CPM S45VN vs CPM S35VN
CPM S45VN was developed as Crucible’s follow-up to the widely popular CPM S35VN, and it’s often marketed as a straightforward upgrade. That’s mostly accurate, but the two steels aren’t identical, and the differences matter depending on what you’re building.
Quick Verdict
CPM S45VN is a genuine step up from CPM S35VN: noticeably better edge retention and improved corrosion resistance, with toughness holding steady rather than trading away. CPM S35VN remains a proven, slightly more available and often less expensive alternative with a long track record.
Toughness
Essentially tied. Both share a very similar toughness profile, S45VN's added vanadium and niobium content boosts wear resistance without meaningfully sacrificing the toughness that made S35VN popular in the first place.
Edge Retention
S45VN pulls ahead here. Its higher vanadium content forms more hard carbides, giving it a real, noticeable edge-retention advantage over S35VN in extended cutting tasks.
Corrosion Resistance
S45VN also has the edge, its higher chromium content pushes it into top-tier stainless corrosion resistance, while S35VN remains very good but a step behind.
Heat Treat
Similar heat-treat requirements and equipment needs; makers already set up to heat treat S35VN won't need to change their process meaningfully to work with S45VN.
Grinding
Comparable, both are moderately demanding PM stainless steels that benefit from diamond or CBN abrasives for efficient sharpening, with S45VN's slightly higher carbide content making it marginally slower to grind.
Best-Use Scenarios
S45VN is the better pick when maximizing edge retention and corrosion resistance matters most, hard-use EDC or knives that will see wet or humid conditions regularly. S35VN remains an excellent, cost-effective choice with a long, well-proven history across nearly every knife category.