CPM 3V

CPM 3V has a small volume (5%) of Vanadium carbides. The vanadium carbides are harder than conventional abrasives however due to their low volume this steel is still relatively easily sharpened on ceramic and natural stones. Although if you have access to diamond stones those can make the process somewhat easier. If you are interested in more information on this steel I have covered it on my Instagram as part of my ongoing Steel Saturday series!

CPM 3V is a very tough steel that is well suited for knives intended to do heavy chopping or tasks in which chipping is of concern. CPM 3V also has somewhat more Cr than many other high alloy steels and as a result, has better corrosion resistance than its peers. I heat-treat this steel to between 60 and 63 Rc depending on the desired characteristics.