KnifeSteelDBknife steels, by spec

CPM-S30V vs CPM-S35VN

A side-by-side of two stainless knife steels on the specs that decide a purchase. CPM-S30V is a powder-metallurgy stainless steel; CPM-S35VN is a powder-metallurgy stainless steel.

Last verified 2026-06-11

PropertyCPM-S30VCPM-S35VNEdge
Hardness (HRC)58-6158-61
Edge retentionhighhighabout the same
Corrosion resistancehighhighabout the same
ToughnessmediumhighCPM-S35VN leads
Ease of sharpeninghardmoderate
Price tierPremiumPremium

CPM-S30V suits edc / folders, kitchen; CPM-S35VN suits edc / folders, kitchen, outdoor / bushcraft. Neither is universally "better" — match the steel to the job, and remember heat treat matters as much as the alloy.

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Full profiles: CPM-S30V · CPM-S35VN · best steel by purpose