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20CV trades some toughness for higher abrasive edge retention and corrosion resistance compared with S35VN. Both are powder-metallurgy stainless steels, but they suit different priorities. For a knife that mainly slices, 20CV has a compelling case; for more margin against chipping, S35VN deserves a close look.
Performance Ratings
For the science, we turn to Dr. Larrin Thomas of Knife Steel Nerds, who has kindly allowed us to share his ratings here.
| Property | CPM 20CV | CPM S35VN |
|---|---|---|
| Abrasive edge retention | ||
| Toughness | ||
| Corrosion resistance |
Heat treatment, hardness and geometry affect actual knives.
20CV Gives More Wear Resistance
20CV rates 6.5 for abrasive edge retention against S35VN at 5. We would lean toward 20CV for repeated abrasive cuts, particularly when you want to limit how often you stop for edge maintenance.
The rating is not a sharpening schedule. How thin the blade is, its heat treatment and what you cut still influence how long the edge remains useful.
Our 20CV steel profile takes a closer look at its properties and care.
S35VN Retains More Toughness
S35VN rates 5 for toughness and 20CV 3.5. If edge damage is a bigger concern than gradual dulling, that favors S35VN. It is a tradeoff rather than evidence that 20CV is unsuitable for everyday carry.
If your knives often chip, examine the edge angle and your cutting technique too. A steel change cannot reliably compensate for a blade being twisted in a cut.
Our S35VN steel profile takes a closer look at its properties and care.
20CV Also Leads for Corrosion Resistance
20CV rates 9 for corrosion resistance, compared with S35VN at 7.5. Both are stainless, but 20CV offers a higher rated margin for damp carry. We would still rinse away salt and dry the knife after exposure.
A higher chromium percentage alone is not the reason to choose it. The corrosion rating is more useful than trying to rank finished knives from the composition table.
Choose the Tradeoff You Will Notice
For a folding knife used mainly for clean slicing through abrasive material, we would favor 20CV. For a blade where toughness is the more useful property, we would take S35VN and accept the lower wear rating.
Do not overlook a better handle or grind to win a steel comparison. Either can be the better purchase when the actual knives differ.
Composition
Our steel composition guide explains the elements and the differences between reported values, ranges and limits.
CPM 20CV: Niagara typical composition, mass %; selected elements, not a batch analysis. Niagara Specialty Metals: CPM 20CV.
CPM S35VN: Selected nominal/typical values, mass %; not a batch certificate or complete analysis. Niagara Specialty Metals: CPM S35VN.
| Element | CPM 20CV | CPM S35VN |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | 1.9% | 1.4% |
| Chromium (Cr) | 20% | 14% |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 1% | 2% |
| Vanadium (V) | 4% | 3% |
| Tungsten (W) | 0.6% | Not listed |
| Niobium (Nb) | Not listed | 0.5% |
Compare Two Knife Steels
Sources and Update Notes
- Dr. Larrin Thomas: knife steel ratings · Property ratings; the scores describe steels rather than individual finished knives.
- Niagara Specialty Metals: CPM 20CV
- Niagara Specialty Metals: CPM S35VN
