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S90V offers more abrasive edge retention, while CPM 20CV has greater corrosion resistance. Their toughness ratings are equal. If you want a stainless knife for extended slicing, this pair asks how much weight you put on wear resistance versus wet-weather care.
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 S90V |
|---|---|---|
| Abrasive edge retention | ||
| Toughness | ||
| Corrosion resistance |
Heat treatment, hardness and geometry affect actual knives.
S90V Has the Stronger Wear Rating
S90V rates 9 for abrasive edge retention and CPM 20CV 6.5. That is a meaningful reason to favor S90V for repeated abrasive cuts.
The ratings do not establish a fixed number of extra cuts. Hardness, geometry and the material being cut affect the result.
Our 20CV steel profile explains its properties and care in more detail.
Neither Offers a Toughness Upgrade
Both steels rate 3.5 for toughness. Choosing S90V for wear does not improve that score, and choosing 20CV for corrosion does not improve it either.
Use an edge suited to the job and avoid twisting it in a cut. A high wear rating is not a measure of resistance to every kind of damage.
Our S90V steel profile explains its properties and care in more detail.
20CV Has More Corrosion Margin
CPM 20CV rates 9 for corrosion resistance against S90V at 7.5. Both are stainless, but 20CV has more rated margin for moisture exposure.
For occasional cuts during damp carry, that difference may matter more than S90V’s unused wear capability. Cleaning and drying remain sensible with either.
A Slicing Specialist or More Corrosion Resistance?
We would favor S90V when abrasive cutting dominates the workload and 20CV when corrosion resistance is the more useful benefit.
Compare the available knives and your sharpening setup too. Do not pay for a wear advantage you rarely need at the expense of a design you prefer.
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 S90V: Niagara typical composition, mass %; selected elements, not a batch analysis. Niagara Specialty Metals: CPM S90V.
| Element | CPM 20CV | CPM S90V |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | 1.9% | 2.3% |
| Chromium (Cr) | 20% | 14% |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 1% | 1% |
| Vanadium (V) | 4% | 9% |
| Tungsten (W) | 0.6% | Not listed |
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 S90V
