What is CPM?
Crucible Particle Metallurgy — a specialised process used to produce high-performance steels. It is not a type of steel itself; rather, it refers to how steel is made.
The CPM process creates a more uniform distribution of alloying elements and carbides throughout the steel, allowing manufacturers to achieve a carefully balanced combination of properties such as toughness, edge retention, wear resistance and corrosion resistance.
This consistency and ability to fine-tune performance is why CPM steels are widely favoured for premium knives and other high-performance applications.
CPM 3V & CPM MagnaCut — Toughness Meets Balance
When it comes to knife steel, toughness is the ability to withstand impact and resist chipping, cracking or breaking under stress.
Think of it this way: a tough steel can take a hard knock without easily suffering catastrophic damage. This makes toughness particularly important for blades expected to handle demanding use, where resisting impact can matter more than simply holding an edge for as long as possible.
CPM 3V is renowned for this. Developed with exceptional toughness in mind, it can withstand significant impact while maintaining its structural integrity. Its trade-off is that it offers less corrosion resistance and edge retention than some of the more specialised stainless steels.
CPM MagnaCut takes a different approach. Rather than focusing on one characteristic, it was engineered to offer an impressive balance of toughness, edge retention and corrosion resistance — three properties that traditionally involve significant trade-offs.
So while both steels can be described as tough, they tell two different stories:
CPM 3V — exceptional toughness
CPM MagnaCut — exceptional balance
Different steels are engineered around different priorities — and understanding those differences is what makes choosing the right one more interesting.
CPM S30V & CPM S35VN — The Everyday Performers
Not every knife needs to specialise in one particular characteristic. For everyday use, a well-balanced steel can offer a practical combination of edge retention, toughness and corrosion resistance — making it suitable for a wide range of applications.
CPM S30V was developed specifically with premium cutlery in mind and became one of the steels that helped establish powder-metallurgy stainless steel as a benchmark for high-performance everyday knives. It offers strong edge retention and corrosion resistance, while maintaining enough toughness for general use.
CPM S35VN builds on that foundation. Developed as an evolution of S30V, it was designed to improve toughness and ease of sharpening while retaining the qualities that made S30V popular.
The difference isn't about one steel simply replacing the other. Instead, it reflects how steel development continues to refine the balance between competing properties.
CPM S30V — a modern classic in premium EDC
CPM S35VN — a refined evolution of the same philosophy
For everyday carry, that balance is often what matters most.
CPM S45VN — Premium EDC, Refined
The development of knife steels is often about finding a better balance between competing properties. CPM S45VN is a good example of this continued refinement.
Developed as the successor to S35VN, S45VN retains the qualities that made its predecessors popular while increasing wear resistance and corrosion resistance. The result is a stainless steel well suited to premium everyday carry, where long-lasting edge performance and resistance to the elements are both important.
Compared with the progression from S30V to S35VN, S45VN represents another step towards refining the balance between edge retention, toughness and corrosion resistance.
It may not be designed to excel in just one characteristic. Instead, its appeal lies in bringing several desirable properties together in a modern, versatile package.
CPM S45VN — the evolution continues.
CPM S90V — Made to Hold an Edge
Some steels are designed around balance. Others are made to excel in a particular area.
CPM S90V is one of the latter. Known for its exceptional wear resistance and edge retention, S90V is designed to keep its cutting edge for an impressively long time under demanding use.
Its high vanadium content allows the steel to form a significant volume of extremely hard vanadium carbides. These carbides contribute heavily to its outstanding resistance to wear — and consequently, its ability to maintain an edge.
But that performance comes with a trade-off. S90V is generally more challenging to sharpen than steels designed with easier maintenance in mind, and its toughness is not its defining characteristic.
For collectors and users who place a high value on long-lasting edge performance, however that's precisely what makes S90V interesting.
CPM S90V — when edge retention takes centre stage.
Which CPM Steel? — Different Steels, Different Strengths
So, after six steels, which CPM steel is the "best"?
The answer is: there isn't one.
Each steel is designed around a different balance of properties. The right choice ultimately depends on what you value most.