LC200N provides unparalleled corrosion resistance critical for saltwater use, while S30V is optimized for edge retention desired in everyday carry knives.
Originally released as Cronidur 30, LC200N is now sold under names like Zapp LC200N, Z-Finit, and Bohler N360.
LC200N production via pressurized electro slag remelting (PESR) gives it outstanding corrosion resistance, superior to highly stainless steels like MagnaCut and H1.
This makes LC200N stainless steel an exceptional choice for marine environments and highly corrosive environments.
In contrast, S30V, developed specifically as a knife steel by Crucible Industries, it exhibits phenomenal edge retention and wear resistance attributed to high vanadium and carbon content.
While S30V can rust or stain in some conditions, it maintains sharp cutting edges significantly longer than LC200N.
LC200N vs S30V Steel At A Glance
| Property | LC200N Steel | S30V Steel |
|---|---|---|
| Hardness | Up to 60 HRC | Up to 64 HRC |
| Toughness | Excellent, due to low alloy content | Average, reduced by high vanadium carbides |
| Corrosion Resistance | Extremely high, due to nitrogen addition | Above average |
| Edge Retention | Good, but not as high as alloyed grades | Excellent |
| Ease of Sharpening | Excellent, low volume of small carbides | Average, due to large, hard vanadium carbides |
| Typical Use | Specialized applications like marine environments | General purpose EDC knives |
Corrosion Resistance
LC200N and S30V are stainless steel, however, LC200N has superior corrosion resistance compared to S30V due to its composition.
LC200N stainless steel achieves excellent corrosion resistance through 15% chromium and 0.5% nitrogen, with very little carbon to form chromium carbides.
The nitrogen occupies sites in the iron lattice normally taken by carbon, improving pitting resistance.
S30V stainless steel has a chromium content of 14% with 1.45% carbon and no intentional nitrogen addition.
The higher carbon content leads to more chromium being tied up in chromium carbides, reducing corrosion resistance.
The excellent corrosion resistance of LC200N allows knives to better withstand humid, salty, or acidic environments without rusting or staining.
LC200N steel optimized composition provides markedly better corrosion resistance critical for knives used in demanding environments.
Toughness
LC200N steel has significantly higher toughness compared to S30V steel. Testing shows LC200N achieving over twice the toughness of S30V steel.
In transverse Charpy impact tests, LC200N achieved toughness values around 30 ft-lbs while S30V was around 10 ft-lbs.
The higher toughness of LC200N is attributed to its lower overall carbide content from the lower carbon and lack of vanadium.
In contrast, the higher carbon and vanadium content of S30V leads to a higher volume of large, brittle vanadium carbides that reduce toughness.
For knives, the higher toughness of LC200N provides better resistance to chipping when subjected to impacts and lateral forces.
This makes it suitable for larger, tougher knives. The lower toughness of S30V increases susceptibility to chipping and edge failure under hard use, making it less ideal for larger knives and chopping tasks.
LC200N provides distinctly higher toughness critical for larger knives, while S30V sacrifices some toughness for increased hardness and edge retention.
Hardness
LC200N steel has a lower maximum hardness compared to S30V steel. LC200N reaches a hardness of around 60 HRC, in contrast, S30V can reach hardness levels of 61-64 HRC
LC200N achieves its hardness through its composition of 0.3% carbon, 15% chromium, 1% molybdenum, and 0.4% nitrogen.
The nitrogen content contributes some hardness while avoiding the formation of chromium carbides that reduce toughness and corrosion resistance.
In contrast, S30V achieves higher hardness levels of 61-64 HRC through its higher alloy content including 1.45% carbon, 14% chromium, 4% vanadium, and 2% molybdenum.
The additional carbon and vanadium form hard vanadium carbides that contribute substantial hardness. However, these carbides reduce toughness and grindability compared to LC200N.
The lower hardness of LC200N steel limits its edge retention potential for knives but provides better toughness.
S30V knife steel higher achievable hardness leads to increased edge-holding capability, but more difficult machining and sharpening.
So S30V is able to reach higher hardness through its higher carbide-forming elements, while LC200N sacrifices some hardness for improved grindability and toughness.
Edge Retention
S30V has substantially higher edge retention and wear resistance compared to LC200N due to its composition and carbide structure.
CATRA Edge Retention testing shows that S30V has around 45% higher edge retention compared to LC200N.
S30V achieves its edge holding through 1.45% carbon and 4% vanadium which form hard, wear-resistant vanadium carbides.
LC200N lacks vanadium and has a lower carbon content of 0.3%, leading to a much lower volume fraction of fine carbides.
For knives, the higher wear resistance of S30V allows it to maintain sharp cutting edges significantly longer under use.
LC200N’s edge retention is still reasonably good but considerably lower than S30V.
The fine carbides in LC200N provide some enhanced edge stability over simple steels like 440C.
Ease of Sharpening
LC200N has substantially better ease of sharpening compared to S30V due to its lower alloy content and fine carbide structure.
The lower carbon and lack of vanadium in LC200N results in a lower volume fraction of chromium carbides.
Additionally, the small size of the carbides from the specialized production method improves grindability.
In contrast, the higher carbon and vanadium content of S30V leads to a significantly higher volume of coarse, hard vanadium carbides that are difficult to abrade during sharpening.
The excellent sharpenability of LC200N knives allows quick re-sharpening to a fine edge.
S30V steel average grind ability means more time and effort are required to sharpen dull edges.
However, S30V maintains the edge longer before re-sharpening is needed.
Final Thoughts on LC200N vs S30V Steel
Having used knives in both LC200N and S30V steels, I have been impressed by the strengths of each steel.
S30V has been a staple in my EDC rotation for years due to its incredible edge retention and wear resistance, the sharpness S30V maintains through heavy use continues to amaze me.
On the other hand, I was extremely impressed by the Spyderco Native Salt LC200N and its remarkable corrosion resistance.
It retained a razor edge through all manners of cutting and slicing, not quite matching S30V but superior to other notable steels.
Even more notable was the excellent corrosion resistance after extensive exposure to saltwater.
For frequently used knives, S30V steel remains hard to beat and I would highly recommend it to anyone.
But for specialized uses like marine environments, LC200N’s corrosion performance is on another level entirely.
MagnaCut steel is an interesting new steel that bridges the gap between these two steels in properties.