CTS XHP vs S30V Steel

CTS XHP and S30V are high-performance knife steels produced through advanced powder metallurgy.

CTS XHP, developed by Carpenter through powder metallurgy, can be considered a high-hardness variant of 440C stainless steel or a corrosion-resistant version of D2 tool steel.

XHP offers superior toughness compared to S30V making it more resistant to chipping and fracturing under impact loads.

However, S30V, produced by the CPM (Crucible Particle Metallurgy) process, demonstrates better edge retention due to its optimized alloy containing 4% vanadium for hard vanadium carbides.

While CTS XHP prioritizes toughness and grindability, CPM S30V excels in edge retention and corrosion resistance.

CTS XHP vs S30V steel At A Glance 

Here’s a descriptive table summarizing the differences between XHP and S30V steels, with columns for the property, S30V steel, and XHP steel:

Hardness

Both CTS XHP and S30V steel are capable of achieving high hardness levels up to around 64 HRC. 

However, they are typically heat-treated within the 60-62 HRC range to strike an optimal balance for knife performance. 

The aim hardness of knife steel plays an important role in determining its toughness, edge retention, and corrosion resistance. 

Higher hardness of CTS XHP can provide better edge retention but may also make the steel more susceptible to chipping or breaking under impact loads.

Toughness

CTS XHP steel exhibits slightly better toughness compared to S30V steel.

This means that knives made from CTS XHP will have a higher resistance to chipping and breaking, even under impact or side loads.

In a Transverse Charpy C-notch Toughness Testing by Crucible, CPM S30V steel achieved impact energy of 10ft-lbs while CTS XHP is expected to achieve around 12ft-lbs similar to S35VN.

The better toughness of XHP compared to S30V is primarily due to chromium carbides as opposed to hard, brittle vanadium carbides in S30V.

Chromium Carbides in XHP may be less detrimental to toughness than harder vanadium carbides in S30V.

The better toughness of CTS-XHP is particularly advantageous for larger knives or blades that may experience more intense stress and shock during use.

S30V, while still reasonably tough for its hardness levels, is more prone to chipping or fracturing under high impact or side loading conditions than CTS XHP. 

Edge Retention

S30V steel exhibits better edge retention and wear resistance than CTS XHP steel, which can significantly impact the slicing performance and longevity of knife edges made from these materials.

According to the CATRA (Cutlery & Allied Trades Research Association) testing data, S30V showed 45% better edge retention than 440C stainless steel. 

At the same time, CTS XHP steel fell somewhat lower at around the level of steel like Elmax, S45VN, and S35VN.

The higher wear resistance of S30V is attributed to its optimized composition and higher volumetric percentage of hard vanadium carbides.

Vanadium carbides are more effective at resisting abrasive wear than the chromium carbides present in CTS XHP. 

Corrosion Resistance

S30V stainless steel demonstrates superior corrosion resistance compared to CTS XHP steel.

S30V corrosion resistance is equal to or better than 440C stainless steel in various environments, while CTS XHP is rated as having corrosion resistance equivalent to 440C or slightly lower. 

In a corrosion test conducted by Dr. Larrin Thomas, he found the corrosion resistance of XHP steel low compared to other stainless steel.

According to the test, XHP showed signs of corrosion of pure water spray test after 10 hours, no other stainless steel showed signs of corrosion after only 10 hours.

CTS XHP relatively low corrosion resistance compared to S30V steel and other stainless steels results from very little Chromium being left in the solution as much of it forms the chromium carbides.

S30V would be the better choice for ensuring a clean, rust-free edge and surface where knives will be subjected to humid conditions. 

Ease of Sharpening 

CTS XHP steel exhibits better grindability compared to S30V steel.

CTS XHP can be easily ground to the thin profiles, and its composition with only chromium carbides as opposed to vanadium carbides in S30V makes it relatively easy to grind and polish with standard abrasives. 

In contrast, S30V steel higher vanadium content and more complex carbide structure can make it somewhat more difficult to grind and sharpen. 

This improved grindability of CTS XHP can be beneficial during the knife manufacturing process, as it may require less effort and time to grind the blades to the desired profiles and edge geometry.

Additionally, for end-users, CTS XHP knives may be easier to sharpen and maintain a keen edge, as the steel responds better to standard sharpening equipment and techniques.

Final Thoughts on CTS XHP vs S30V Steel

In my experience working with CTS XHP and S30V knife steels, I find CTS XHP to be an underrated steel in the knife world despite its excellent balance of properties. 

While you cannot go wrong with either steel you pick between the two, S30V will likely offer slightly better edge retention and corrosion resistance.

However, CTS XHP better toughness and grindability make it an extremely viable option, especially for larger knives or blades that may see more abuse.

I find XHP to be the most underrated knife steel that can go toe-to-toe with most premium steels in terms of overall performance.

S30V is more popular than CTS XHP because it is readily available from Crucible, while a company like Cold Steel Knives had to move away from using XHP due to reported availability issues from Carpenter.

Nonetheless, CTS XHP deserves more recognition for its well-rounded capabilities and the value it can bring to production and custom knives.