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20CV’s clearest advantage over S30V in these ratings is corrosion resistance. Its abrasive edge-retention lead is smaller, while S30V has a slight toughness lead. That makes this a more balanced choice than simply picking the steel with the premium label.
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 S30V |
|---|---|---|
| Abrasive edge retention | ||
| Toughness | ||
| Corrosion resistance |
Heat treatment, hardness and geometry affect actual knives.
The Larger Difference Is Rust Resistance
20CV scores 9 for corrosion resistance and S30V 7.5. If the knife spends time in a sweaty pocket or is regularly used around moisture, this is the strongest reason to favor 20CV in an otherwise close choice.
Stainless does not mean neglect-proof. Clean and dry either blade after wet use, and pay attention to the rest of the knife: a blade-steel rating says nothing about the corrosion resistance of its screws, liners or bearings.
For more on its corrosion-resistant balance, read our 20CV steel profile.
The Wear-Resistance Difference Is Small
20CV rates 6.5 for abrasive edge retention and S30V 6. That small separation supports a modest preference for 20CV in wear-heavy slicing, not a promise of a transformation in daily cutting.
For two different knife models, blade geometry and the maker’s heat treatment deserve more attention than that half point. Buying the thicker blade solely for its 20CV marking can be a poor trade if you want easy slicing.
Our S30V steel profile provides the broader context for the alternative.
S30V Has a Small Toughness Lead
S30V scores 4 for toughness, compared with 20CV at 3.5. We would keep this in perspective too: neither score turns a folding knife into a tool for prying or striking.
Both steels contain hard vanadium carbides. Diamond or cubic boron nitride abrasives are useful options for sharpening them. The ratings do not support a precise claim about how many minutes one will save you at the sharpener.
When 20CV Is the Better Buy
We would prioritize 20CV when rust resistance matters and the price difference is reasonable for the knife. If the S30V model fits your hand, pocket or budget better, its small numerical disadvantages do not make it the wrong purchase.
For mostly dry everyday use, we would be reluctant to pay a large premium just for the steel swap. Compare the complete knives first, then use these property differences to settle a close decision.
Composition
Our steel composition guide explains what the elements do and how to read these values.
CPM 20CV: Niagara typical composition, mass %; selected elements, not a batch analysis. Niagara Specialty Metals: CPM 20CV.
CPM S30V: Reported composition from Larrin Thomas’s July 2026 table, mass %; not a producer specification or batch analysis. This source lists 0.2% nitrogen for S30V; Niagara’s datasheet does not list nitrogen. Knife Steel Nerds: stainless steel composition table (July 2026).
| Element | CPM 20CV | CPM S30V |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | 1.9% | 1.45% |
| Chromium (Cr) | 20% | 14% |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 1% | 2% |
| Vanadium (V) | 4% | 4% |
| Tungsten (W) | 0.6% | Not listed |
| Nitrogen (N) | Not listed | 0.2% |
Compare Two Knife Steels
Sources and Update Notes
- Dr. Larrin Thomas: knife steel ratings · Property ratings, not a test of these finished knives.
- 20CV composition reference
- S30V composition reference
