CPM-S35VN: An in-depth look at this powdered steel

[@chrisnalle5483]

I am the Operations Manager of the CPM shop at Crucible. I would have to say you did some solid research and put out a great video! Did you work with Bob Skibitski?

[@TCB2Country122]

Thank you so much Chris! We did not talk to Bob, but my background is in metallurgy and machine work, the process is fascinating and I love the steel you guys produce!

[@chrisnalle5483]

@@TCB2Country122 thanks! And yes it is a very cool process. Maybe one day when all this crap is over you can come see it!

[@JohnFrumFromAmerica]

Hi Chris love your companies steel looking forward what you are coming up with next. Perhaps a tougher lower carbide cpm stainless ;)

[@MrDaleStroud]

It would be helpful to see the process in action...take a video crew to NY! :)

[@erikbluesunpools]

Buck 19 blade steel is 420 hc. its not 440a or 440c steel which is a harder steel. I own a buck 19 and i will keep it cause i lost the receipt.

[@mikerotch6068]

So much respect for people who work with metals. Found EVERYWHERE and taken for granted

[@SMKWcom]

💯

[@SmithWesson90]

I am absolutely a huge fan of S35VN. I own a Cold Steel AD-10 with S35vn I have not needed to sharpen it yet. Insane edge retention. I also just got the Esse-4 in S35vn wow what an absolutely perfect knife.

[@SMKWcom]

We love the Ad-10!

[@DavidV4444]

S35 and 45 are great all around steels - very corrosion resistant, easy to sharpen to hair popping, very tough and won’t chip and has good edge retention. I am glad I have lots of S35 in my Chris Reeve Collection as well as a lot of S45. When Magnacut comes out in CRK, I will also add them. Remember, M390 and CPM 20CV will hold an edge longer BUT they also take longer to sharpen! S35VN is phenomenal!

[@SMKWcom]

Sounds like a great collection! Thanks for watching

[@jo2862]

Question, if I'm looking to invest in a all-around $150-200 knife, would you recommend s35vn? I'm trying to just have a couple solid knives instead of 20 😂 Thank you

[@DavidV4444]

@@jo2862 if I had the choice between S35/S45 or Magnacut, I would choose Magnacut because it’s one of the very best steels in every category however, S35VN is truly a beautiful steel, it’s easy to sharpen and it holds a very good edge and it’s very tough. M390, 20CV and S90 will hold an edge longer but aren’t as tough and take longer to sharpen (for me). I think for a person that uses a knife for normal EDC, A35 is my favorite 🤩

[@alexanderslee]

@DavidV4444 S35 I believe that you meant…

[@DavidV4444]

@@alexanderslee yes indeed S35VN 😊

[@smithn.wesson495]

I own a Buck 119 Pro with the SV35N blade. Hands down my favorite all-around knife and the S35VN has great sharpness retention and strength. Well worth the extra price for the performance and quality.

[@LLUrbanAchiever]

Perfect presentation, super-informative, learned a lot and greatly appreciate the lack of “musical intros” or worse: “comedy”! Thank you.

[@SMKWcom]

Thanks for watching!

[@joesavant5490]

I've got a couple in S35VN, it's never let me down, holds and takes a nice toothy edge, cuts rope, cardboard, packing straps mule tape, wire insulation, tape, and any other thing I have to cut on the job. If I'm using it a lot, I'll have to touch it up every other day or so. It's not that it's 'dull' but the edge isn't as keen as I like it. I keep the edge bevel at around 40 inclusive.

[@SMKWcom]

We love S35VN! 👍

[@OTG414]

Hands down, s35vn is the best all around knife steel made today!!! I have a Spyderco PM2, Esee 3, Esee 4, and a Spyderco Tenacious (on preorder) all in s35vn. I also have a Spyderco Sage in s30v. All steel produced in my wife’s hometown of Syracuse, NY!

[@TCB2Country122]

It is absolutely one of my favorites! And I gotta say I’m a little jealous of your S35VN collection!

[@chrisnalle5483]

We’ll be melting and atomizing a bunch more of it next week!

[@OTG414]

@@chrisnalle5483 I just added CPM-S3V to my collection

[@chrisnalle5483]

@@OTG414 seems as though that grade is really gaining popularity in the knife market! Fun little history note on powdered 3V, it’s traditionally a conventionally melted and casted grade. We we’re getting rather small orders for the grade so we decided to melt for the orders in our shop rather than make a much larger heat and carry the inventory...that is until the market got their hands on the powdered version and NEVER wanted traditionally cast 3V again. From there it has just gained more and more steam, particularly in the knife market as of the last several years.

[@OTG414]

@@chrisnalle5483 Wish the guys at Esee would get on board with 3V. It’s amazing stuff. We’re proud of you guys. Keep up the good work!

[@richardmueller7197]

I have a Spyderco Native with S35VN - My favorite EDC knife as it's easy to retain a edge and the ergonomics for the knife are outstanding for a small folder. I have a Paramiltary with S30V - nice knife but it sits on my knife shelf most of the time.

[@doctoruttley]

I have a huge Spyderco collection and the Sage 1 in Maxamet is my EDC...literally every day, no matter what I am wearing. 😎🤘🏻

[@kingrob9993]

Kizer is a amazing brand and very high quality imo, I own 2. My Matt Deegnan Kizer with S35vn steel with a titanium handle, and my Sheepdog that uses 154cm steel. You really can't go wrong with either it being Kizer, but after using my S35vn for a while and still going I don't think I'll use anything other then S35vn steel here on out. It literally blows most if not all my other knives away when it comes to edge retention and durability . Plus its way easier to sharpen up and you don't have to sharpen it as often either. And for the price it doesn't get any better then Titanium + S35vn steel it's a steal lmao.

[@colinclarke9379]

just got my first s35vn knife thanks for the breakdown

[@SMKWcom]

Thank you for watching!

[@SussexEDC]

Thanks for this. Really appreciate it. I hear a lot of people saying that S35VN is their favourite knife steel and i was curious to learn a little more. Appreciate it.

[@SMKWcom]

Thanks for watching and we hope we helped👍

[@pauldayton5285]

Great video ! I have the SOG Seal XR Flipper in CPM S35VN. It's an amazing steel !

[@caliginousmoira8565]

adamas reply's

[@just-inedc2381]

If you are gonna talk about this steel, You also have to give credit to Chris Reeve bc he worked hand in hand with crucible in process to come up with S35VN 👌

[@DL-ij7tf]

@@simonjohn70 It is generally considered a super steel, being a CPM (crucible powder metallurgy) aka a powdered or sintered steel.

[@danielgoen9452]

This series of videos are awesome. Nice to see it explained in normal words. Thanks so much for all in this series :-)

[@SMKWcom]

Thanks for watching! TC loves doing these and we all learn so much 👍

[@skyefox5796]

I'm about to get a really nice balisong with milled titanium handles, clip point blade, and s35vn steel and man oh man am I excited for that thing. Finally something that'll be able to take the drops.

[@SMKWcom]

Tag us in the pics when it comes in!

[@dhession64]

I've wondered for a long time how certain steels or metals are made and what makes them what they are. This video has been like an epiphany for me. No exaggeration. It's like the Library of Alexandria opened up for 2nd Century scholars. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

[@TCB2Country122]

Thank you so much! A lot of people see the names out there and see the varying price tags and wonder what the difference is or want to know the pros and cons of different types and what they might be best at. We wanted to help make that knowledge more accessible and more simple to take in. Stay tuned we’ve got more coming!

[@shuvelhed73]

Love my ZT 0770CF with the S35VN steel!

[@SMKWcom]

We really dig ZT!

[@bornetocrywolf5965]

In my age and experience, by and large, you get what you pay for. My Recon 1 folder is my go-to folder. It’s resistant enough to not have to baby it yet it’ll throw sparks. It holds its edge great. Coupled with that solid triad lock up, it’s a force multiplier. Not exactly stumping for Cold Steel but this knife designation is a winner.

[@nrh7ten892]

I've been looking for a video like this, thank you. Much needed in my decision for my next knife.

[@SMKWcom]

Thanks for watching! TC loves doing this series and we will have more out soon 👍

[@butchcassidy3373]

Just got my first knife in this steel and glad to hear it's pretty good stuff.

[@SMKWcom]

Thanks for watching and hope you like S35VN as much as we do

[@williamhoppe4500]

Thanks, very interesting. I have a Yojimbo2 S30V..

[@mikecurtis2585]

Great steel never tried it. I have friends that love it. Thanks 😊!!

[@jimmyking8206]

I would like to try it out. Thanks for the info.

[@powerplay4real174]

Very s35vn is very good stuff , especially for pocket knives. Recon 1 Tanto Espada XL & L.

[@SMKWcom]

Thanks for watching👍

[@chriswood3390]

Have a buck 658 in s35 cut 8 deer from field to freezer and haven't needed a touch up yet.

[@SMKWcom]

Nice!

[@bwax1542]

Oooooh nOooooo TC, you sent my head into the spin cycle, my vertigo is taking me on a trip I can't exit. Please take us on virtual trip to the Crucible Steel Mill to show us what it is all about. I have the White River KnuckleHead II in S35VN and am very impressed with the knife and the steel. And if SMKW will hurry up and ship my ESEE Xancudo I will then have another knife in S35VN to compare the KnuckleHead II to, too, two, tue (see the head-spin you crated TC? ? ?)

[@TCB2Country122]

You will love the Xancudo! For me it is a perfect size and weight!

[@bwax1542]

@@TCB2Country122 Indeed I will. For me, it seems to be a perfect size between my ESSE 3 and my Knucklehead II neck knife. The FedEx man left me my package an hour ago, so thanks to SMKW for getting it out the door so quickly. Straight out of the box, I haven'y seen any knife any sharper than my ESEE Xancudo. Thanks TC for all the cool content you produce!

[@timothythedude5406]

I do enjoy my s35vn steel. Great video

[@SMKWcom]

Thanks for watching!

[@islandstyleknives7320]

Love the idea for this video, very cool. Thank you very much🍻🏝

[@jacobsebastien3910]

s35vn Stainless is my favorite Stainless Steel. All around best in my opinion'

[@SMKWcom]

S35VN is great for so many different jobs!

[@Zero_8347]

I have an Esee Izula and a Cold Steel Frenzy in S35VN. It’s incredibly tough for stainless steel.

[@SMKWcom]

💯

[@johnkeck1025]

🤓 I need more steel knowledge! Great video guys! Thanks!

[@SMKWcom]

Thanks for watching John

[@jaredcharland624]

It would be interesting to see if three's any practical usability differences between S35VN and S30V

[@bosse641]

Awesome series. Thanks.

[@rockbrd1]

Medford knife & tools uses CPM S35VN to make his knives. Its a great all around steel

[@Hurleytube]

I only ever had my benchmade bugout but that’s in s30v. I’ve had it a long time. I love it but it did break the tip a while back when I dropped it. I fixed it and been using like that since but I’m in need of a new knife for sure. Hoping to save up for something in s35vn for my next daily. I hear great things

[@SMKWcom]

Thanks for watching Shaun!

[@Hurleytube]

@@SMKWcom any recommendations for a new daily in s35vn? Preferably a drop point lol

[@EricJh21690]

@@Hurleytube ZT 0452

[@EricJh21690]

I got the red carbon fiber scale version of it and it arrived a cpl weeks ago...so far I love it. It's built very well that's for sure.

[@mikeking6686]

GOOD JOB

[@Doc.Holiday]

Kaviso Keen - Laconico in S35VN and love it

[@SMKWcom]

Thanks for watching!

[@brauss878]

Great video, looking forward for this series!!! I'm glad to hear it's a great steel because I have 4 Cold steels in the way with that steel. :D

[@Maddawwg45]

interesting i have a code 4 in s35vn and a zt 460 in s35vn as well i whould love to see elmax next then d2

[@TCB2Country122]

I have the Code 4 as well and love it! Elmax might be coming, and D2 is definitely on the way!

[@Hungrybird474]

All of the powdered steels are good imo . Heck of a process imo going from steel to powder sifted then compressed into steel again with all the smaller pieces

[@onyx550]

I'm really late to the game on talking about s35vn I have a few knives with s35vn and don't know a lot about sharping but I see a lot of s35vn out there so it looks good for me as soon as I get a really good sharpener (not that my spyderco sharpener is bad but I want to get a work sharp sharpener the professional one so I can better sharpen my knives and I want to learn more about stopping

[@SMKWcom]

S35VN can hold a great edge with just a pull ceramic sharpener and a strop as long as you don't damage or chip the blade

[@devindodge8648]

Great explanation about what CPM is thank you, it's so embarrassing I actually thought CPM was the company that made magnacut at one point 😂😂 so you did a great job on educating all of us thank you.

[@SMKWcom]

We are all always learning something new when TC starts in with these

[@shannonwebb1935]

I have a few knives in S35VN steel and I love it. How about Bohler M390 and Magnacut videos.

[@jorgefernandez6407]

GREAT video!!!

[@SMKWcom]

Thanks for watching

[@Revelations310]

what’s your opinion on 3V steel & D2 steel ??

[@aberdeenblades]

This is great - thanks!

[@silver6tech]

This is a very helpful video

[@SMKWcom]

T.C. is having a blast with the all the different types of metal knives are made out of and I'm sure he is going to start handing out pop quizzes to the office any day now

[@sputnikjones6838]

I was wondering about powdered steel in general?

[@jasonmiller9495]

What's better 1095 or S35 . I'm gonna buy an essee 4 it comes in either steel

[@TCB2Country122]

That’s a hard one to say one way or another, it really comes down to personal preference, some people love 1095 some adore S35VN. S35 will hold an edge longer and is harder but 1095 will be much easier to sharpen but will take more maintenance since it is not stainless. They are both great in their own way and each have their pros and cons

[@higherrating2195]

Great video for those who know alot about knife steel. This video is missing why I want this steel, how does it compare to other steel, when would this steel be inappropriate?

[@nafis6668]

inappropriate when you are looking for the best cost vs blade length ratio. it also took about 2 times longer to hand sharpen compared to AUS10 or VG10 steel. Also in marine environment this steel will also oxidize if u forgot to wipe it clean after use. I recommend sharpen it with diamond plates to save time. I put 13 degree angle on it, it chips easily. Try not to go lower than 17 degrees.

[@jessr.2490]

From what I’ve heard by Patrick Rollins at Esee, it also tends to break more easily than other steel options.

[@SMKWcom]

That is the great thing about buying an ESEE is that they are guaranteed for life!

[@dantemarce347]

Next time we want to know which is better cpm s35vn or s110v? Thanks

[@johnfleming6183]

What angle works best on s35vn edc knife?

[@aymanjoudar5425]

I like to see how did u add the lanyard to uour Xanxudo

[@Zeeboklown]

Is there any real difference between cpm s35vn an bos s35vn??

[@SMKWcom]

Both are CPM, which means Crucible Particle Metallurgy, and BOS is a heat treat that is proprietary to Buck knives.

[@Zeeboklown]

@@SMKWcom awesome! So that means my buck 120 pro series, with the boss s 35 VN steel and green micarta handle really is is nice as knife as I thought it was! Thanks! I have noticed that the steel holds up so much better than there typical 420hc.

[@WilliamsKnifeLife]

Great information.

[@The_last_boy_scout]

How do we send pictures I have an Esee 4 s35 i like it it not as strong as 1095

[@SMKWcom]

We would suggest reaching out to Esee P.O. Box 99 Gallant, AL 35972 Phone: [phone] Email: [e-mail]

[@The_last_boy_scout]

You said comment and drop some pictures I don’t need to talk to Esee I know them dummy

[@SMKWcom]

@@The_last_boy_scout Feel free to post pics to any of our socials like IG, FB, or send vids on TikTok.

[@jacobsebastien3910]

Just ordered a s35vn Izula an G10 handle scales 💪😎

[@SMKWcom]

Be sure to show them off when they come in!

[@carbonitegamorrean8368]

cool vid

[@yohannmawash4209]

very good steel

[@matts.4095]

Can you do a video about sandvik 14c28n steel and S45vn steel compared to s35vn and 4116 German steel… Thank you!!!!

[@chrisgrave9216]

thank you good video

[@SMKWcom]

Thank you for watching👍

[@154cm00]

First time seeing the birth of a superpowder!

[@kittrainbow7]

In my experience the "old" S30V and its "evolution" S35VN are really good, some of the best stainless proven by me. I like a lot that they have limited amount of chrome, excessive chrome in my experience is highly detrimental to extreme keen edge development. In fact I doubt I will ever buy again stainless steels with more then 14% (15% max, better 14%) of chrome again, experience with other brands 😵‍💫 ...curious to try CPM M4. 🇮🇹

[@mikehook2835]

Awesome thank you

[@dimmacommunication]

Can s35 be sharpened with standard japanese stones ?

[@SMKWcom]

Yes it can, it just takes a little time and patience.

[@154cm00]

Very. Informativr😊

[@SMKWcom]

Thanks for watching!

[@sigurdbjrnson1744]

I recently bought a Warther 9 inch chef, a bargain at $120

[@southernknight9983]

"If it cuts, we carry it." I need some new scissors. You got me?

[@SMKWcom]

yep www.smkw.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=scissors

[@jhannuses1252]

CPM-S35VN is an awesome steel that's really hard and durable if you know how to use

[@TrailAtlas]

In relation to the production process, does Crucible manufacture the S35 into bar blanks to then sell to knife makers, or do knife companies send their blade designs to Crucible to have stamped and sintered into the desired forms? You think it would be the latter to best utilize the powder metallurgy process.

[@SMKWcom]

Check out our Crucible Video here kzbin.info/www/bejne/fKrTaWCoj66Saas you will find that they make it into thick barstock called a compact and from there it goes to Niagra Specialty Metals at which point it is rolled into sheet and then in most cases sent off to the manufacturer to cut out grind and heat treat. A few manufacturers will actually send the dimensions and have Niagra cut the blade blanks out for them.

[@TrailAtlas]

@@SMKWcom Thanks for the info! I'll give the video a watch.

[@FearNoSteel]

4:38 "as long as it's above 13.00%(cr) it's going to be good to go as far as stainless steel goes. MagnaCut at 10.7% Cr : "Hold my beer "

[@steverodgers8035]

What is cpm v3?

[@wayned5872]

Sandvik steels please

[@gizmocarr3093]

The question of what steel makes the best knife blade has become more complicated than it ever needed to be. How many knife owners, collectors and knife makers use the steel long enough to know it is better? The proof is in the using; meaning showing the difference always beats talking about it a little more important. If someone buys a $200 or $500 dollar custom knife with some new improved specialty steel blade. It might be better to show the difference rather take someone who is selling the knife’s word; it is better. I am not concerned about fancy names; I am concerned if paying more for the blade warrants the cost. Cutting paper isn’t much of test to make me want to buy a $500 dollar pocket knife. Being razor sharp is nothing new; staying sharp longer than other types of steel is. I hear people say; they say this is the finest blade steel on the market. Trouble with that is; I have yet to meet or talk to (They) in my life. If I ever meet (They) I am going have plenty reasons to shine my shoes on (They’s ) hind end.

[@TCB2Country122]

I agree completely and that’s exactly why we are preparing our torture testing gauntlet, not just for different knives but different steels too. Everyone has their opinion on what they like and that’s why they make chocolate and vanilla, and there are so many factors involved. Depending on what I’m doing a specific day I might carry anything from 440A to 1095, to S35, maybe even a D2 or VG10 thrown in there. If it’s sharp and cuts I like it and will find a use for it

[@gizmocarr3093]

@@TCB2Country122 I will sure be happily looking to see what knives and steels you select during testing. People might think a knife company like Cold Steel went to great extremes promoting their knives. However; you could never say it wasn’t an interesting demonstration to watch. I am absolutely sure they sold plenty of knives because of them. I don’t expect to see you cutting thru garage doors, piercing car hoods and chopping large cuts of meat in half. I expect something less extreme but still informative. Thank you for your kind reply.

[@caliginousmoira8565]

thank you.... the only reason i have $150+ knives is because of the tanks that they are not the name.

[@Johnkb2059]

I like it for pocket knives Fix blades I like 1095 carbon steel

[@SMKWcom]

We love 1095 as well

[@Hohmies86]

Folks this video is free, so you can at least do your part, I did!

[@SMKWcom]

Thanks for watching and keep an eye for future steel vids! TC loves doing these

[@EverDayBest]

✅✅✅

[@SMKWcom]

🙌🙌🙌

[@bobbybuttry6588]

I have one knife that has cpms35vn cold steel ak 47

[@SMKWcom]

We love S35VN!

[@jamesgoodlet7557]

I'm not sure s35VN has better edge retention than s30v, that's what I was told.

[@billbertagnoli4226]

I've heard from a number of Friends that it is a giant pain In the butt to sharpen. Ouch!

[@erikbluesunpools]

Buck 19 blade steel is 420 hc. its not 440a or 440c steel which is a harder steel. I own a buck 19 and i will keep it cause i lost the receipt.

[@hawkbabby]

SOG Termanis xr

[@SMKWcom]

Great Knife👍

[@reekforceone1992]

Two sebenzas

[@MovieGuy666]

It's better because you guys make more money selling knives made with it.

[@samuelchew2145]

Blade steels aren't subjective.😂. Whether or not the properties of a particular blade steel has any value to you is the subjective part.

[@702johnny]

The audio hurts...

[@michaell397]

Sadly, with all of your experience, you seem to believe spec sheets over reality. S35v was indeed supposed to have better edge retention than s30. However, that is simply not the case. In fact, exactly the opposite is the case. Same with 110v vs. 90v. On paper, 110v is superior to 90v. However in the real world, again, it doesn't only not match 90v, but falls short of 90v. KnifeMaker

[@outkast_xiii670]

I want to apply mineral oil on my s45vn pm2 is it a complete waste of time? I also want to add a touch of mineral oil on the pivot and detent I can't get the fancy oils yet like nano and kpl...