Beyond the Hype: Why We Trust CPM 20CV Steel

Published on October 26, 2023 by Jake Hoback

If you're in the market for a high-quality knife, you've probably been buried in an avalanche of steel acronyms. It seems like every month there’s a new "super steel" that promises to be the best thing since sliced bread. I call it the "fad steel of the week." But after 25 years of not just making knives, but depending on them in some of the most unforgiving environments imaginable, I’ve learned to separate the hype from the real-world performers. And for me, one steel has consistently proven its mettle: CPM 20CV.

This isn't just about data sheets and Rockwell hardness numbers. It's about experience forged over decades. Before I was a full-time knifemaker, I spent a decade working with Fish and Wildlife on the dive team. That meant snorkeling in the deep, frigid backcountry waters of Washington state, often camping for weeks at a time. In those conditions, your gear can't fail. Your knife isn't a toy; it's a lifeline. That's where I learned what truly matters in a blade, and that's why I bet my reputation on 20CV.

The Problem with "Steel Chasing"

The constant search for the "next big thing" in steel can be misleading. While new alloys are exciting, they often come with trade-offs. A steel might have insane edge retention but be impossible to sharpen in the field or be so brittle it chips if you look at it wrong. We don't build knives for collectors' cases; we build them to be used. We need a foundation of reliable, balanced performance, and that’s what 20CV delivers.

What Makes 20CV So Special?

CPM 20CV is a highly advanced powder metallurgy steel. In simple terms, this process creates an incredibly fine-grained and uniform steel structure. Think of it like the difference between concrete with random, chunky rocks in it versus concrete made with fine, consistent sand. The latter is far stronger and more predictable. This structure is the key to 20CV’s "big three" advantages:

1. Incredible Edge Retention

Thanks to a high volume of vanadium carbides—tiny, exceptionally hard particles—20CV holds a razor edge for a ridiculously long time. When you're processing materials in the shop or relying on your blade miles from civilization, not having to constantly stop and sharpen your tool is a massive advantage. You can trust it to stay sharp when you need it most.

2. Elite Corrosion Resistance

Here’s where my time on the dive team really comes in. Being submerged in water for hours, day after day, is a death sentence for most steels. 20CV, with its high chromium content, just shrugs it off. I could pull my knife out after a long day in the river, give it a quick wipe, and not worry about a spot of rust. This same quality makes it a perfect choice for an everyday carry (EDC) knife that has to deal with humidity, sweat, and whatever else you throw at it.

3. Reliable Toughness

Is 20CV the toughest steel on the planet? No, and it doesn't pretend to be. Steels designed for extreme toughness, like 3V, sacrifice edge retention and corrosion resistance. 20CV hits the perfect sweet spot. It's more than tough enough for hard daily use, from breaking down boxes to field tasks. Crucially, its toughness is predictable, especially when paired with a meticulous heat treat—something we obsess over here.

The Total Equation: Steel is Only Half the Story

You can have the best ingredients in the world, but if the chef doesn't know what they're doing, the meal will be terrible. The same is true for steel. CPM 20CV is a world-class ingredient, but its final performance comes down to the heat treatment and the overall design of the blade. This is where the real work of a knifemaker comes in.

The steel is only half the equation. The **proper edge angles, bevel geometry, and blade stock thickness** are just as crucial for making the knife work well and be durable. A thick, clumsy edge on 20CV won't cut well, no matter how good the steel is. A paper-thin edge might be insanely sharp, but it could chip under hard use. Our job is to engineer that perfect balance. We design the geometry of the blade to complement the properties of the steel, ensuring that the final knife is not just sharp, but strong, efficient, and reliable for its intended purpose. We don't just use great steel; we build a complete performance system around it.

The History of 20CV and Its Cousins

Part of trusting a material is knowing where it comes from. CPM 20CV was developed by Crucible Industries, an American company with a long history of steel innovation. It belongs to a family of high-performance stainless steels that are often referred to as "clones" or "cousins" because their chemical makeup is nearly identical. You've probably heard of the other two: Bohler-Uddeholm's M390 (from Austria) and Carpenter's CTS-204P (also American).

While metallurgists can debate the microscopic differences, for all practical purposes, these three steels offer the same elite level of performance. We choose to primarily use 20CV because of our long-standing relationships with our US-based suppliers and our deep experience in perfecting its heat treatment. If you want to dive deeper into the science, the folks at Knife Steel Nerds have a great article on 20CV's history, and another one on the history and properties of M390.

A Foundation of Excellence

We'll always continue to experiment with and offer other premium steels, but CPM 20CV remains our trusted workhorse. It’s the bedrock of performance that we measure all other "fad steels" against. It provides a fantastic, reliable, and well-rounded experience for anyone who wants a knife that just plain works.

We'd love to hear about your experiences. What's your go-to steel, and why? Let us know in the comments. And if you want to experience what a perfectly-tuned piece of 20CV can do, I invite you to check out our collection of knives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is CPM 20CV hard to sharpen?

Because it's so hard and wear-resistant, it can be more challenging to sharpen than softer steels. However, the flip side is that you'll have to sharpen it far less often. Using a modern diamond or ceramic sharpening system makes the process much more manageable.

How does 20CV compare to Bohler M390 or CTS-204P?

They are essentially metallurgical triplets. While made by different manufacturers, they have nearly identical chemical compositions and performance characteristics. If you like M390 or 204P, you will love 20CV.

Is 20CV a good choice for an outdoor or survival knife?

Absolutely. Its high corrosion resistance makes it ideal for wet or humid environments, and its excellent edge retention means you can rely on it for extended periods without needing to resharpen. When paired with the right blade geometry, it's a top-tier performer for most cutting tasks in the field.