CPM-Maxamet and CPM-10V represent the extreme upper tier of non-stainless "super steels." While they share some similarities—high wear resistance and low corrosion resistance—Maxamet is an ultra-hard high-speed steel capable of significantly longer edge retention, whereas CPM-10V is more "balanced," offering much better toughness for heavy-duty cutting.
Sharpness and Performance Comparison
In high-end knife steels, "sharpness" is often split into initial sharpness (how keen the edge is out of the gate) and working edge (how long it stays sharp).
Feature | CPM-Maxamet | CPM-10V |
|---|---|---|
Edge Retention | Exceptional; arguably the best in production | Very High; a "workhorse" of super steels |
CATRA Relative Score | ~197% (highest) | ~125% |
Hardness (HRC) | 68–71 HRC | 60–64 HRC |
Toughness | Extremely Low; prone to chipping/snapping | Respectable; very high for its wear resistance |
Sharpenability | Very Difficult; requires diamonds/CBN | Difficult; requires quality abrasives |
Key Differences in Application
Edge Life: In direct testing, Maxamet can outperform 10V by roughly 35–40% in pure abrasive edge retention (e.g., cutting cardboard).
Edge Type:
Maxamet takes a very aggressive "toothy" edge due to its massive carbide volume. It excels at slicing through dense materials but can be brittle; the edge may micro-chip if it hits something hard like a staple.
10V has a finer carbide structure relative to its volume, allowing it to hold a "stable" edge better under lateral stress. It is a favorite for high-volume industrial use and heavy-duty folders.
Sharpening Response:
Maxamet is notorious for being "unsharpenable" with traditional stones. You must use diamond or CBN plates to effectively cut the tungsten and vanadium carbides.
10V is also hard, but because its hardness is lower (63-64 vs 70 HRC), it is slightly more forgiving during a resharpen.
Recommendation
Choose Maxamet if you want the absolute longest-lasting edge possible for dedicated slicing and are comfortable with a "fragile" blade that requires specialized diamond sharpening tools. It is effectively a "ceramic-like" steel.
Choose CPM-10V (or its equivalent, Böhler K390) if you need extreme edge retention but still want a knife you can use for "harder" tasks without fearing the blade will snap or chip excessively.
Warning: Neither steel is stainless. Both will develop a patina or rust if not kept dry and oiled.