CPM-S90V Knife Steel: A Cut Above The Rest

CPM-S90V knife steel has really raised the bar in the commercial knife industry. This martensitic stainless tool steel is forged from the patented Crucible Particle Metallurgy powder metal process which gives knives virtually unrivaled longevity. The vanadium, chromium, and carbon-rich mixture gives S90V a superior quality wear resistance, previously unattainable through steels like S30V and S60V. It is designed to outlast its predecessors by being more resistant to wear and tear as well as general corrosion.

Of all the many reasons to buy a knife, longevity is obviously one of the most important value-based considerations. Even though it's not a prerequisite, S90V knives have made a big impact on the industry and continue to be one of the more sought after choices among veteran collectors and those looking to invest in a knife they plan to use on a regular basis. Though it is not currently popular among manufactures due to the difficulties is presents in the production process.

At BladeOps.com, we are obsessed with understanding what makes knives great, which is why we only bring you knives from the best manufacturers. It's not enough for us to just carry a wide selection of CPM-S90V blades. We decided to break down everything you need to know about them including how they stack up to similar steel. Keep reading to know the difference for yourself...

Why Most Knives Rust and Wear Down Easily?

So what exactly is it that causes high-quality knives to begin to wear down so easily after regular use? The truth is, there are several contributing factors to why most knife steels break down. The major factors include continuous repetitive use, moisture exposure, and poor upkeep. The key to extending a knife's longevity comes down to three main factors as well. The first factor is composition, which takes place during the forging process. The second is conditioning, which can be developed by employing heat treatments to certain steels. The third is upkeep, which is how the owner uses and maintains the blade over time.

Where most knife steels fall short of S90V is a combination of composition and conditioning capabilities. The ratio of carbon to chromium in S90V makes it extremely conducive to heat treatment which gives it a leg up on other steels. This hack during the heat treatment process can drastically curb the wear resistance ability provided by chromium carbides by hardening the steel exponentially.

***Pro Conditioning Tip (From Crucible Industries Website):

Temper: For an optimum combination of hardness, wear resistance and corrosion resistance, double temper at 400-750°F (200-400°C). Hold for a minimum of 2 hours each temper. For optimum stress relieving and dimensional stability, S90V may be double tempered at 1000-1025°F (540-550°C), but tempering above 800°F (425°C) may result in some loss of corrosion resistance. A freezing treatment may be employed between the first and second tempers if desired. Freezing treatments should always be followed by at least one temper.

PLEASE NOTE: Tempering between about 800 and 1000°F (425 and 540°C) is not recommended. All martensitic stainless steels suffer from embrittlement when tempered in this range.

It's important to understand that no matter how high quality a knife is, upkeep is still a major factor in long term usability. CPM-S90V can take a beating but that doesn't mean it shouldn't be maintained just as readily as other types of steel. Even after heat treatments, knives need regular maintenance to hold up against repetitive use and environmental elements. Take good care of it and it will serve you well.

For all that longevity does S90V give up any other important qualities? Though there may be no such thing as a perfect blade, this steel is applicable to most of your needs and preferences as a knife owner, though some manufacturers find it is slightly less machinable then similar steels due to its vanadium carbide content resilience. It's a good addition to any collection and is among the elite class of long-lasting knife steels for a reason. Its applications by knife makers are diverse because many other steels, including several popular grades by Crucible, simply aren't forged to last quite as well.

The Adoption of CPM-S90V In Modern Knifesmithing

S90V took the knife industry by storm and kindled the interest in metallurgy in many novice collectors. It's use in many other applications that required high-stress resistance such as food and chemical processing components made knife enthusiasts jump at the opportunity to get their hands on some. The great appeal of its stubborn toughness is its capacity for unparalleled edge retention. Its high vanadium carbide content (which is more than double that of s30v) makes it hold onto molecules like the jaws of life. Popular manufacturers such as Spyderco and Benchmade began to experiment with its unique characteristics and soon after, it became a popular niche in the knife marketplace.

To learn more about the evolution of the CPM process and how it became a staple in the knifesmithing industry, check out our article on s35vn here:

https://blog.bladeops.com/what-is-cpm-s35vn-steel....

*** It includes a list of notable knives that may be worth picking up near the end of the article.

When it comes to S90V some of the more popular blades on the market include:

Benchmade 940-1 Osborne Carbon Fiber Folder Knife, CPM-S90V Satin Blade

The Benchmade Nakamura is an elegant yet durable S90V folder blade housed in a high-quality carbon fiber handle. It features a combo edge and satin silver finish that give it a sleek appearance to go along with its powerful performance attributes. At a price point of just $272 here on BladeOps, it's a major S90V addition to any collection for sure.

Benchmade 484-1 Nakamura Carbon Fiber Folder Knife, CPM-S90V Satin Blade

The Benchmade Nakamura is an elegant yet durable S90V folder blade housed in a high-quality carbon fiber handle. It features a standard edge and satin silver finish that give it a sleek appearance to go along with its powerful performance attributes. At a price point of just $272 here on BladeOps, it's a major S90V addition to any collection for sure.

Spyderco Proficient, Carbon Fiber Handle, Plain S90V Fixed Blade

Spyderco's Proficient is a serious piece of S90V that high-end collectors will love. This bushcraft beauty designed by Chris Claycomb has an easy to grip carbon fiber handle making it a long-lasting powerhouse built for massive action. Though it has a higher price point of $318.50, the staggering savings of $171.50 on BladeOps makes it easy for you to get elite quality affordable.

Benchmade 490S Arcane Spring Assist Flipper Knife, CPM-S90V Satin Combo Blade

A slightly cheaper yet still dynamic option is the Benchmark Arcane. This lightweight spring-assisted flipper offers tons of value. With its popular serrated satin finished blade and the patented Benchmade AXIS system, this little S90V flipper packs a punch for just $229.50.

The CPM-S90V Knife vs. The Competition

When it comes to picking the right knife as a collector, you have various factors to consider. Do you want a fixed blade or a folder? Do you prefer a spring assisted knife? More importantly, what are you using it for? Though steel grade isn't the first thing on the mind of many collectors, it's definitely a major factor in the ultimate features and benefits a knife can offer. Here's how S90V steel stacks up against similar grades.

CPM S110V

This grade built upon the success of S90V in the market place and offers slight improvements in wear resistance, due to the addition of niobium to the formula.s110v still boasts of similar edge retention to that of S90V. Though it has been picked up by manufacturers like Spyderco, S90V still remains a favorite of true knife enthusiasts who have followed the evolution of the CPM process.

CPM M4

Another similar grade is M4 which has some of the wear resistant vanadium carbides of S90V but is easier to sharpen. Many knife owners claim it also has superior cutting power though S90V is slightly more wear resistant in the long run. M4 also lacks the corrosion resistance provided by S90V.

CPM-S90V

What's so special about CPM S90V is its vanadium density which helps develop vanadium carbides to support wear resistance, this allows chromium carbides to prevent corrosion resulting in the longevity that made it famous.

Check out our store for all kinds of blades from the best brands in the game. We promise you will find excellent deals and great information to make the best decision about your next purchase. We have a great variety of CPM-S90V knife options as well as anything you could possibly need. We offer FREE shipping on all orders!

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