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S35VN has more abrasive edge retention, while Nitro-V has higher toughness. Their corrosion-resistance ratings are close. For everyday knives, this is a useful choice between keeping an edge through abrasive work and giving it more resistance to damage.
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 S35VN | Nitro-V |
|---|---|---|
| Abrasive edge retention | ||
| Toughness | ||
| Corrosion resistance |
Heat treatment, hardness and geometry affect actual knives.
S35VN for More Abrasive Cutting
S35VN rates 5 for abrasive edge retention against Nitro-V at 3. We would favor S35VN when repeated abrasive slicing is the main demand on the knife.
A thin Nitro-V blade may still cut more easily than a thick S35VN blade. Compare the grind before using the wear score to predict cutting feel.
Our S35VN steel profile explains its properties and care in more detail.
Nitro-V Offers More Toughness
Nitro-V rates 7.5 for toughness and S35VN 5. That favors Nitro-V when resistance to chipping matters more than the extra abrasive-wear capability.
For a knife where chips are a bigger concern than gradual dulling, that toughness margin may be more useful than S35VN’s wear advantage. The maker still needs to match the edge geometry to the job.
Our Nitro-V steel profile explains its properties and care in more detail.
The Corrosion Scores Are Close
S35VN rates 7.5 for corrosion resistance and Nitro-V 7. The half-point gap is small between stainless steels; we would put more weight on the wear and toughness differences.
Clean and dry either knife after wet use. The nitrogen in Nitro-V’s name is not a substitute for comparing actual properties or caring for the blade.
Buy the Tradeoff That Fits Your Edge
We would choose S35VN for abrasive slicing and Nitro-V when toughness is more useful. If the Nitro-V knife has the better handle or grind for your work, it can be the more satisfying purchase.
Do not let an assumed steel hierarchy override the design. These materials solve different priorities, and neither rating set guarantees the quality of a particular knife.
Composition
Our steel composition guide explains the elements and the differences between reported values, ranges and limits.
CPM S35VN: Selected nominal/typical values, mass %; not a batch certificate or complete analysis. Niagara Specialty Metals: CPM S35VN.
Nitro-V: Buderus 2019 inspection certificate specification ranges and maxima, mass %; not the measured heat analysis or a universal recipe for every Nitro-V blade. Buderus Nitro-V inspection certificate, hosted by New Jersey Steel Baron.
| Element | CPM S35VN | Nitro-V |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | 1.4% | 0.66–0.7% |
| Niobium (Nb) | 0.5% | Not listed |
| Chromium (Cr) | 14% | 12.7–13.3% |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 2% | Not listed |
| Vanadium (V) | 3% | 0.05–0.1% |
| Nitrogen (N) | Not listed | 0.1–0.12% |
| Silicon (Si) | Not listed | 0.3–0.5% |
| Manganese (Mn) | Not listed | 0.6–0.7% |
| Phosphorus (P) | Not listed | ≤0.02% |
| Sulfur (S) | Not listed | ≤0.01% |
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 S35VN
- Buderus Nitro-V inspection certificate, hosted by New Jersey Steel Baron
