S90V and S30V are both very high-end steels and can be found in the same price range. But what is the difference? Is one better than the other? What makes these knife steels so great? Well, let’s take a look!
Here is the short answer:
CPM-S90V is slightly better in almost all ways when compared to CPM-S30V. S90V has better edge retention, better blade durability, and better consistency, but S30V has better corrosion resistance and is easier to sharpen. S90V tends to be an all-around harder steel than S30V.
With the short answer out of the way, let’s take a closer look at why S90V is better than S30V, what each steel is made of, and our favorite knives in each steel.
CPM-S30V
S30V is a very high-quality steel at the top end of the spectrum when it comes to knife steels. But why the weird name?
The reason S30V has the S in the name is because it’s a stainless steel. The V in the name stands for vanadium which is added to the steel to refine grain size, which in turn makes the blade have better edge retention.
You may notice the CPM in the name, which means Crucible Particle Metallurgy. This is a process used to make the steel particles more consistent through the knife.
Here’s what the knife is made out of:
- 1.45% carbon
- 14% chromium
- 2% molybdenum
- 4% vanadium
Now you may be asking: What do each of these materials do?
Here is the answer: The carbon helps increase blade strength (but too much carbon will lead to your blade chipping), chromium makes the blade have corrosion resistance (anything above 10% chromium is considered stainless steel, and with S30V having 14% is it very corrosion resistant), the molybdenum makes knives easter to harden (it makes the knife easier to heat treat), and the vanadium, as covered earlier, helps with edge retention.
CPM-S90V
Just like S30V, S in S90V stands for stainless and the V stands for vanadium. Also like S30V, the CPM stands for Crucible Particle Metallurgy and does the same thing.
S90V tends to be a better steel than S30V… but why?
Well, let’s look at the materials for a clue:
- 2.30% carbon
- 14.00% chromium,
- 9.00% vanadium
- 1.00% molybdenum
The first thing you may notice is the .85% more carbon in S90V. This amount of carbon is just low enough to get the most durability in the blade without risking chipping. The 14% Chromium makes this knife stainless steel. The higher Vanadium and Molybdenum will make this steel have better edge retention and make them easier to harden.
The thing to keep in mind, though, is that the harder steel will mean that it’s tougher to sharpen. But that also means that it will hold its edge longer.
Which steel is better
So if S90V is also stainless, has vanadium, and has the same Crucible Particle Metallurgy process as S30V, what’s so different and why is one better than the other?
If you had to pick one, then you would want S90V. S90V has a better mix of materials, making it stronger, harder, more consistent, and with better edge retention.
However, if you don’t want a harder-to-sharpen knife steel, you should go with S30V, which tends to be less tough (and thus easier to sharpen).
They’re both great steels, though, and it’s really hard to go wrong with either one.
Our favorite knives of each steel
Choosing a knife in either steel can be tough, and they are both great steels, but what are the best knives in each steel?
Benchmade Altitude S90V
Benchmade’s Altitude is a super lightweight hunting knife made for backcountry hunting trips. This knife has G10 micro scales, a 3 inch CPM-S90V blade, and is a featherweight 1.67 ounces.
Benchmade Steep Country S30V
The Benchmade Steep Country is one of Benchmade’s more budget survival/hunting knives. It weighs 4 ounces with the sheath, has a Santoprene handle, and a 3.5-inch S30V blade.
Here is where you can see the knife for yourself!
Benchmade Bugout S90V
The Bugout is one of Benchmade’s most famous folding knives. It boasts being only 2.2 ounces and has a buttery smooth action. It has Benchmade’s deep-carry pocket clip, a carbon fiber handle, and a 3.24 inch CPM-S90V steel blade.
See this knife for yourself here!
Benchmade Griptilian S30V
The Griptilian is one of the smoothest knives we’ve ever had at Blade Fun (and that’s saying a lot). The knife is so smooth that if you hold down the blade lock, you can flick the knife open. With a nylon handle, a 3.45 inch CPM-S30V blade, and a buttery smooth action, this knife is a solid buy.
You check this knife out for yourself here!
Conclusion
S90V and S30V are both great steels. But when you compare the two, you will find that S90V is just a little better than S30V in most scenarios. So, next time you buy a knife, you might look at one of the ones listed above or one in either of these steels.
See more articles on knives, blade steel comparisons, and everything knife-related here!