154CM Steel is a modified stainless steel. It is considered the best for a variety of knife blades. It offers an balance between three essential attributes that include corrosion resistance, hardness, and toughness.
The material will not rust and corrode. Also, it is easy to sharpen and hard to last long.
The best part is that 154CM is affordable compared to many other materials available in the current condition.
Who Makes 154CM
154CM was first developed and manufactured by Crucible Materials Corporation in the United States. Now, the company is known as the Crucible industry. Initially, it was designed for hard industrial applications and combined three elements. These were chromium, carbon, and molybdenum.
Currently, a Japanese company known as Hitachi Corporation used the properties of the 154CM and developed a new brand, ATS-34.
Is 154CM Stainless?
154CM is stainless steel. It is a space-age, high-alloy, high-carbon, and American-made stainless steel. It has been around since the 1970s and has become a popular choice due to many of its benefits. 154CM is a quality stainless steel that offers wear resistance, enhanced corrosion resistance, and high hardness.
Currently, it has become a preferable choice for different types of knives that include small folders, cutlery, heavy-duty knives, hunting knives, and filet knives.
154CM vs Other Types
154CM vs S30V
S30V is martensitic stainless steel that is produced by the same company. S30V is power-made super steel. If you compare this steel with 154CM, you will find S30V better in performance. It will retain the sharp edge better than the previous one. Also, it is harder and provides better corrosion resistance. But the downside is the price. Users will have to spend more on this steel option.
154CM vs 440C
440C is a modified version of the 154CM. Therefore, you will not find much difference between these types. The main properties are the same. However, 154CM features more molybdenum, and 440C will have more chromium. But the corrosion resistance and the hardness will be the same.
154CM vs CPM154
154CM and CPM154 are similar in many aspects. CPM154 is a developed version of the 154CM. CPM154 provides more polishing benefits. In brief, it is easier to finish and polish. After the heat treatment, it will offer better performance and quality. Also, CPM154 has a better edge retention ability. However, both will have similar properties.
154CM vs 1095
154CM and 1095 are completely different from each other. The noticeable difference is that 1905 is vulnerable to corrosion and rust. 1095 lacks chromium content, and that makes it susceptible to rust.
154CM vs D2
D2 is semi-stainless and mid-range steel. D2 is preferred for its wear resistance, edge sustenance, and hardness abilities. However, the price is more. Also, 154CM offers better rust and corrosion resistance properties. Another benefit of the 154CM is that it is easy to sharpen. But D2 will help with better edge retention and toughness.
154CM vs VG10
154CM and VG10 have a few differences with many similarities. The noticeable difference is in their carbon and chromium properties. This difference makes VG10 the best for sharpening and better corrosion resistance.
Composition of 154CM
- Carbon: 1.5%: Carbon will boost corrosion resistance and hardness. However, more quantity will result in decreased strength.
- Molybdenum: 4%: Molybdenum helps with increased strength and machinability.
- Chromium: 14%: Chromium offers better edge retention and improved tensile strength. Other benefits are enhanced wear resistance and corrosion resistance.
- Phosphorus: 0.03%: Phosphorus provides increased strength.
- Manganese: 0.05%: Manganese improves brittleness and hardness.
- Sulfur: 0.03%: Sulfur helps with better machinability.
- Vanadium: 0.4%: Vanadium enhances hardenability and the wear resistance ability of the end product.
- Silicon: 0.8%: Silicon offers improved strength.
- Tungsten: 04%: Tungsten boosts the hardness and wear resistance ability of products.
- Iron: 80.15%: Iron makes the end product hard.
From the above, it is evident that 154CM has more chromium. The 14% chromium makes this stainless steel rust and corrosion-resistant.
Properties of 154CM
The above compositions of the 154CM stainless steel provide the following properties.
- Corrosion Resistance: As mentioned earlier, 154CM has 14% chromium. The higher quantity provides better corrosion resistance.
- Edge Retention: The 154CM has carbon, manganese, and chromium. All these make this steel hard and provide better edge retention.
- Sharpness: 154CM is hard steel. Also, it is easy to sharpen and easy to shape compared to many other high-end sheets of steel.
- Wear Resistance: 154CM features better resistance. All the credit goes to its tungsten and chromium composition. In brief, it is a hard steel that can handle beating. Its properties make it highly impact resistant.
- Toughness: 154CM is known for its toughness. The material is balanced and tough. That makes it the right choice for different types of knives.
- Machinability: The high carbide volume of the 154CM makes this stainless steel a bit hard for a machine.
Uses of the 154CM
154CM or crucible stainless steel is comparatively a new addition to the steel industry. 150CM is considered a good option for its price and unique properties. Mostly, it is used to make survival knives. The steel is rust, corrosion, and wear-resistant. Therefore, it can withstand harsh elements such as saltwater. You can use this material in saltwater for an extended period without impacting the material and usability of the product.
In addition to survival knives, 154CM is used for ball bearings, cutlery, metallic bushings, and valve ports. Many EDC knives are made with this material. Some companies such as Protech, Boker, Gerber, and Benchmade use this steel to make different types of knives.
Carbon Steel used for Knife making:
1075
sk-5
k390
L6
ATS 34
52100
1055
Stainless steels used for knives:
N690
154CM
SG2
420HC
CPM 20CV
S30V
Victorinox
420j2
VG10
440A
CTS-XHP
AUS-10
9cr18MoV
14c28n
