CM154 or CPMS30V...Which is better steel on Spyderco's ???

[stagman]

I recently got a Spyderco Manix 2 from my wife after she saw me posting about the knife
and flat out surprised me with it, what a gal hey, reckon thats why we been married 42 1/2 yrs !!!
I was saying in the post that I believed CM 154 was a good steel
When I recieved the knife today, it came with CPMS30V steel, they shipped me the wrong
knife !!! Bladesteel wise anyway...
Does anyone know enough about these 2 steels to say which
one they prefer, or better yet...is 1 better than the other ???
I collect knives, and do not know all the technical make-ups of all the blade
steel that is out there...I do know the 154 is American made, which was a
selling point for me...is SV30 American made steel too ???
Appreciate your smarts and input on this situation, thanks !!!
Stag

[MITCH RAPP]

Found this to answer your question;

Let's compare the facts:

154CM:
no PM steel (PM version would be CPM 154).
C: 1.05 %
Cr: 14.00 %
Mn: 0.50 %
Mo: 4.00 %
Si: 0.30 %

HRC: 58-60

S30V:
PM steel
C: 1.45 %
Cr: 14.00 %
Mn: 0.50 %
Mo: 2.00 %
Si: 0.50 %
V : 4.00 %

HRC: 58-60


So, the biggest difference would be the 4 % vanadium addition to S30V. More Vanadium normally means harder carbides that can be formed. Because of the PM process, the carbide structure is also very fine grained ==> S30V blades can be sharpened to a finer edge and hold the edge longer than 154CM.

[MITCH RAPP]

I forgot to answer your other question, Yes S30V, is an American Made Steel!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CPM_S30V_steel

[stagman]

Wow, thanks Mitch,
I got the knife just today and when I was commenting on it to tank in another
post, I had seen the 154 with the pocket clip mounted way at the end of the handle
for deep pocket carry, really liked it.
So my wife was settin behind me, checked it out, and bamm, UPS shows up today !!!
I really appreciate the anology, sounds as if I got the best end of the deal with the SV30
1st Spyderco I have ever owned.
I have 1 Benchmade & 1 custom tactical I have used for EDC
Take care out there in SC & stay out of trouble at that Jazz Fest you go to every year
Will

[MITCH RAPP]

Will Going to be 109 today here in So Cal, where I work. Since I work Outdoors and wear a Black Uniform, it ain't going to be Pretty!

[stagman]

Good luck with the 109* temps at work Mitch,
Makes me glad I am retired...
here's a pic of the Manix 2 I was suprised with Mitch,
1st impressions...I feel like Philco when he posted about his Native...
totally smitten with it. I think it will be a great addition to my EDC rotation
Best
Will

[HiPower]

mitch rapp has the good info, in addition s30 is a first generation powder alloy. the powdered process in general produces better alloys since it prevents trace element migration. ingot & sheet processed metals can allow carbon to be unevenly distributed thru out the bar metals. the powdered process assures vanadium ,chrome, carbon etc to be evenly distributed thru out a piece of metal. for sure the vanadium is a great plus since its carbides can rockwell in the high 70s. but the best alloy still depends on correct heat treatment. HiPower