPM-3V is a high toughness steel that has about the same corrosion resistance, has better edge retention, is far tougher, and has better wear resistance. However, D2 is less expensive and will still offer good performance.

Now that we have looked at the short answer, we can look at each steel in-depth, each steels composition, how these two steels compare in-depth, and the best knives in each steel.

D2

D2 is a tool steel that is known for having high wear resistance and toughness whilst still being affordable.

The full composition of D2 is:

• Carbon: 1.5%
• Chromium: 12.00%
• Vanadium: 0.90%
• Molybdenum: 0.80%
• Magnesium: 0.45%
• Silicon: 0.40%
• Sulfur: 0.02%

Wear Resistance: D2 excels in wear resistance, and is actually one of the more wear resistant knife steels out there even when compared to higher price range steels. 

Edge Retention: Because of the high wear resistance, D2 will naturally have good edge retention. However, its edge retention will not be as good as more expensive steels.

Corrosion Resistance: D2 has a fairly low chromium content, so it is going to not have to be a very corrosion resistant steel. So you will want to oil and clean your knife often.

Toughness: Being a tool steel, D2 is going to be a tough steel that can handle a beating. If you need a steel that is not too expensive but will still hold up to heavy use, D2 is not a bad option. 

CPM-3V

CPM-3V is a premium steel known for its great toughness. It has good edge retention,  great toughness, and good wear resistance. 

Here is the composition of CPM-3V:

• Carbon 0.80%
• Chromium 7.50%
• Vanadium 2.75%
• Molybdenum 1.30%

Corrosion resistance: CPM-3V is not a stainless steel, so it is not going to hold up to corrosion very well and should be given regular maintenance.

Wear resistance: CPM-3V has very good wear resistance. It will hold up to repeated use and it has good enough wear resistance to be considered a tool steel.

Edge retention: CPM-3V does not have the best edge retention especially when compared to similarly priced steels such as S35VN.

Toughness: Finally is toughness which is where CPM-3V excels. It is not as tough as 1095, but it does have better corrosion resistance and better wear resistance as well as edge retention. Compared to other steels, CPM-3V will be one of the toughest steels out there. 

In-depth comparison 

Now that we have looked at closer at each steel, we can compare them in-depth.

When it comes to wear resistance and edge retention, it is a fairly close match up but CPM-3V is the better steel. While D2 has more carbon which is the main element that adds edge retention to a steel, CPM-3V is still a more edge-retentive steel.

Toughness-wise, CPM-3V is a far better steel. While D2 is tough for its price, CPM-3V was made to be a super tough steel so it is hard for D2 to compare. So if you plan to be pretty tough on your knife, CPM-3V is the better steel.

Corrosion resistance is the one area these two steels are pretty similar. Neither one has a lot of chromium and therefore is not super corrosion resistant. So either one of these steels will require maintenance to keep them from rusting.

Best knives in each steel

Now that we have seen how these two steels compare in-depth, we can steel what the best knives in each steel are.

Benchmade Leku (CPM-3v)

The Leku is a knife that has a unique Swedish design that is useful for everything from bushcraft to skinning game. The Leku has a 5.2-inch blade, a Santoprenre handle, and weighs 5 ounces without the sheath. If you want a versatile knife with an interesting design that is sure to catch any eye you should check out this knife.  

Check out this knife here (link to Amazon)

The CQC-11k – D2

The CQC-11k is an innovative EDC knife. It’s got the Emerson Wave, which allows you to open the knife as you pull it out of your pocket. It’s got a G10 handle scale on one side and steel on the other side, and because of how big the knife is (which is pretty large for a folder), there’s a lot that you can grip.

If you want to look at the CQC-11K, click here (link to Amazon).

Buck Knives 103 Skinner Heritage – D2

The Skinner is a wide-bellied, fixed blade knife made for skinning big game animals. The blade on this knife is very wide and the tip is dull, making it perfect for wide sweeping motions or chopping. Additionally, this knife has a dymalux handle and a leather sheath.

See this knife here (link to Amazon).

Conclusion 

CPM-3V is the better steel for bush crafters who want a tough steel that they can use for anything from chopping to skinning game. D2 is better for those who want a less expensive knife option that still offers good performance.