Maxamet and CPM-S90V are both high-end steels, so it begs the question: Which one is better? When do you use one over the other? Well, that’s exactly what we’re diving into.
Here’s the short answer:
Maxamet holds an edge longer, while CPM-S90V has better corrosion resistance and is slightly tougher. If you need a knife that stays sharp for a long period of time, Maxamet is the steel to choose. If you need something similar but with more corrosion resistance, then choose CPM-S90V.
With the short answer out of the way, let’s take a deeper dive on each steel, what they’re used for, and which one is better.
Deep Dive on Maxamet Steel
Maxamet is produced by Carpenter Technology and the way it’s made is supposed to be pretty proprietary. But this proprietary manufacturing process makes for a steel with great edge retention.
Because it’s proprietary, it’s difficult to know the exact composition, but it’s believed to have a composition along the lines of:
- 2.15% carbon,
- 4.75% chromium,
- 10% cobalt,
- 0.3% manganese,
- 13% tungsten, and
- 6% vanadium.
Carbon helps with steel strength and edge retention (but it’s important to note that too much carbon can make the steel brittle). Chromium helps with corrosion resistance. Tungsten, cobalt, manganese, and vanadium help to make the steel stronger and more wear resistant (they do this through different ways, but ultimately they all help to make the steel more wear resistant).
While Maxamet is a very high-end steel and known for exceptional wear resistance, it’s fairly expensive. As the saying goes, you get what you pay for.
Deep Dive on CPM-S90V Steel
CPM-S90V is made using a process called Crucible Particle Metallurgy (CPM), which causes the grains of the steel to be fine and regular. This reduces the risk of irregular steel production, which causes the steel to be more wear resistant and less likely to chip or crack. In terms of composition, S90V has the following:
- 2.3% carbon
- 9% vanadium
- 1% molybdenum
- 14% chromium
Carbon helps to increase steel strength (but it’s important to note that too much carbon can make the steel brittle). Chromium gives the blade corrosion resistance, and molybdenum and vanadium both increase the strength and wear resistance of the steel.
S90V is mainly used for cutting purposes. It has great edge retention and corrosion resistance, but it’s not a very tough steel. Also, because of its great edge retention, it can be difficult to sharpen.
Maxamet versus CPM-S90V
Both steels are actually pretty close in their performance. The main biggest differences are in corrosion resistance and edge retention.
Maxamet holds an edge for longer than S90V, but it has worse corrosion resistance and toughness. So, if you need a knife that will stay sharp for a really long time, then Maxamet is a good choice. (However, it’s important to note that because it stays sharp for so long, it’s hard to sharpen.)
When it comes to corrosion resistance, Maxamet loses. It’s not a stainless steel, so it’s more likely to rust when in humid environments. S90V is very corrosion resistant, so if you need to use your knife in humid environments, S90V will be the better choice.
In terms of price, Maxamet is quite a bit more expensive than S90V. This is because of the proprietary, complex manufacturing process used to make it. If price is a determining factor in which one to get, S90V is the winner here.
Overall, they’re pretty similar. Both are great for cutting tasks, but Maxamet is better. If you need more corrosion resistance, though, then go with S90V.
Which knives are best in each steel
Now that we have looked at each steel and which one is better we can look at the best knives in each steel.
Spyderco Para Military (Maxamet)
The Spyderco Para Military is a high quality, razor-sharp, knife that is made for EDC. This knife features a comfortable 4.5 inch G-10 handle, a 3.5 inch blade, an all metal pocket clip, and a thumbhole for opening to prevent any snags when you draw your knife. If you need a new high quality EDC knife, this is the knife for you.
Here is the link to this knife (link to Amazon)
Benchmade Osborne (S90V)
The Osborne is a fancy knife that doesn’t sacrifice looks or quality. The Osborne has a 3.5 inch blade, a 4 inch handle, a silky smooth opening, and only weighs 2 ounces. If you want a good looking knife that still performs great, you should look at this knife.
Check out this knfie here (link to Amazon)
Conclusion
Both Maxamet and S90V are high-end steels that offer different uses. S90V has more corrosion resistance, while Maxamet has better edge retention. Overall, they’re both great steels; it’s just a matter of what you need the steel for.