Best edge retention knife steels
Holds a working edge the longest between sharpenings — measured by tests like CATRA. The trade-off is harder sharpening and (often) lower toughness.
The Buy column opens Amazon search results for knives in that steel. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you — placement here is by documented spec, never by payment.
| Steel | Type | HRC | Edge | Corrosion | Toughness | Tier | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CPM-S90V PM | Stainless | 59-62 | extreme | high | low | Super / high-end | Knives → |
| CPM-S110V PM | Stainless | 60-63 | extreme | very high | low | Super / high-end | Knives → |
| CPM-10V PM | Tool & high-speed | 60-64 | extreme | low | medium | Super / high-end | Knives → |
| Böhler K390 PM | Tool & high-speed | 62-65 | extreme | low | medium | Super / high-end | Knives → |
| CPM REX 45 PM | Tool & high-speed | 62-66 | extreme | low | medium | Super / high-end | Knives → |
| CPM Maxamet PM | Tool & high-speed | 64-68 | extreme | low | low | Super / high-end | Knives → |
| CPM-S45VN PM | Stainless | 59-62 | very high | very high | medium | Premium | Knives → |
| CPM MagnaCut PM | Stainless | 60-64 | very high | very high | very high | Premium | Knives → |
| Böhler M390 PM | Stainless | 60-62 | very high | very high | medium | Super / high-end | Knives → |
| CPM-20CV PM | Stainless | 59-62 | very high | very high | medium | Super / high-end | Knives → |
| CTS-204P PM | Stainless | 59-62 | very high | very high | medium | Super / high-end | Knives → |
| ZDP-189 PM | Stainless | 64-67 | very high | medium | low | Super / high-end | Knives → |
Other priorities: Most corrosion-resistant · Toughest · Best value · by use: EDC / folders · Kitchen · Outdoor / bushcraft · Hard-use / survival · Budget