S30V
Blade steels
S30V Steel
Description
CPM-S30V is a powder metallurgy stainless steel from Crucible Industries, released in late 2001. Developed in collaboration with Dick Barber, Ed Severson, and knifemakers, with the goal of surpassing BG42/154CM in toughness, edge toughness, and corrosion resistance. One of the most popular premium steels in the knife industry.
Composition
| Element | Content |
|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | ~1.4 % |
| Chromium (Cr) | ~14 % |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | ~2 % |
| Vanadium (V) | ~4 % |
| Nitrogen (N) | ~0.2 % |
Properties
| Property | Value | Rating (1-10) |
|---|---|---|
| Hardness | 58–61 HRC (up to 64 HRC with cryo) | — |
| Toughness | Similar to other stainless PM steels | 5/10 |
| Corrosion Resistance | Above average | 8/10 |
| Wear Resistance | High (4 % vanadium) | 8/10 |
| Edge Retention | High | 8/10 |
| Edge Toughness | Better than XHP, Elmax, 154CM, 440C | 6/10 |
| Grindability | Moderate | 5/10 |
Microstructure
The carbide structure of S30V is finer than 154CM (BG42 similar) due to the PM process. Also slightly finer than S60V and S90V. Vanadium carbides (VC) dominate wear resistance.
Heat Treatment
| Step | Temperature / Duration |
|---|---|
| Austenitizing | 1040–1095 °C (1900–2000 °F) |
| Quench | Oil |
| Cryo | Optional (achieves up to 64 HRC) |
| Tempering | 150–260 °C (300–500 °F, 2×) |
| Achievable Hardness | 58–61 HRC (up to 64 HRC with cryo) |
Comparison with Related Steels
| Steel | Wear Resistance | Toughness | Corrosion | Edge Retention |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S30V | 8/10 | 5/10 | 8/10 | 8/10 |
| S35VN | 7/10 | 7/10 | 8/10 | 7/10 |
| M390 | 9/10 | 4/10 | 9/10 | 9/10 |
| Elmax | 7/10 | 5/10 | 7/10 | 7/10 |
| 154CM | 6/10 | 5/10 | 7/10 | 6/10 |
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- High wear resistance and edge retention
- Above-average corrosion resistance
- Finer carbide structure than conventional steels
- Proven PM steel since 2001
- Good edge toughness (better than XHP, Elmax, 154CM)
Cons:
- Moderate toughness (similar to other stainless PM steels)
- Not as tough as S35VN or MagnaCut
- More difficult to grind than simpler steels
Conclusion
S30V was a milestone in knife steel development and led to the later development of S35VN and S45VN. With a balanced combination of wear resistance, corrosion resistance, and edge toughness, S30V remains a popular choice for premium knives. For better toughness, S35VN is the evolution.