Heat Treatment Specifications
Austenitizing
Temperature1121°C(2050°F)
Soak Time20 minutes
Tempering
Temperature204°C(399°F)
Time120 minutes
Cycles2x
Quench Medium
plate
Target Hardness
61 - 62 HRC
Performance Characteristics
Toughness4/10
Edge Retention9/10
Corrosion Resistance6.5/10
Ease of Sharpening2.5/10
Overall Score22/40
Interesting Facts
- 1Originally named CPM-420V, released around 1996
- 2Evolution of CPM-440V (now S60V)
- 3Major innovation: reduced chromium to 14%, more vanadium carbide formation
- 4Still at the front of the pack for super-performing stainless blades in 2025
- 5Has both higher edge retention AND toughness than M390, ZDP-189, and S110V
Famous Uses
Spyderco high-end models
Custom hunters
Edge retention enthusiasts
Best For
High-wear applications
Corrosive environments
Extended edge retention
Similar Steels
Not Recommended For
- Field sharpening (very difficult)
- Impact loads (brittle)
- Budget projects (expensive)
Expert Tips
- 1Coarse edges outperform polished ones on abrasive materials
- 2Difficult to sharpen due to high vanadium content