Heat Treatment Specifications
Austenitizing
Temperature1065°C(1949°F)
Soak Time20 minutes
Tempering
Temperature315°C(599°F)
Time120 minutes
Cycles2x
Quench Medium
air
Target Hardness
58 - 61 HRC
Performance Characteristics
Toughness5.5/10
Edge Retention5.5/10
Corrosion Resistance7.5/10
Ease of Sharpening5.5/10
Overall Score24/40
Interesting Facts
- 1Developed by Dick Barber of Crucible with Chris Reeve in late 1990s
- 2Result of interviews with 10+ famous knifemakers including Sal Glesser and Ernest Emerson
- 3Released in 2001, became the gold standard for premium knives
- 4Goal was to beat BG-42 in toughness, edge retention, and corrosion resistance
Famous Uses
Chris Reeve Sebenza (since 2002)
Benchmade Griptilian
Spyderco Military
Best For
Premium folding knives
Custom tactical knives
High-performance cutlery
Folding knives
High-end cutlery
Tactical knives
Similar Steels
CPM S35VN
Improved version — added niobium for toughness
CPM S45VN
Latest generation, even better balance
M390
European competitor, similar properties
154CM
Predecessor, simpler and cheaper
Not Recommended For
- Budget projects (expensive)
- Beginner bladesmiths (complex PM steel heat treatment)
- Heavy impact work (not the toughest)
Expert Tips
- 1Proper heat treatment is critical
- 2CPM manufacturing enables superior consistency
- 3Strong vanadium carbide former
- 4Requires proper heat treatment
- 5Grain refinement improves edge stability