S30V vs S90V vs S110V Steel: Composition, Hardness, Properties, Equivalent, Price Differences

Powder metallurgy steel has become an important choice for tool making. Leading steel smelting countries such as the United States, Japan, Sweden, and Germany have all introduced various types of powder steel, many of which have become ideal materials for tool making. For example, CPM-S30V and its derivatives such as S35VN, S60V, S90V, as well as CPM-154CM, CPM-D2. CPM-M4. CPM-3V20CV, and M390. have demonstrated excellent performance in the field of tool making. In addition, steel products such as RWL34 from Sweden and YXR7 from Japan have also attracted attention. The smelting technology of these powder steels continues to advance and has developed into multiple stages such as first generation, second generation, third generation powder steels, and super steels. In the field of cutting tools, S30V, S90V, and 1102V steels have received more attention due to their unique properties. Their respective advantages and disadvantages will be analyzed in detail in the following three types of steel spellings, which are very important reference information for tool enthusiasts or professional manufacturers.

To clarify the differences between these three types of CMP steels, we need to first explain what they are and what their characteristics are:

What is S30V Steel?

CPM S30V Steel is a powder stainless steel carefully developed by Crucible Materials. It is an excellent tool steel, and its R&D team includes industry leaders such as Dick Barber and Chirs Reeve. S30V steel is manufactured using powder metallurgy technology, which is ground into powder form and then subjected to high-pressure treatment to produce steel. This manufacturing process ensures that every part of the steel has uniform performance, avoiding the performance differences caused by uneven material distribution in traditional steel. The joint efforts of numerous knife makers have resulted in excellent performance of CPM S30V in terms of heat treatment stability, grinding convenience, and strength. Its uniformity is world leading, ensuring stable performance and strength. As one of the earliest powder metallurgy steels widely used in tool making, the birth of CPM S30V has sparked widespread controversy, but undoubtedly opened a new chapter in the tool industry. Although its initial attempts were controversial, it undoubtedly brought revolutionary changes to tool making.

S30V Steel Composition

The chemical composition of CPM S30V steel includes elements such as carbon (C), chromium (Cr), vanadium (V), molybdenum (Mo), nickel (Ni), etc. Specifically, the chemical composition of CPM S30V is as follows. Specifically, the chemical composition of CPM S30V is as follows:

• Carbon (C): Approximately 1.45%
• Chromium (Cr): ~ 14.00%
• Vanadium (V): ~ 4.00%
• Molybdenum (Mo): ~ 2.00%
• Nickel (Ni): ~ 2.00%
• Manganese (Mn): ~ 0.50%
• Phosphorus (P): Trace
• Silicon (Si): ~ 0.50%
• Sulfur (S): Trace
• Tungsten (W): trace amount

S30V Steel Rockwell Hardness (HRC)

The hardness of CPM S30V Steel is usually between 58-60 HRC, and can even reach 61-62HRC after heat treatment, balancing cutting performance and impact resistance.

S30V Steel Properties

• Toughness – S30V has moderate to high toughness performance, better than M390. It takes into account toughness in its design, and in daily use, such as accidental collisions with cutting tools during outdoor exploration, it is less prone to problems such as blade breakage.
• Corrosion Resistance (Rust) – With a chromium content of 14%, it provides corrosion resistance close to 440C and is suitable for humid and acidic environments. Passivation treatment can further enhance rust resistance (such as in medical or marine applications).
• Processability – Annealing hardness ≤ 255 HB, can be formed by conventional machining (turning, milling, grinding).
• Uniform microstructure – Powder metallurgy process ensures that the carbide size is ≤ 2 μ m and evenly distributed, avoiding the segregation problem of traditional steel and improving the ability to resist chipping.
• Edge Retention – Excellent edge retention, and its microstructure helps maintain the sharpness of the blade, even under heavy load use, for a long time.
• Yield Strength – 350MPa.
• Magnetic – S30V steel does not have magnetism due to the absence of ferromagnetic materials in its composition.

S30V Steel Heat Treatment

S30V steel has good heat treatment stability, and the following process can ensure that the tool maintains stable performance during long-term use:

• Quenching: Heat in a vacuum furnace or salt bath furnace to 1150-1200 ℃, and cool in oil or gas to room temperature.
• Tempering: It is recommended to temper 2-3 times at 540-560 ℃, and the hardness should be stable at HRC 58-60; High temperature scenarios require an increase in tempering temperature.
• Annealing: 850-870 ℃ slow cooling, annealed hardness ≤ 255 HB, easy to machine and shape.

S30V Steel Equivalent

S30V steel is a unique formulation of Crucible Industries and due to the proprietary composition and manufacturing process, no two steels are exactly alike, however the following steels are considered to have comparable or similar properties to CPM S30V:

Close Equivalents / Alternatives to CPM S30V

Steel Name	Manufacturer / Region	Comparison Notes
CTS-204P	Carpenter (USA)	Comparable to M390, slightly more wear-resistant than S30V, better corrosion resistance.
Elmax	Bohler-Uddeholm (Austria)	High wear and corrosion resistance, slightly tougher than S30V, harder to sharpen.
M390	Bohler-Uddeholm (Austria)	Better corrosion resistance, similar or slightly better edge retention, less tough.
S35VN	Crucible (USA)	Direct evolution of S30V; easier to machine and sharpen, slightly tougher, slightly less wear-resistant.
VG-10	Takefu (Japan)	Good corrosion resistance and ease of sharpening; lower edge retention and toughness.
RWL34	Damasteel (Sweden)	Similar corrosion resistance and grindability; often used in high-end knives.
14C28N	Sandvik (Sweden)	Budget alternative; easier to sharpen, good corrosion resistance but lower wear resistance.

Performance-Based Equivalents

If you’re looking for alternatives based on specific performance criteria, here’s how they compare:

If You Want…	Try This Steel	Reason
Better toughness and ease of sharpening	S35VN	S30V’s evolution with added niobium.
More corrosion resistance	M390 / Elmax	High chromium content and stainless performance.
Higher edge retention	S90V / S110V	Extreme vanadium carbides, longer-lasting edge.
Budget-friendly performance	154CM / 14C28N	Lower cost, decent overall performance.

S30V Steel Uses

Due to its excellent performance, S30V steel is widely used in high-end kitchen knives, folding knives, outdoor knives and other fields, and is adopted by some well-known knife brands such as Spyderco and Benchmark. In addition, it is also used to manufacture tools such as saw blades and serrations, and has applications in certain military equipment.

• Cutting tool manufacturing – high-end folding knives, tactical knives, hunting knives, outdoor knives, chef knives, etc. (Commonly used by Benchmark and Spyderco brands)
• Medical equipment – surgical instruments, orthopedic tools, other precision instruments (requiring biocompatibility and resistance to disinfectant corrosion)
• Food industry – cutting blades, molds (compliant with FDA standards, corrosion-resistant and pollution-free)
• Outdoor equipment – survival tools, fishing gear (resistant to seawater corrosion+high wear resistance)
• Industrial components – pump valve seals, bearings (wear-resistant+chemical resistant)
• Aerospace – high-precision and high reliability components such as fasteners, bearings, and other critical components.
• Small Cold Work Molds – Used in cold forming processes such as cold stamping and cold extrusion for some small molds that require precision and lifespan

S30V Steel Price

The price of S30v steel as a powder metallurgy steel material ranges from 25 $-80 $per kg, depending on its specific quality and surface treatment. The price of tools made from S30V steel is not cheap, usually above $50. For example, benchmark tools made from CPM S30V steel are priced between $50.00 and $210.00. while Spyderco tools made from CPM S30V steel are priced between $126.38 and $449.99.

S30V Steel Pros & Cons

• ✔️High strength and hardness: The hardness of S30V steel can reach HRC58-60. which belongs to high hardness steel. This makes the tool made of S30V steel perform well in cutting, sharpening, and other operations, and can maintain the sharpness of the cutting edge for a long time.
• ✔️Excellent wear resistance: Due to the addition of high manganese steel and molybdenum elements in S30V steel, it still has good strength at high temperatures, thus possessing excellent wear resistance.
• ✔️Good corrosion resistance: S30V steel contains elements such as chromium and manganese, which endow it with excellent characteristics of corrosion resistance and oxidation resistance. Even in humid or corrosive environments, tools made of S30V steel can maintain good performance.
• ✔️Uniform carbide distribution: S30V steel is made through powder metallurgy process, and its internal carbide distribution is very uniform. This enables the tool to have more stable performance after heat treatment, reducing performance differences caused by uneven distribution of carbides.
• ✔️Good processing performance: Compared with some other high hardness steels, S30V steel has better processing performance and fewer defects. This makes it easier for tool manufacturers to control quality and improve production efficiency during the machining process.
• ❌High price: S30V steel is a high-quality steel material with a relatively high price. This results in higher costs for cutting tools made of S30V steel, which may not be suitable for all users.
• ❌Balance between hardness and toughness: Although S30V steel has high hardness, this also results in relatively low toughness. In some application scenarios that require high toughness, S30V steel may not be the best choice. For example, it may not be suitable for making long knives or cutting tools that require significant impact force.
• ❌Difficult heat treatment: S30V steel has good heat treatment stability, but the heat treatment process is still relatively complex and difficult. This requires manufacturers to have a high level of technical expertise and experience to ensure that the cutting tools achieve optimal performance after heat treatment.
• ❌Difficult to sharpen after wear: Due to the high hardness of S30V steel, once the tool becomes dull, it may be difficult to sharpen. This may require the use of more advanced sharpening tools or methods, increasing maintenance costs for users.

What is S90V Steel?

CPM S90V Steel, also known as Crucible Particle Metallurgy S90V, is a powder tool steel produced by the American company Crucible Smelter. It was first introduced in 1999 and is a special tool steel produced using powder metallurgy techniques. It is also a martensitic stainless steel with high vanadium content and extremely high wear resistance. The high vanadium content of S90V steel forms high hardness carbon compounds instead of traditional chromium carbon compounds, enhancing wear resistance. Chromium in the matrix can provide high corrosion resistance. CPM powder metallurgy technology ensures uniform distribution of carbon compounds in materials, enhancing their toughness and wear resistance.

S90V Steel Composition

The chemical composition of CPM S90V mainly includes:

• Carbon (C): ~2.30%
• Chromium (Cr): ~14.00%
• Molybdenum (Mo): ~1.00%
• Vanadium (V): ~9.00% of these components endow CPM S90V with excellent performance, with a particularly high vanadium content that helps to form high hardness vanadium carbides, thereby enhancing wear resistance.

CPM S90V adopts the most advanced powder steel metallurgy process of the crucible company, which is a unique tool steel with a carbon content of over 2%. In addition, the chromium content of stainless steel grade makes it have very good wear resistance and hardness, far stronger than 440C and D2. The high vanadium content of CPM S90V is conducive to the formation of compounds, thus providing corrosion resistance. The wear resistance and corrosion resistance of CPM S90V make it an excellent tool steel to replace 440C, with the increased wear resistance being the main reason.

S90V Steel Rockwell Hardness (HRC)

The hardness of S90V is usually in the range of 59-61 HRC, which belongs to high hardness steel and can meet the high requirements for tool hardness.

S90V Steel Properties

• Elastic modulus: ~ 215 GPa
• Density: ~7.47 g/cm ³
• Thermal conductivity: ~17.3 W/m – ° C at 200 ° F (approximately 93 ° C)
• Thermal expansion coefficient: ~11.0 × 10 ⁻⁶ mm/mm/° C in the range of 20-200 ° C, and approximately 11.5 × 10 ⁻⁶ mm/mm/° C in the range of 20-315 ° C.
• Wear resistance and sharpness retention: S90V steel has excellent wear resistance and sharpness retention, thanks to its high carbon and vanadium content. This allows S90V to maintain good cutting performance and edge sharpness even after prolonged use.
• Corrosion resistance: Although the corrosion resistance of S90V is not its most prominent feature, compared to some other high hardness steels, its corrosion resistance is still relatively good. This is due to the addition of an appropriate amount of chromium element to the steel.

CPM S90V Steel Heat Treatment

• Annealing: Hold at 1650 ° F (approximately 900 ° C) for 2 hours, then slowly cool to 1100 ° F (approximately 595 ° C), and then furnace or air cool to room temperature
• Stress relief: Hold at 1100-1300 ° F (approximately 595-705 ° C) for 2 hours, then cool in furnace or air
• Hardening: Austenitizing at 2100-2150 ° F (approximately 1150-1175 ° C), followed by salt bath quenching, interrupted oil quenching, or positive pressure gas quenching, or air cooling to below 1000 ° F (approximately 540 ° C) at a minimum cooling rate of 150 ° F/min (approximately 80 ° C/min), cooling to below 125 ° F (approximately 50 ° C), and then tempering
• Tempering: Double temper at 400-750 ° F (approximately 200-400 ° C), with a minimum holding time of 2 hours each time. To achieve optimal stress relief and dimensional stability, S90V can be double tempered at 1000-1025 ° F (approximately 540-550 ° C), but tempering between 800-1000 ° F(approximately 425-540 ° C) may reduce some corrosion resistance

S90V Steel Equivalent

Close Equivalents / Alternatives to CPM S90V

Steel Name	Manufacturer / Region	Comparison Notes
CTS-20CP	Carpenter (USA)	Closest equivalent to S90V; nearly identical composition and performance.
CPM S110V	Crucible (USA)	Higher wear and edge retention than S90V; more difficult to sharpen.
CPM 20CV	Crucible (USA)	Similar corrosion resistance, easier to sharpen; slightly less wear resistance.
M390	Böhler-Uddeholm (Austria)	Excellent corrosion and edge retention; slightly tougher than S90V.
CTS-204P	Carpenter (USA)	Equivalent to M390 and CPM 20CV; better corrosion resistance, slightly easier to maintain.
K390	Böhler-Uddeholm (Austria)	Exceptional wear resistance and edge retention; not stainless, lower corrosion resistance.
Elmax	Böhler-Uddeholm (Austria)	More balanced steel; easier to sharpen, better toughness, less wear resistance than S90V.

Performance-Based Equivalents

If You Want…	Try This Steel	Reason
Even higher edge retention	CPM S110V	More vanadium and niobium carbides for superior wear resistance.
Better corrosion resistance	CPM 20CV / M390	High chromium content with good balance of properties.
Easier sharpening and better toughness	Elmax	More balanced alloy with good durability and grindability.
Almost identical replacement	CTS-20CP	Virtually the same as CPM S90V in composition and performance.
Non-stainless, extreme wear resistance	K390	Outstanding edge retention, but requires maintenance to prevent rust.
Premium stainless with overall balance	CTS-204P	Great mix of corrosion resistance, edge holding, and manufacturability.

S90V Steel Uses

Due to its excellent wear resistance and sharpness retention, S90V steel is often used to make high-end cutting tools such as folding knives, straight knives, etc. These knives are usually used in outdoor exploration, hunting, self-defense and other scenarios. The high hardness and wear resistance of S90V also make it an ideal material for making precision tools, such as surgical knives, carving knives, precision cutting knives, etc. Here are the specific industry applications:

• High end knives – such as hunting knives, tactical knives, kitchen knives, jungle knives, outdoor knives, etc
• Industrial cutting tools – precision cutting tools such as milling cutters, drills, slitting tools, and inserts used in industrial metalworking
• Mechanical parts – injection molding machine screws, check valve accessories, granulation equipment, embedded bushings for gates and nozzles, gear pumps, bearings, electronic component molds, etc.
• Tool Manufacturing – High Wear Resistant Special Cutting Tools, Precision Hand Tools such as Small Screwdrivers, Tweezers, etc., Medical Tools such as Small Cutting Tools Used in Dental Surgery

S90V Steel Price

The price of CMP S90V steel is $30-50 per KG, and the price fluctuation also depends on the quality of the material itself and market conditions. The price of tools made with S90V steel is generally between $80 and $300. such as the S90V Steek Blade produced by CJRB, which is usually priced between $100 and $200.

S90V Steel Pros & Cons

• ✔️High hardness: The Rockwell hardness (HRC) of CPM S90V steel can reach 60-62. allowing the blade to remain extremely sharp and easily cut into various materials.
• ✔️Excellent blade retention: Due to its high hardness and special alloy composition, the S90V knife’s blade remains sharp even after prolonged use, reducing the frequency of sharpening.
• ✔️Great Wear resistance: CPM S90V steel exhibits excellent wear resistance, effectively resisting wear and extending its service life whether cutting hard materials or in mold manufacturing.
• ✔️Great Corrosion resistance: Although its corrosion resistance is not as good as some other steels, CPM S90V still has a certain degree of corrosion resistance and can maintain its performance and appearance in harsh environments.
• ❌Expensive price: Due to the high manufacturing cost and processing difficulty of CPM S90V steel, the price of S90V knives is usually higher.
• ❌Difficult to process and maintain: The high hardness and special alloy composition of S90V steel make it relatively difficult to process and maintain, requiring special tools and techniques.
• ❌Relatively weak corrosion resistance: Compared with some other high-end steels, the corrosion resistance of CPM S90V may be slightly inferior.

What is S110V Steel?

CPM S110V Steel is also a high carbon, high vanadium content alloy tool steel developed by Crucible Steel, specifically designed for applications that require good corrosion resistance under strong friction conditions. The composition of this top-level steel is quite unique, with increased carbon and molybdenum content compared to CPM-S90V, as well as the addition of cobalt and high niobium content. It is worth noting that niobium is a relatively expensive element, usually added in small amounts to conventional steel. Niobium can form very hard carbides, which help improve wear resistance without negatively affecting corrosion resistance, while vanadium interacts with chromium. Compared with VG-10. although its toughness is slightly inferior, it is reasonable considering its excellent heat treatment requirements.

S110V Steel Composition

• Carbon (2.8%): This is the main source of high hardness and wear resistance in steel.
• Chromium (15.25%): Provides a basis for corrosion resistance, but some chromium may combine with carbon to form chromium carbide, so other elements such as niobium and molybdenum are needed to reduce this consumption.
• Vanadium (9%) – enhances wear resistance and toughness
• Niobium (3%) – enhances wear resistance and toughness together with vanadium
• Cobalt (2.5%) – helps stabilize high-temperature performance.
• Molybdenum (1.3%) – enhances corrosion resistance and thermal stability.

This carefully balanced chemistry results in a steel with a very high carbide volume—about 27% total, with 15% being high-hardness vanadium and niobium carbides.

S110V Steel Rockwell Hardness (HRC)

S110V steel come with high hardness that can reaches a Rockwell hardness of 60–62 HRC, based on production heat treatments. This level of hardness allows it to maintain a sharp edge much longer than many other steels in its class. Compared to steels like S30V (usually around 58–60 HRC), S110V provides better initial sharpness and edge retention due to its higher carbide content and hardness.

S110V Steel Properties

• Toughness – S110V has moderate toughness for a high-carbide stainless steel. When normalized to 61 HRC, it shows around 4 ft-lbs of toughness, compared to 5 ft-lbs for S30V. This is quite notable given its high carbide content (27%). It sacrifices some toughness, but not drastically, which is impressive considering its wear resistance.
• Edge Retention – This is one of S110V’s standout properties. Thanks to its high volume of vanadium and niobium carbides (15%), S110V offers exceptional edge retention. It maintains sharpness significantly longer than steels like S30V or M390. The working edge holds up well, and the steel develops a refined, toothy edge that continues to cut efficiently over time.
• Sharpening – Despite its hardness and high carbide volume, S110V is not extremely difficult to sharpen. It feels similar to S30V on sharpening stones but requires more attention during the final stages to achieve a fine edge. It doesn’t easily take a razor-sharp edge unless you go through a full sharpening progression, especially in the final polishing steps.
• Corrosion Resistance – With 15.25% chromium and added molybdenum, S110V has very good corrosion resistance, suitable for everyday use in humid or wet environments. The formation of chromium oxide helps prevent rust, making it a solid stainless steel option.
• Rust Resistance – Due to the chromium content, S110V is deemed to have a high resistance to rust. While the steel performs well in resisting oxidation, it is not invulnerable in harsh, corrosive environments. Under normal conditions, proper maintenance ensures the blade remains free of rust.
• Wear Resistance – This is one of the key benefits of S110V. The steel has a very high total carbide volume (~27%). More than half of this volume is made up of vanadium and niobium carbides which are very hard. These carbides improve the material retention during cutting and, as such, greatly improve the wear resistance of S110V. In this regard, S110V outperforms both M390 and S30V.
• Yield Strength – While no actual numbers were provided in the source for yield strength, the information given and the high hardness and carbide density suggest that S110V would have a good protective yield strength against deformation. It is optimized for cutting rather than impacting, and, while it may not be overly tough, it performs better than some lower-alloy steels.
• Magnetic Properties – In the MRI Note column, it seems the author did not pay attention to the author’s magnetic level, but since S110V is classified as high alloyed stainless steel, it is presumably only slightly magnetic. Depending on the microstructure and heat treatment stages, it might demonstrate some magnetic attraction, but overall, it does not possess strong magnetism.

S110V Steel Heat Treatment

The heat treatment process of S110V steel is essential to achieve its best performance. It needs to be heat treated at high temperature (1100°C to 1050°C) to achieve the best hardness. The presence of cobalt is essential to achieve full hardness during the heat treatment process because it helps stabilize the austenite phase of the steel. It usually includes steps such as annealing, quenching and tempering.

• Annealing can eliminate stress inside the steel and improve cutting performance;
• Quenching allows the steel to obtain the required hardness and wear resistance;
• And tempering helps adjust the toughness and impact resistance of the steel to achieve the best comprehensive use effect.

S110V Steel Equivalent

S110V’s combination of characteristics is quite exceptional. Although M390 and S90V are regarded as substitutes at times, none of them has quite the balance of retention and rust resistance as S110V. CPM 10V has a comparable range of carbon, but is more prone to rust.

Close Equivalents / Alternatives to CPM S110V

Steel Name	Manufacturer / Region	Comparison Notes
CPM S90V	Crucible (USA)	Slightly less wear resistance and edge retention than S110V; easier to sharpen.
K390	Böhler-Uddeholm (Austria)	Similar wear resistance; not stainless, so lower corrosion resistance.
M398	Böhler-Uddeholm (Austria)	Higher wear resistance and edge retention than S110V; extremely high carbide volume.
Vanadis 8	Uddeholm (Austria)	Tool steel with very high wear resistance and edge retention; not stainless.
Maxamet	Carpenter (USA)	Extremely high hardness and edge retention; much lower corrosion resistance than S110V.
CPM 15V	Crucible (USA)	Even higher wear resistance; not stainless and very difficult to sharpen.
Rex 121	Crucible (USA)	One of the hardest steels available; extreme edge retention, very low corrosion resistance.

Performance-Based Equivalents

If You Want…	Try This Steel	Reason
Slightly easier sharpening	CPM S90V	Retains great edge retention but is more manageable to maintain.
Extreme edge retention (non-stainless)	Maxamet / K390	Superior hardness and wear resistance; requires care to avoid rust.
Maximum wear resistance (tool steel)	Rex 121 / CPM 15V	Ultra-high carbide content for unmatched wear resistance.
Better corrosion resistance	M390 / CPM 20CV	Excellent stainless performance, though slightly less wear resistance.
Balanced toughness and edge retention	Elmax	Easier to sharpen, with good stainless ability and decent edge holding.

S110V Steel Uses

‌S110V steel is a high-performance powder metallurgy tool steel with extremely high hardness and wear resistance. It is widely used in the manufacture of various tools and molds. ‌Specific application areas ‌Tool manufacturing‌ – used to make high-end knives, such as kitchen knives, hunting knives, etc. Its high hardness and wear resistance make the knives more durable and able to cope with various complex cutting tasks. ‌Mold manufacturing‌ – used to make injection molds, stamping molds, etc. Its excellent wear resistance and corrosion resistance can extend the service life of the mold and improve production efficiency. ‌Other tools‌ – used to make various high-precision tools, such as drills, milling cutters, etc., suitable for working environments that require high strength and wear resistance.

S110V Steel Price

S110V steel is generally used to made for in mid-to-high-end knives, with prices reflecting its advanced metallurgy and performance. Spyderco’s premium models using this steel often cost more than their standard counterparts, but many users find the performance benefits worthwhile.

S110V Steel Pros & Cons

• ✔️Excellent edge retention
• ✔️High wear resistance
• ✔️Very good corrosion resistance
• ✔️Performs well in everyday cutting tasks
• ✔️Supported by popular knife brands like Spyderco
• ❌Slightly less tough than lower-carbide steels
• ❌Requires more precise sharpening to achieve peak sharpness
• ❌May not be ideal for users who prefer frequent resharpening or ease of maintenance

S30V vs S90V vs S110V Steel – What Are the Differences & Which One Is Best for Knife?

Since we’ve already explained these three steels in detail above, we won’t compare them spec-by-spec again here. Instead, we’ll briefly list their performance as knife materials to highlight the key differences: