
CPM S90V. My favorite steel.
CPM S90V. My favorite steel.
I love this stuff and wish it wasn’t slowly fading away. Stays sharp for a decade, highly stainless, and is still relatively tough. What’s not to love? Here are some Spydercos I own in S90V. Show me your favorite steel in one picture.


- SpyderEdgeForever
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Re: CPM S90V. My favorite steel.
That looks and sounds like a great steel. Why do you think it has not caught on like some other alloys?
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Re: CPM S90V. My favorite steel.
I'm with you. Its my favorite SS too. More so than M390 family.
S90V with DLC is essentially salt level stainless IME.
The DLT trading PM2 in olive green G10 / DLC S90v for ~$160 just 18 months ago was the best
S90V with DLC is essentially salt level stainless IME.
The DLT trading PM2 in olive green G10 / DLC S90v for ~$160 just 18 months ago was the best
Re: CPM S90V. My favorite steel.
Did someone say S90v?

Visualizing the Tradeoff of Higher Hardness
S90V: Nirvana Military 2 CF Native 5 Fluted CF Manix XL CF Yojumbo CF Shaman CF Sage 6 CF CPM-154/S90V: Manix 2 CF Magnacut: Native 5 Fluted Ti 3V: Tuff 4V: Manix 2 Marble CF VG-10: Delica 25th Anniversary Damasteel: Native 5 40th Anniversary REX 121: Sage 5 CF 20CV: Subvert CF ZDP-189: Dragonfly 2 Nishijin S30V: Sage 4 N690Co: PITS XHP: Chaparral Birdseye Maple 15V: PM2 G10
S90V: Nirvana Military 2 CF Native 5 Fluted CF Manix XL CF Yojumbo CF Shaman CF Sage 6 CF CPM-154/S90V: Manix 2 CF Magnacut: Native 5 Fluted Ti 3V: Tuff 4V: Manix 2 Marble CF VG-10: Delica 25th Anniversary Damasteel: Native 5 40th Anniversary REX 121: Sage 5 CF 20CV: Subvert CF ZDP-189: Dragonfly 2 Nishijin S30V: Sage 4 N690Co: PITS XHP: Chaparral Birdseye Maple 15V: PM2 G10
- Brock O Lee
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Re: CPM S90V. My favorite steel.
Hans
Favourite Spydies: Military S90V, PM2 Cruwear, Siren LC200N, UKPK S110V, Endela Wharncliffe K390
Others: Victorinox Pioneer, CRK: L Sebenza, L Inkosi, Umnumzaan
Favourite Spydies: Military S90V, PM2 Cruwear, Siren LC200N, UKPK S110V, Endela Wharncliffe K390
Others: Victorinox Pioneer, CRK: L Sebenza, L Inkosi, Umnumzaan
Re: CPM S90V. My favorite steel.
S90V is one of my favorites, of not my favorite steel as well. I use my DLT ODG Para 2 in S90V quite a bit and upon hearing about crucibles troubles, ordered another folder from a different brand, and re-upped an order for a custom fixed blade in S90V for this year.
I wasn't aware of the Sprig, or at least didn't remember it until seeing your picture, I really like that design especially in a steel like S90V, bummed I missed it when did those come out?
I wasn't aware of the Sprig, or at least didn't remember it until seeing your picture, I really like that design especially in a steel like S90V, bummed I missed it when did those come out?
Re: CPM S90V. My favorite steel.
It sounds like Larrin's new steel (Magnamax?) is aiming to be an improved version of S90V. Can't wait to see the testing results and how Spyderco will utilize it!
Visualizing the Tradeoff of Higher Hardness
S90V: Nirvana Military 2 CF Native 5 Fluted CF Manix XL CF Yojumbo CF Shaman CF Sage 6 CF CPM-154/S90V: Manix 2 CF Magnacut: Native 5 Fluted Ti 3V: Tuff 4V: Manix 2 Marble CF VG-10: Delica 25th Anniversary Damasteel: Native 5 40th Anniversary REX 121: Sage 5 CF 20CV: Subvert CF ZDP-189: Dragonfly 2 Nishijin S30V: Sage 4 N690Co: PITS XHP: Chaparral Birdseye Maple 15V: PM2 G10
S90V: Nirvana Military 2 CF Native 5 Fluted CF Manix XL CF Yojumbo CF Shaman CF Sage 6 CF CPM-154/S90V: Manix 2 CF Magnacut: Native 5 Fluted Ti 3V: Tuff 4V: Manix 2 Marble CF VG-10: Delica 25th Anniversary Damasteel: Native 5 40th Anniversary REX 121: Sage 5 CF 20CV: Subvert CF ZDP-189: Dragonfly 2 Nishijin S30V: Sage 4 N690Co: PITS XHP: Chaparral Birdseye Maple 15V: PM2 G10
- Brock O Lee
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Re: CPM S90V. My favorite steel.
The OP and I posted pictures of the South Fork (2013-2017), with the trailing point. The Sprig was the smaller drop point bird-and-trout brother, in the same materials, S90V and smooth forest green G10. I missed the Sprig.
https://www.spydiewiki.com/index.php/FB30_South_Fork
A few more South Fork pictures, used a few days ago to trim a brisket.


Hans
Favourite Spydies: Military S90V, PM2 Cruwear, Siren LC200N, UKPK S110V, Endela Wharncliffe K390
Others: Victorinox Pioneer, CRK: L Sebenza, L Inkosi, Umnumzaan
Favourite Spydies: Military S90V, PM2 Cruwear, Siren LC200N, UKPK S110V, Endela Wharncliffe K390
Others: Victorinox Pioneer, CRK: L Sebenza, L Inkosi, Umnumzaan
Re: CPM S90V. My favorite steel.
It's my understanding that S90V was developed for coal chutes. Very abrasive resistant. I would guess it's not used more by knife companies because it's a "mutha" to grind.
One of my favorites as well. Phil's knives made from it are kinda the top in their field.
sal
One of my favorites as well. Phil's knives made from it are kinda the top in their field.
sal
Re: CPM S90V. My favorite steel.
Thanks Sal. In my research I found you and apparently Phil love working with S90V. I haven't had the opportunity to sharpen much of it yet, but that Drunken I have posted above I was able to put an absolute razor edge on it with my KME. It took time, but the results are fantastic. We can only hope S90V survives Crucible's recent troubles. Merry Christmas @sal and the Spyderco team.
- ChrisinHove
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Re: CPM S90V. My favorite steel.
It’s why I love the HH Urban. I know the grind was wonky and the g10 like a cheese grater out of the box, but it’s a great knife now.
An s90v UKPK would be a dream.
An s90v UKPK would be a dream.
Re: CPM S90V. My favorite steel.
I dug out my mini-collection of Lil' Natives last weekend and noticed that I have the CruWear, 15V and S90V versions. I considered that an entirely satisfactory collection of super-steel blades. My point is that I agree with you that, even after all these years and all sorts of R&D and lots of responsiveness on the part of at least one cutlery company, S90V is still right at the front of the pack if you want a super-performing stainless blade.
Re: CPM S90V. My favorite steel.
Thanks for the correction and info. I was trying to figure out from Google search because I really like that design, and combined with S90V it just seems like a perfect hunting knife.Brock O Lee wrote: ↑Tue Dec 24, 2024 4:48 pmThe OP and I posted pictures of the South Fork (2013-2017), with the trailing point. The Sprig was the smaller drop point bird-and-trout brother, in the same materials, S90V and smooth forest green G10. I missed the Sprig.
https://www.spydiewiki.com/index.php/FB30_South_Fork
A few more South Fork pictures, used a few days ago to trim a brisket.
![]()
Re: CPM S90V. My favorite steel.
I don’t have a favorite steel…but S90V is one of them.
-Marc (pocketing my Hennicke Opus today)
“Science is not the truth. Science is finding the truth. When science changes its opinion, it didn’t lie to you. It learned more.” - Brené Brown
“Science is not the truth. Science is finding the truth. When science changes its opinion, it didn’t lie to you. It learned more.” - Brené Brown
Re: CPM S90V. My favorite steel.
15V Li'il Native?JNewell wrote: ↑Thu Dec 26, 2024 3:05 pmI dug out my mini-collection of Lil' Natives last weekend and noticed that I have the CruWear, 15V and S90V versions. I considered that an entirely satisfactory collection of super-steel blades. My point is that I agree with you that, even after all these years and all sorts of R&D and lots of responsiveness on the part of at least one cutlery company, S90V is still right at the front of the pack if you want a super-performing stainless blade.

Re: CPM S90V. My favorite steel.
A UKPK with fluted carbon fibre and S90V 
Re: CPM S90V. My favorite steel.
My reaction exactly. Maybe 10V?sovereign wrote: ↑Thu Dec 26, 2024 9:23 pm15V Li'il Native?JNewell wrote: ↑Thu Dec 26, 2024 3:05 pmI dug out my mini-collection of Lil' Natives last weekend and noticed that I have the CruWear, 15V and S90V versions. I considered that an entirely satisfactory collection of super-steel blades. My point is that I agree with you that, even after all these years and all sorts of R&D and lots of responsiveness on the part of at least one cutlery company, S90V is still right at the front of the pack if you want a super-performing stainless blade.![]()
Re: CPM S90V. My favorite steel.
Correct, my error. I had the latest Para3 on my mind!sovereign wrote: ↑Thu Dec 26, 2024 9:23 pm15V Li'il Native?JNewell wrote: ↑Thu Dec 26, 2024 3:05 pmI dug out my mini-collection of Lil' Natives last weekend and noticed that I have the CruWear, 15V and S90V versions. I considered that an entirely satisfactory collection of super-steel blades. My point is that I agree with you that, even after all these years and all sorts of R&D and lots of responsiveness on the part of at least one cutlery company, S90V is still right at the front of the pack if you want a super-performing stainless blade.![]()

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Re: CPM S90V. My favorite steel.
I have S90V blades with other knives but I am now excited that was able to find a nib Para 3 ltw with a S90V blade to add to my growing Spyderco family. Even though I love S90v steel, I am also thrilled to finally really get in deeper with Spyderco knives and all the steels they offer. Up to 12 different knife steels with my Spyderco knives.
- Naperville
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Re: CPM S90V. My favorite steel.
S90V has been one of my favorites and my EDC steel for approximately 3 years. Before I took delivery of a Spyderco Native Chief in S90V and made it my EDC, I carried another brand in S90V.
I like the photos of the S90V South Fork. Are they available anywhere?
I have a few S90V Native Chiefs. Thinking of trading in my Native Chief in S90V with a Serrated Edge Native Chief in Magnacut. The serrated edged Native Chief in Magnacut should outperform the S90V knife over time....say, beyond 5 to 10 cuts, and it is a tougher steel.
I like the photos of the S90V South Fork. Are they available anywhere?
I have a few S90V Native Chiefs. Thinking of trading in my Native Chief in S90V with a Serrated Edge Native Chief in Magnacut. The serrated edged Native Chief in Magnacut should outperform the S90V knife over time....say, beyond 5 to 10 cuts, and it is a tougher steel.
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