CPM S30V steel

CPM S30V is a martensitic powder made stainless steel which was developed by Dick Barber of Crucible Materials Corporation in collaboration with knifemaker Chris Reeve as a knifemaking steel due to its wear and corrosion resistance.Citation
last = Gardner
first = James
title = Duel of the Titans: two exceptional folders exemplify state-of-the-art
journal = Guns Magazine
volume = 27
issue = 6
pages = 145-151
date = June, 2005
year = 2005] Its chemistry promotes the formation and even distribution of vanadium carbides which are harder and more effective at cutting than chromium carbides. Its composition is as follows: Carbon 1.45%, Chromium 14.00%, Vanadium 4.00%, Molybdenum 2.00%.cite web | title = CPM S30V | publisher = Crucible Service Centers | date = 11/01/2003
url = http://www.crucibleservice.com/datash/dsS30Vv4b.pdf | format = pdf | accessdate = 02/05/2008]

Barber received feedback from a number of knife users and knifemakers such as Sal Glesser, Ernest Emerson, Tony Marfione, Phil Wilson, William Harsey Jr., Tom Mayo, Jerry Hossom, and Paul Bos in development of CPM S30V. Knifemakers prefer using CPM S30V because its composition makes it easy to consistently heat treat as well as easier to grind although the carbides wear down the grinder belts.] According to Knifemaker Tom Mayo, knife users prefer S30V because it provides a strong blade with a maintainable edge due to the Vanadium carbides.

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