CPM-20CV is a premium powder metallurgy stainless steel produced by Crucible Industries.
In the knife world, it is considered a "top-tier" super steel. It is functionally identical to the famous Austrian Böhler M390 and the American Carpenter CTS-204P. Because these three steels share the same chemical composition and performance, they are often referred to as the "M390 class" of steels.
Key Characteristics
Outstanding Edge Retention: Due to its high carbon and vanadium content, 20CV holds a sharp edge for a very long time. It is a favorite for high-end EDC (Everyday Carry) knives that see a lot of use.
Exceptional Corrosion Resistance: With 20% Chromium, it is one of the most rust-resistant premium steels available. It handles moisture, salt, and acidic environments with ease.
High Wear Resistance: It is designed to resist abrasion, meaning the blade won't wear down easily even when cutting through tough materials like cardboard or thick rope.
Moderate Toughness: While not as tough as "hard-use" steels like CPM Cru-Wear or MagnaCut, it is durable enough for most daily tasks. However, it can be prone to micro-chipping if it hits very hard objects (like metal or bone).
Challenging to Sharpen: Because of its high wear resistance and hardness (59–62 HRC), it takes longer to sharpen than budget steels. You will achieve the best results using diamond or high-quality ceramic abrasives.
Chemical Composition
Carbon (C): 1.90% (Very high; for extreme hardness and edge holding)
Chromium (Cr): 20.00% (High level for superior rust resistance)
Vanadium (V): 4.00% (Provides the hard carbides for edge retention)
Molybdenum (Mo): 1.00%
Tungsten (W): 0.60%
Common Applications
Flagship EDC Knives: It is a staple for Benchmade (e.g., Griptilian, Bugout, and Osborne upgrades), Zero Tolerance, and Hinderer Knives.
High-End Slicing Tools: Perfect for tasks where you want a "one-and-done" sharp edge for the entire day.
CPM-20CV vs. M390 vs. CTS-204P
Performance: They are virtually the same. Any difference in performance usually comes down to the manufacturer's heat treatment and blade geometry rather than the steel itself.
Origin: CPM-20CV is made in the USA (Crucible), M390 is made in Austria (Böhler), and CTS-204P is made in the USA (Carpenter).