CPM S30V,S35VN,S45VN,MAGNACUT TIMELINE! Which one is best? CARBIDE TEAR-OUT IS REAL?!

[@JonLaRue]

Every Benchmade I have purchased had the edges burnt on them. M4 and 20CV both needed 4 to 6 sharpening sessions to get proper edge retention and not chip.

[@ericasedc]

@@JonLaRue yes

[@seth7131]

Benchmade is just overrated IMO. This is not the case with all companies. Buck and ZT have been great to me

[@floydmorrison2025]

Dude I freaking LOVE these videos!!! You really excel at these types of teaching videos, E! Your background as an educator is so apparent!! I feel like I'm being lectured by my gorgeous Italian professor about metals in a coffee shop in Naples!! "It's a book about metals"... No one under 40 got that!!! ('Heat', Michael Mann, 1995)!!! Speaking of movies, E, today the win goes to your increasingly incredible background shots in your videos!!! You think you're Stanley Kubrick or something?!?!? You tryna be a cinematographer or something?!?!?! WOW!! Dude, your videos look so incredible cause you have a really good eye for photography etc. Loved this one!!! Thanks so much for doing it!!! Another great video, Erica!!! ❤🧡💫

[@ericasedc]

So glad you liked it Jesse!!!! I appreciate you infinitely!

[@j.l.327]

Loved the heat reference, one of my favorites, "you wanna be makin moves on the streets?"

[@floydmorrison2025]

@@j.l.327 "The action IS the juice!" 😂

[@Stans_Cutlery_Universe]

I'm just starting to get into some of the better steels. I now have a few in S35VN and they seem to do really good for me. I must admit I am not a hard user, mostly cardboard and stuff like that. Thanks for the information. I truly do appreciate it and use it to make decisions for future purchases. Take care, have a great weekend and God bless.

[@ericasedc]

S35VN is a great like… budget steel. It just doesn’t excite me like other steels do!

[@timtitus2532]

Still haven't obtained a blade in Magnacut yet. Have the other 3 and CRUWEAR as well as 3V. S90V is very tasty. I love it. Good video about the different steels. Haven't had any of the issues that you've mentioned, but my knives only see light use for the most part. I think the worst experience I've ever had on a knife edge was with AUS 8 many years ago. I lost a big chunk of the edge when I was cutting up some cardboard. Good video Erica. Thanks

[@ericasedc]

I need to get some S90V for sure!!! Thanks so much for tuning in my friend!

[@glockgaston2922]

Really good video E!! I agree with you on the stainless steels and how they loose their bite if you go to a higher edge finish. I still haven’t had the chance to try out magnacut yet so I can’t say how it reacts to different edges. I personally really enjoy a lower edge finish for any of my stainless knives that I own because I like a toothier edge. Thanks for sharing and have a fantastic weekend!!

[@ericasedc]

Same here! 600DMT is about as far as I like to go!

[@jhoodly]

You are a really good teacher, Sister! Thank you.

[@ericasedc]

I appreciate the feed back!

[@georgia_adventurer]

Interesting video Erica…you are definitely the one I go to on KZbin about steel…Be Safe

[@ericasedc]

That made me really happy to hear Randy! Please say hi to Linda for me!

[@rob10ring]

S35 really seems to be where a lot of the foreign, cheapish knives are going, so at least it’s a step up for them. I’ve had some good knives in all of these and have even carried an old S30V PM2 for the last couple of weeks. Another similar steel to these that I’m really enjoying is Spy27. Even though I have a Magnacut Native, I’ll often choose the Spy27 version instead. So great to have these choices. In the early 90s, our “super steel” was AUS 8.

[@ericasedc]

I love Spy!!!!

[@marcelpfeiffer6587]

Hi Erica, thanks for the great explanation. Still like my Manly wasp in s90v.

[@ericasedc]

That’s a great steel!

[@LuisGonzalez-gl4wc]

I have that one also. And I like that Manly is thinly ground also. All the examples of Manly that I have are so thinly ground also.

[@erickyanez6297]

Awesome video. You gave all the info I was looking for. And more.

[@ericasedc]

@@erickyanez6297 so glad you enjoyed!

[@jasonbeecher509]

Very cool video. Thank you very much for sharing

[@ericasedc]

Real look glad you checked it out J!

[@jasonaffeldt7838]

Very interesting on knife steel 👍. Always good to see your videos Ms E. Enjoy your weekend. 🇺🇲🔪🌲🔥

[@ericasedc]

Cheers my brother!!!!

[@Tony42Rivers]

Magnacut for stainless and K390 for the tool steel option - all a mom really needs.

[@ericasedc]

I’m with your mom now!!!

[@CIGARURI]

You're amazing ❤ FAVE

[@ericasedc]

That’s YOU!!!!

[@cintage]

Well, S30V was a high-end steel first!

[@ericasedc]

@@cintage thanks for watching!

[@Warsmith_Honsou]

Thank you Eriсa for sharing your opinion with us. Keep up the good work.😊

[@ericasedc]

Thanks a ton!!!!

[@josephperez6400]

I loved this video, you said the things I wanted to listen about those steels. Regards.

[@ericasedc]

@@josephperez6400 so glad you enjoyed!

[@marccohen5579]

Unlike the 3V, CruWear, and M4, CPM 30V, S35VN, S45VN, 20CV, S90V, and S110V steels are all stainless to some degree. This is essential when you live on a boat in the ocean. I just picked up two Vanax knives to see how they'll do. My first knives were limited to H1. The only good thing is that they never rusted, but they could not keep an edge.

[@ericasedc]

Yeah H1 wasn’t my jam either!

[@jcolterh]

I sharpened my first S35vn today. Brought it up to 800 grit. Got glassy. Never knew what that term meant until today.

[@ericasedc]

Now ya know!!!! I dislike glassy edges.

[@tonydillinger2553]

Been watching your vids for couple years now. Thanks for what you do and for being a good hu manas, you have a good heart/mind. Wondering if why you only comment on other comments with only saying thanks for watching. If you dont want to say whats on your mind or just a fast way of interaction. Sorry I have a curious mind. Love ya, keep up the good work....

[@ericasedc]

@@tonydillinger2553 no idea who told you that’s all I say- seeing that’s completely false and a lie. Unfortunate someone made that up. If you look at my comment sections- every single comment is responded to and that is not the response to each one. So no idea who made that up!

[@davidkurle5418]

This was great! Cheers, E!

[@ericasedc]

Thanks for watching D!

[@richardvirchow3390]

Appreciate the informative video on knife steels.

[@ericasedc]

Thanks for watching!!!

[@seth7131]

Great video! I have some bucks that i prefer to benchmade. But the chips that get taken out if my s30v buck are small enough its very easy to sharpen again. Their s35vn though ive found doesnt chip but holds a great edge. My bugout i sharpen very often though with a 17° angle, nothing too aggressive🤷‍♂️ in my experience the company makign the steel makes a big difference. S35vn from buck really is great value

[@ericasedc]

@@seth7131 that’s awesome!!!!

[@kevinpillsbury5291]

Wow! A woman who knows her steel. Thank you

[@ericasedc]

@@kevinpillsbury5291 thanks for watching!

[@Kiko_Collects]

Agree 100%. Unless your looking for a vintage knife like a sabenza or a strider, skip the s30 and s35

[@ericasedc]

Totally!

[@sinepari9160]

SPOT ON assessment. XHP has become my favorite on folding knives but I'm a big D2 fan so, they call it stainless D2....XHP is is just perfect steel for me in a lightweight knife. My other large knives are S3V and Magnacut.

[@ericasedc]

Love hearing what other people enjoy!!!❤😊

[@woodentulike2no]

I remember when Chris ( Reeve) told me S30v was so good, but he wanted something better. S35V was born. He is a good guy and did so much for the Knife Industry. The Integral Lock,is his design. His departure from the Knife World is a huge loss....Tim and Mom are doing okay, but the company is not the same...😢

[@ericasedc]

Then S45 and now Magnacut! So crazy how fast everything evolved!

[@MotownEDC]

Great topic!!! Awesome video!!! Also, hey E!!!

[@ericasedc]

Hey B!!! Thanks so much brother!

[@StoneHands25]

Ive been avoiding s35vn for a long time now. Ill take s30v over s35 any day! Thanks Erica!

[@ericasedc]

I agree with that!! Cheers mate!

[@soulides1]

Cold steel actually uses a ton of s35vn even now I think it’s their go to “premium “ steel.

[@ericasedc]

Yes I saw that!

[@Krozin]

i think the biggest thing i ever learned in collecting knives is that there can be a burnt edge on something that is over $100.

[@ericasedc]

Yes!

[@acid6urns]

i mean, these knives are mass produced man. they’re gonna be sharpened on belts, hand sharpening would knock the price up massively and decrease availability.

[@Krozin]

@@acid6urns oh yeah, I get it, it's just something I didn't expect and once I found out it changed everything.

[@kathleensmith370]

great info as always

[@ericasedc]

Thank you!!!

[@nickmegadeth6633]

honest review!! personally I'm not a fun of s30v cause like you said carbides etc plus hard to sharpen.. my opinion is always have some toughness in the blade when a knife is expensive so it will last and corrosion resistant is important.. fixed blades best steels Imo 3V cruwear and magnacut. for a folder magnacut and s35vn.. s35vn is a good all around but like you said it dosent keep a wicked edge but its tough enough and not such a pain to sharpen!

[@ericasedc]

@@nickmegadeth6633 thanks so much for watching!!!!

[@michaelgold4489]

So my Spyderco military s30,Cold Steel AD10 AD15 S35VN Benchmade Turret ,Emmissary,in S30 are obsolete ? Ive had nothing but great use out of all of those steels.I think they arent going away just yet.....

[@ericasedc]

I didn’t say that. Companies will move forward with the latest and greatest steel to keep customers happy and engaged. That’s just how it works!🥰

[@michaelgold4489]

@@ericasedc yup,i think that right now Benchmade and Spyderco have such a huge inventory and supply of s30v that it might take a while for them to phase it out they probably have it real cheap too.

[@arrowheadguys7637]

I giggled the 1st time I ground a cruwear and magnacut blade. People make them out to be difficult to grind and eat up belts, but tbh I noticed no difference grinding them as I did AEBL, 1084 or 154cm. Its true belts will burn out quicker on it, but its not terrible. Regarding price, you'd probably be surprise how little price difference there is between Magnacut, Cruwear, S35vn and S45VN. Actually most the cpm steels are priced close enough its negligible when using it as a factor on what steel to buy. Other than S35vn, which is one of the most expensive for some reason, and a terrible steel. One thing that needs to be added to the conversation is heat treat, as a low heat treat can not only negatively affect edge performance but also reduce stainlessness. So those stainless steels that rust easily are probably run very soft. Magnacut over 63hrc should be virtually rustproof, there have been saltwater tests on properly treated MC blades that demonstrate this. But above all else, yes, Cruwear needs more love in the knife world.

[@ericasedc]

Yes I should have clarified further that we were talking about production knives. I mentioned later in the video that I would like to see some custom makers use S45VN more etc because we were talking about production knives during this. I will try to elaborate further next time! I loooove Cruwear!

[@arrowheadguys7637]

@@ericasedc Its sad that these companies can push shit heat treats on people. Benchmades new "water" series in 61 hrc Magnacut is going to be a disaster to anyone who uses it in salt conditions

[@ericasedc]

@@arrowheadguys7637 YES IT IS🤣

[@dualsportoutdoors]

On that list, give me Magnacut at 64+ HRC. My Rmor Knives Babayaga has spoiled me

[@ericasedc]

Yessss!

[@RobAndersonTexas]

Knife steel encyclopedia on video. Kudos Erica

[@ericasedc]

Hey thanks man!🎉

[@rognuald9007]

Now, if we could just convince Spyderco to ditch S30V and use Magnacut on their standard, non-Salt models. Benchmade will never give up S30V, they use it on most everything.

[@ericasedc]

Exactly!

[@joannearduin7801]

Excellent video

[@ericasedc]

Appreciate that!

[@Knife_guy]

Magnacut really did throw a wrench into CRK and Spydercos plans. CRK was using S45 and Spyderco was starting to move models into S45 from S30. Now it seems like they have to go to Magnacut asap just to stay relevant. Literally almost every company is now starting to offer it in one model or another.

[@ericasedc]

I know!!!! Crazy

[@acid6urns]

i mean spyderco is still running s45 on their base models and it’s still a sick steel. the magnacut is only showing up on their salt line

[@Warsmith_Honsou]

S45 still default steel for Spyderco. Now they use magnacut but for salt series.

[@ericasedc]

@@Warsmith_Honsou they use a lot of S30V as well and 8CR13MOV O believe

[@mikep.9371]

A good primer in knife steels. If ya don't use them the steel doesn't matter.

[@ericasedc]

Hey Mike!!!❤

[@snowtiger44]

I was today in beautifUl basilca you would loved it 😊

[@ericasedc]

❤😊

[@nickallen8333]

Personally I love S45VN

[@ericasedc]

I do too. It’s great!🎉

[@timjk32]

this is off subject but what would you prefer AEB-L or 80crv2? if u had to pick

[@ericasedc]

AEB-L

[@timjk32]

Cool thanks that's what I was thinking to

[@ericasedc]

@@timjk32 awesome!

[@Passively-Prepared]

Just commented the same message on “one of your old LC200N videos” lol so I’m copying and pasting it here because this was the very next video I clicked. So if you answer it there obviously don’t waste your time answering it here. But this being significantly more recent, I figured I had a better chance of your seeing it: From the knife steel nerds, knife steel ratings page, (I know he doesn’t have SPY27 on there but I’m assuming it’s in between S30V, S35VN, S45VN) it would appear LC200N is noticeable more tough and corrosion resistant than SPY27. It also appears SPY27 has noticeably better edge retention. From this video, it’s not clear so that’s why I’m asking for clarification, but is it in your opinion that toughness and corrosion resistance are for all intensive purposes close enough, and SPY27 gets the edge on the edge (no pun intended)… or is it if you really want to use and abuse your knife LC200N is actually noticeably tougher and corrosion resistant? I’m not buying my knife for the sole purpose of a pry bar or to leave it in the bottom of the bay for a month, but I want a knife I can just use as a strong piece of metal. I want to be able to dig and poke and wedge without thinking twice. I want to get God knows what liquids on it and not have to worry about rust if I forget to clean it for a few days. Can SPY27 handle that? Because I will take better edge retention if so. If not LC200N seems really attractive. I’m coming from the perspective if it’s not a fixed blade, it may as well be a slip joint Swiss Army Knife. But this Native 5 platform seems really really strong and if LC200N is as tough as the knife steel nerds ratings suggest, and also literally stain proof, and the edge isn’t as soft as a Swiss Army Knife, it sounds like as tough of a folding knife as one could get. But if SPY27 is close enough in toughness and corrosion resistance I will absolutely take the edge retention and blue handle that will blend in with my jeans lol.

[@ericasedc]

@@Passively-Prepared Spy27 will do just fine

[@Passively-Prepared]

@@ericasedc do you think the Native 5 platform is stronger enough than the para 3 to matter?

[@ericasedc]

@@Passively-Prepared they’re both strong but logically the back lock on the Native is stronger

[@Passively-Prepared]

@@ericasedc so SPY27 Para3 vs LC200N Native 5… you would say there is a toughness difference, but the amount of force that would have to be exerted to see the difference would be so stupid and significant that it virtually doesn’t matter?

[@Passively-Prepared]

@@ericasedc I don’t mean to be pestery, but all I can do is try to find a store that even has a Para 3 and a Native 5 and hold them each for a minute and see which one feels better. I try to watch stuff like yours and others to help make these decisions.

[@ShelleyRaskin]

Interesting thoughts, remember s30V is not knife steel, its machining steel, made for industrial applications (same as most steel that we knife makers use), whereas thew other three you mention are actually made for edged tools.

[@ericasedc]

Wrong. In 2001, CPM interviewed many known knife makers including but not limited to Chris Reeve, Ernest Emerson, Paul Bos, Bill Harsey, and more to create CPM S30V which was supposed to be similar to 154CM but increased properties including a Vanadium content of 4%. It is a knife steel. Research! Thanks for watching!🥰

[@ShelleyRaskin]

My research says that is what happened with s35vn, the research was conducted earlier but the economies of scale meant that were trying for a machine steel (think plastic cutting and stamping) that would also have knife properties as the icing on the cake, it did not really achieve the desired result, although it’s great for plastic. S35vn was dipping their toes into the water and from a makers perspective it’s good, although so is elmax, rwl34 and of course AEB-L and the spin off nitro v. I have had success with polished edges on s30v, although I prefer elmax. I think the Swedes tend to keep their stuff cleaner, although Dr Thomas does not seem to think so. I have yet to give magnacut a try, although it’s on my wish list and Dr Thomas has given detailed heat treatment advice.

[@ericasedc]

@@ShelleyRaskin I think you may want to try researching again then. S35VN didn’t come around until 2009. Way after S30V. I’m not entirely sure where you’re getting your information- but it’s inaccurate. S30V was literally made for knives. Chris Reeve years later conducted the making of 35 with Crucible as an improvement to 30. Like you can literally read all about this evolution online. Or watch videos on it with Chris Reeve himself!

[@chrisreuther4546]

I feel like WRKT has had incredible success with S35VN… and you note that there isn’t a place but you just did a video where you are rocking 20 or so knives in a mystery 420ish and 1095. I’d say each steel has specific traits that work for specific uses

[@ericasedc]

No idea what you’re talking about seeing I didn’t do that. Must have the wrong channel! S35VN is garbage. Thanks for watching!

[@chrisreuther4546]

@@ericasedc You said S35VN is pretty much no good because it’s been replaced by S45VN and but you love your case in a no name steel and the GEC in 1095… if S35VN is outdated and no good why carry these? That’s all…

[@ericasedc]

@@chrisreuther4546 Case isn’t no name🤣 we know exactly what they use. 440c stainless. Chrome Vanadium which we had tested from Doomcrew. Carbon Steel tested by Doomcrew. 1095 which is literally 1095. And they started using S35VN. I know exactly what GEC and Case uses🤣

[@chrisreuther4546]

@@ericasedc cases true sharp can vary … as can their cv… 1075/1085/1095

[@chrisreuther4546]

@@ericasedc it’s my understanding that they call their steels TruSharp and CV or Carbon do they don’t have to commit to a specific grade… 420 or 440 for stainless and 1075/1085/1095 for the carbon… I know they are now using new stuff too. I have a Magnacut Marilla … their hardness is from them “58-61 and then by the time it is double tempered it will be about 56-59” and that’s the same for their S35Vn as well

[@stevengao8345]

thanks for this wonderful video. every knife lover wants best steel for their knifes, but 45vn and magnacut just way too expensive for normal people or us soldiers to own them, i believe s35vn is best choice money wise or maybe 1095 for self defense purpose. as an US veteran i also prefer cpm 3v steel, it is tougher than Magnacut, with only 1/3 of price. maybe one day after my children graduated college, i will have more money to spent, i would love to own a Magnacut Kabar made by Spartan. :)

[@j.l.327]

Well, anybody wanna sell me their xancudo for cheap?

[@ericasedc]

Haha

[@donrichter3523]

I wish you could have touched on M390 and its clones as well as S90V. I have and use a lot of S30V. One thing you could have mentioned, I think a lot of makers didn’t understand S30V. Good heat treatment of it took many years. However, I think current day Benchmade and Spyderco S30V is pretty decent for entry level steel. I only have S35VN in fixed blades that are of the tactical kind from SOG because I got them for a great price and work well strapped to webgear. I think a military type field knife should be stainless as soldiers have enough on their plate and don’t need the hassle of non-stainless. Anyway, as you said, it’s fairly easy to sharpen for a field knife. Certainly holds an edge better than 1095 or 420HC. I don’t have any S45VN and likely won’t and I think it will fade into obscurity just because of MagnaCut. I only have a Native Salt in MagnaCut. Not overly impressed because I think Spyderco is running it too soft to improve the corrosion resistance.

[@ericasedc]

@@donrichter3523 thanks for watching!