CPM S35VN was introduced in 2009 by Crucible Industries in collaboration with renowned knife maker Chris Reeve. It was specifically engineered to address the micro-chipping issues sometimes found in the earlier S30V steel. By reducing the vanadium content slightly and adding 0.5% Niobium, the metallurgical structure forms Niobium carbides, which are harder and more effective at refining grain size than Vanadium alone.
This "Super Steel" has become a gold standard for premium everyday carry (EDC) knives due to its ability to "do everything well." It reaches an optimal hardness of 58-61 HRC, providing a edge that lasts through heavy use while remaining resilient enough to withstand impact without snapping. While newer steels like MagnaCut have entered the market, S35VN remains a top choice for its proven track record and approachable balance of high performance and maintenance ease.
