Powder Metallurgy Steel
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20CV

Heat Treatment Specifications

Austenitizing

Data not available

Tempering

Data not available

Quench Medium

Check manufacturer recommendations

Target Hardness

62 - 64 HRC

Interesting Facts

  • 1Latrobe/Carpenter copy of Bohler M390
  • 2Identical composition to M390 and CTS-204P
  • 3Often cheaper than M390 due to US production
  • 4The big three identical steels: M390, 20CV, CTS-204P

Famous Uses

Benchmade
Zero Tolerance
Hogue

Best For

High-end folding knives
Precision cutting
Superior edge retention
Small fixed blades
Premium production knives

Similar Steels

Not Recommended For

  • Budget projects
  • Field sharpening
  • Beginner users

Expert Tips

  • 1Requires patience when sharpening
  • 2Exceptional corrosion resistance
  • 3Use 15° per side edge angle
  • 4Avoid thinner edges for carbide support

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Start logging your heat treatment cycles with 20CV. Track what works, compare results, and repeat your best blades.

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