Heat Treatment Specifications
Austenitizing
Temperature1066°C(1951°F)
Soak Time30 minutes
Tempering
Temperature232°C(450°F)
Time120 minutes
Cycles2x
Quench Medium
plate
Target Hardness
60 - 62 HRC
Performance Characteristics
Toughness5/10
Edge Retention5.5/10
Corrosion Resistance7/10
Ease of Sharpening6.5/10
Overall Score24/40
Interesting Facts
- 1Original 154CM developed in 1959 for jet turbine blades
- 2Bob Loveless popularized it for knives starting 1972
- 3CPM-154 is the powder metallurgy version with finer carbides
- 4RWL34 named after Robert W. Loveless who introduced 154CM
- 5Still popular among custom knifemakers for its balance of properties
Famous Uses
Custom folding knives
Bob Loveless designs
Jet turbine blades
Best For
General cutting tasks
Hunting knives
Filet knives
Heavy-duty applications
Folding knives
Mid-range production knives
Custom chef knives
Utility blades
Hunting and fillet knives
Heavy-duty utility knives
Similar Steels
Not Recommended For
- Extreme toughness
- Budget projects
Expert Tips
- 1CPM versions offer improved characteristics
- 2Performs well at maximum hardness
- 3Cleaner than conventional 154CM
- 4Fewer inclusions
- 5More predictable edge performance
- 6CPM 154 is cleaner PM version
- 7Versatile for folders and fixed