When it comes to high-performance knife steels, CPM-M4 and CPM-S110V are two of the most popular choices. Both steels offer exceptional toughness, wear resistance, and edge retention, making them ideal for demanding cutting tasks. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the properties of CPM-M4 and CPM-S110V, and compare the two to determine which is the better choice for knife enthusiasts.
Here’s the short answer:
CPM-M4 and CPM-S110V are both excellent choices for high-performance knives. CPM-M4 offers exceptional toughness and wear resistance, while CPM-S110V is renowned for its incredible edge retention. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the specific needs and preferences of the user.
With the short answer out of the way, let’s take a closer look at each steel and which one is better and why.
Deep dive on CPM-M4
CPM-M4 is a high-speed tool steel that is renowned for its exceptional toughness and wear resistance. Developed by Crucible Industries, CPM-M4 is made using Crucible’s proprietary Crucible Particle Metallurgy process, which results in a uniform microstructure and consistent performance throughout the blade.
CPM-M4 is a high-carbon steel with a composition that includes:
- 1.4% carbon,
- 5.2% molybdenum,
- 4% vanadium,
- 5.5% tungsten, and
- small amounts of chromium and other elements.
The high carbon content contributes to the steel’s hardness and wear resistance, while the molybdenum and tungsten enhance toughness and strength. The vanadium helps to refine the grain structure of the steel and improve wear resistance.
One of the key advantages of CPM-M4 is its exceptional toughness. This steel is capable of withstanding heavy use and abuse without chipping or cracking, making it a popular choice for knives that are intended for hard use. CPM-M4 also offers excellent wear resistance, meaning that it will retain its edge for a long time even under heavy use.
Deep dive on CPM-S110V
CPM-S110V is a premium stainless steel that is known for its exceptional edge retention. Developed by Crucible Industries, CPM-S110V is made using the same particle metallurgy process as CPM-M4, which results in a uniform microstructure and consistent performance.
CPM-S110V has a high carbide content, with a composition that includes
- 2.8% carbon,
- 14% chromium,
- 2.8% vanadium,
- 9% molybdenum, and
- 3% niobium.
The high carbon and chromium content contribute to the steel’s corrosion resistance, while the vanadium and niobium improve wear resistance and toughness. The molybdenum enhances strength and machinability.
One of the key advantages of CPM-S110V is its incredible edge retention. This steel is capable of holding a razor-sharp edge for a long time, even under heavy use. CPM-S110V is also highly resistant to corrosion, making it an ideal choice for knives that will be used in wet or humid environments.
CPM-M4 versus CPM-S110V
When comparing CPM-M4 and CPM-S110V, it’s important to consider the specific needs of the user. Both steels offer exceptional performance, but each has its own strengths and weaknesses.
CPM-M4 is an excellent choice for knives that will be used for heavy-duty tasks. Its exceptional toughness and wear resistance make it a popular choice for hard-use knives, such as survival knives or fixed-blade hunting knives. However, CPM-M4 is not as corrosion-resistant as some other steels, and it can be more difficult to sharpen than some other high-performance steels.
CPM-S110V, on the other hand, is an excellent choice for knives that require exceptional edge retention. Its high carbide content and uniform microstructure make it one of the most wear-resistant steels available. This makes it an ideal choice for knives that will be used for slicing or cutting tasks, such as kitchen knives or filet knives. However, CPM-S110V is not as tough as some other steels, and it can be more difficult to sharpen.
When it comes to edge retention, CPM-S110V is the clear winner. This steel is capable of holding a razor-sharp edge for a long time, even under heavy use. However, if toughness and wear resistance are more important than edge retention, then CPM-M4 is the better choice.
Another factor to consider is corrosion resistance. While CPM-M4 is a tool steel that is not specifically designed for corrosion resistance, it is still relatively resistant to rust and corrosion. However, CPM-S110V is a stainless steel that is highly resistant to corrosion, making it an ideal choice for knives that will be used in wet or humid environments.
Overall, both CPM-M4 and CPM-S110V are excellent choices for high-performance knives. The choice between the two will depend on the specific needs and preferences of the user. If toughness and wear resistance are the most important factors, then CPM-M4 is the better choice. However, if exceptional edge retention and corrosion resistance are more important, then CPM-S110V is the way to go.
Recommended Knives
Here are our favorite knives in each category.
Benchmade Bailout – CPM-M4
The Benchmade Bailout has Benchmade’s signature AXIS lock (which makes for super smooth opening and closing), an aluminum handle, a CPM-M4 tanto-shaped blade, and weighs just 2.72 ounces. Overall, this is a high-end knife that will serve you well.
Check it out here (link to Amazon).
Spyderco Para 3 – S110V
The Spyderco Para is an EDC knife that is a little different than most. It has a unique blade shape and a thumb hole for opening. It has a grippy G-10 handle and is lightweight and small, making it great for carrying. If you are looking for a fairly unique knife, this is for you.
Check out this knife here (link to Amazon).
Conclusion
CPM-M4 and CPM-S110V are two of the most popular high-performance knife steels available. While both offer exceptional performance, each has its own strengths and weaknesses. CPM-M4 is known for its exceptional toughness and wear resistance, while CPM-S110V is renowned for its incredible edge retention and corrosion resistance. The choice between the two will depend on the specific needs and preferences of the user, but either steel will provide excellent performance for high-performance knives.