CPM 20CV and CPM 154 are both powder metallurgy stainless steels made following the Crucible Particle Metallurgy Process, however, there are differences in how these steels are formulated to achieve their balance and performance in knife applications.
CPM 20CV steel has high chromium (20%) and vanadium (4%) content enabling superior wear resistance and edge retention over CPM 154 steel.
Contrary, the lack of Vanadium elements in CPM 154 trades away some of the wear resistance and edge retention to gain advantages in toughness and ease of sharpening.
It is worth noting that we will be looking at CPM 154 and not 154CM, CPM 154 steel is an upgraded powder metallurgy version of 154CM steel, it provides better performance in toughness due to its very homogeneous alloy.
We will compare CPM 20CV versus CPM 154 to highlight the unique advantages of each steel. We’ll analyze how their compositions drive differences in knife applications and suitability based on factors like edge retention, toughness, and corrosion resistance.
We’ll also guide you when 20CV is the best option versus applications better served by CPM 154, read on to ensure you select the best steel for your knife.
CPM 154 vs CPM 20CV Steel Differences At A Glance
| Property | CPM 154 Steel | CPM 20CV |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | Lacks Vanadium | High vanadium (4%) and chromium (20%) |
| Hardness | 58-62 HRC | 56-59 HRC |
| Edge Retention | Moderate | Over 30% better edge retention than CPM 154 |
| Toughness | Better balance of toughness and hardness | More brittle, likely to chip if abused |
| Corrosion Resistance | Excellent, high chromium content | Superior corrosion resistance, highest chromium content |
| Sharpenability | Easier to sharpen | More difficult to sharpen due to hard vanadium carbides |
| Price | More affordable | More expensive, often 2-3 times the price |
| Best Applications | EDC knives due to the balance of qualities | Premium/high-end knives due to extreme edge retention |
Composition
Hardness
According to the Crucible datasheet, CPM 154 Steel can achieve a Rockwell hardness of between 58-62 HRC, while CPM 20CV steel can achieve a Rockwell Hardness of 56-59 HRC depending on the heat treatment applied.
Depending on the hardness achieved during the heat treatment of either steel, it is worth noting that higher hardness gives better edge retention but risks brittleness, while lower hardness sacrifices edge retention for improved toughness and ease of sharpening.
Edge Retention
CPM 20CV steel will hold an edge better than CPM 154 steel, the higher edge retention of CPM 20CV steel is achieved due to its better alloying composition which contains a high amount of vanadium carbides suitable for edge retention and wear resistance.
According to Cutlery & Allied Trade Research Association (CATRA) testing, CPM 20CV delivers over 30% better edge retention than CPM 154 steel. This enhanced edge retention is enabled by 20CV’s advanced alloy composition, which incorporates very high vanadium carbide content which CPM 154 lacks.
Toughness
CPM 154 provides better toughness compared to 20CV as it has less carbide content, the higher carbide content in 20CV can lead to breaking as hard carbides tend to be highly brittle.
CPM 154 achieves a better balance of hardness and toughness, its hardness is high, but not so extreme that it becomes overly brittle. This allows CPM 154 knives to withstand heavy use and abuse without chipping or breaking.
Overall, for applications demanding higher toughness, CPM 154 is the preferable choice. However, 20CV remains a good steel in its own right as the toughness difference is small, and 20CV will still perform well under most circumstances, but when outright toughness is paramount, CPM 154 is superior.
Corrosion Resistance
CPM 20CV provides superior corrosion resistance compared to CPM 154 steel, this is due to its uniquely high chromium content (20%) – the highest of any steel in its class.
The high chromium in 20CV creates an exceptional corrosion-resistant matrix, which allows 20CV to resist rusting and staining when exposed to moisture, acids, salts, and other corroding agents.
While CPM 154 also provides superb corrosion resistance thanks to high levels of chromium (14%), it contains slightly less chromium than 20CV, which means 20CV holds a slight advantage in rust protection and stain resistance over the already impressive CPM 154.
For most applications, either of these martensitic stainless steels provides outstanding performance against corrosion, but for uses where corrosion issues may be more extreme, 20CV is the best match.
Ease of Sharpening
When it comes to ease of sharpening, CPM 154 has an advantage over CPM 20CV steel. As premium powder metallurgy steels, both possess fine, evenly distributed carbides that support grindability.
However, 20CV extraordinarily high vanadium carbide content also gives it very wear-resistant carbides, these hard carbides excel at retaining sharp edge but resist abrasion during sharpening. In contrast, CPM 154 offers easier sharpenability because of its slightly lower alloy carbide content.
In practice, CPM 154 knives can be brought to a sharp edge relatively quickly compared to 20CV steel knives. However, that sharpness will be lost faster during use with CPM 154. 20CV requires more expertise, effort, time, and equipment to resharpen once dull.
In essence, CPM 154 sacrifices edge retention for easier maintainability, while 20CV does the opposite – providing unrivaled edge life at the cost of more demanding sharpening.
So CPM 154 blade is the choice for applications favoring convenient maintenance, while 20CV prioritizes extended periods between sharpening above all else.
Pricing and Availability
Knives made from CPM 20CV steel usually cost more money than CPM 154 knives, sometimes double or triple the price. 20CV steel is high quality, but more complicated to make. This means companies pass these costs on by charging higher prices for 20CV knives.
Meanwhile, CPM 154 steel is also very good, knives with CPM 154 steel use quality steel at a lower cost, which allows companies to sell CPM 154 knives for lower prices than fancy 20CV models.
So for shoppers on a budget, CPM 154 knives deliver excellent performance while being more affordable. For those who want the absolute best steel in edge retention and corrosion resistance, 20CV steel is ideal.
But for great reliability and ease of use without the high price tag, CPM 154 knives offer fantastic value to most buyers.
Applications of CPM 154 and CPM 20CV
CPM 154 and 20CV are both marketed as knife steels, they share similarities of being high-performance CPM stainless steels well suited for cutlery and demanding wear/cutting applications requiring properties like hardness, corrosion resistance, and edge retention.
Due to the CPM 20CV price tag, excellent edge holding, and corrosion resistance, 20CV can serve as a premium pocket knife while CPM 154 is suitable for everyday carry (EDC) pocket knives as it is easy to sharpen and also resists corrosion excellently.
CPM 20CV performance is highly similar to M390 steel and CTS 204P steel, either of these steels will give you the same performance. On the other hand, CPM 154 is highly similar to its predecessor 154CM steel only that it gives better toughness.
Conclusion CPM 154 vs CPM 20CV
In conclusion, CPM 20CV is more expensive and keeps a sharp edge much longer – over 30% better than CPM 154. This is because 20CV has more vanadium carbides that make the edge stay sharper. However, these carbides also make 20CV difficult to sharpen.
CPM 154 does not keep an edge as long as 20CV, but it is easier to sharpen. CPM 154 also bends more before breaking, this makes it tougher against impacts while CPM 20CV is more likely to chip if dropped or abused.
For corrosion resistance, 20CV provides excellent corrosion resistance and protects better against rust, It has more chromium that helps stop corrosion, But both steels resist corrosion very well.
So CPM 20CV is best if you want the longest-lasting sharpness without sharpening often. CPM 154 is a better choice if you need good edge retention but also easy sharpening and toughness, CPM 154 is also more affordable.