We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. Any products or services put forward appear in no particular order. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.
S35VN’s strongest advantage over conventional 154CM is toughness. Its abrasive edge-retention and corrosion scores are only a little higher, so this is not a dramatic leap in every kind of cutting. A knife you like in 154CM can still make more sense than a less suitable design in S35VN.
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 | 154CM | CPM S35VN |
|---|---|---|
| Abrasive edge retention | ||
| Toughness | ||
| Corrosion resistance |
Heat treatment, hardness and geometry affect actual knives.
Conventional 154CM Is the Comparison Here
154CM and CPM 154 have similar names but should not be treated as the same material. This page compares conventional 154CM with powder-metallurgy S35VN, using the separate ratings in Larrin Thomas’s framework.
Check the full steel designation on a listing. Changing the comparison to CPM 154 changes the toughness side of the decision.
Our 154CM steel profile takes a closer look at its properties and care.
The More Useful Difference Is Toughness
S35VN rates 5 for toughness and conventional 154CM rates 3.5. We would favor S35VN when the knives are otherwise comparable and resistance to chipping is an important part of the choice.
That does not make S35VN a replacement for sensible cutting technique. Blade thickness, heat treatment and lateral loads remain relevant on either knife.
Our S35VN steel profile takes a closer look at its properties and care.
The Wear and Corrosion Gaps Are Small
Abrasive edge retention is 5 for S35VN and 4.5 for 154CM; corrosion resistance is 7.5 and 7 respectively. These half-point differences are small and should not be turned into promises of a noticeably better finished knife.
Both steels are stainless. Keep the blade clean and dry, and compare the actual grind before expecting a small rating change to transform everyday cutting.
When S35VN Is Worth Choosing
At a similar price in equally useful knives, we would take S35VN’s extra toughness. When the 154CM option has the handle, blade shape or size you want, the small wear and corrosion gaps are not strong reasons to give those up.
If your current 154CM blade is doing its job without chipping, this comparison does not create an urgent need to replace it.
Composition
Our steel composition guide explains the elements and the differences between reported values, ranges and limits.
154CM: Selected nominal/typical values, mass %; not a batch certificate or complete analysis. Niagara Specialty Metals: 154CM.
CPM S35VN: Selected nominal/typical values, mass %; not a batch certificate or complete analysis. Niagara Specialty Metals: CPM S35VN.
| Element | 154CM | CPM S35VN |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | 1.05% | 1.4% |
| Chromium (Cr) | 14% | 14% |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 4% | 2% |
| Niobium (Nb) | Not listed | 0.5% |
| Vanadium (V) | Not listed | 3% |
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: 154CM
- Niagara Specialty Metals: CPM S35VN
