Real World User Experience Sharpening CPM 15V

[Deadboxhero]

It's been 2 years since the release of Spyderco BBB CPM 15V heat treatment collaboration.


With high edge retention usually comes great trepidation when thoughts of sharpening it enter the mind.

I asked folks what their sharpening experience has been with the CPM 15V on different social media platforms.

Sharing their experiences, I thought it would create an interesting mosaic of real world user information to consolidate people's experiences into one thread for us all to see the full picture rather than just plain conjecture.

I asked everyone

"In your experience, how was it sharpening BBB CPM 15V"

Millie Club:

[Deadboxhero]

I made a community post on YouTube asking the same question.

[Deadboxhero]

I thought it would be fun to plug the reviews into a language learning model for a summary of the text above.

AI summary from YouTube community post reviews.


"Here's a summary of the reviews about BBB CPM 15V steel based on the provided excerpts.

Sharpening:
* Easy to sharpen: Multiple reviewers noted that 15V is relatively easy to sharpen, with some even comparing it to M4 in terms of ease of sharpening.
* Takes a sharp edge: It readily achieves a very sharp edge, even with a polished finish.
* Edge retention:
* While it can take a sharp edge, some users found that a polished edge might lose its "bite" slightly faster.
* This might be mitigated by using different sharpening methods or stones.
* Deburring: Excellent deburring characteristics are consistently mentioned across the reviews.


Performance:
* Excellent edge stability: Handles hard use well, maintaining its edge even with demanding tasks like cutting hard dry beechwood.
* High wear resistance: Significantly more wear-resistant than many other high-performance steels.
* Versatile: Performs well with both polished and coarser edges.

Overall:
These reviews suggest that BBB CPM 15V is a high-performance steel with excellent edge retention, impressive wear resistance, and relatively easy sharpening characteristics. It seems to be a strong contender for demanding cutting tasks.

Note: These are just a few user experiences. Individual results may vary depending on sharpening techniques, usage, and specific applications."

[Wartstein]

Cool compilation and really speaks for "your" steel as far as I can join that conversation (no experience with 15 V or other "super-super steels" myself)

@Deadboxhero Shawn, may I ask: When it comes to sharpening 15V, could I get away with "just" the CBN sharpmaker rods (and of course the browns and whites)?
Given that I have no experience with such hard steels, but on the other hand just need a good working edge and not a scary hairsplitting sharp one?

[Deadboxhero]

Thank you, I am eternally grateful to Sal, Gail and Eric for making all this happen and working with me



Difference in edge performance between the Sharpmaker diamond/cBN rods and the brown rods?

In my experience, the high sharpness of the edge dies off quicker when it's shaped with abrasive that's softer than the carbides.

Since CPM 15V has a high volume (23%) of vanadium carbides (87 HRC) which are harder than the ceramic alumina abrasives. (79 HRC)

That means 23% of the overall microstructure is being pulverized, burnished and adhesively worn to shape rather than cut at the apex.

Over the years I've observed a pattern in some folks complaining that these types of steels cannot get very sharp yet the same folks seemingly would refuse to use the abrasive that will cut the remaining 23% of that microstructure cleanly.


I do think that would be fascinating to do a controlled test and look at the differences between the starting sharpness and how that sharpness dies off with cut testing and then compare the loss of sharpness between the two with the same amount of cuts.

I've certainly seen this behavior in my personal experience, however, I've not documented and shared data publicly.

I've mentioned many times that my current favorites for sharpening are the bonded super abrasives rather than the electroplated abrasives. However, there is a cost difference, but in my experience it certainly pays for itself and has better performance.

Cool compilation and really speaks for "your" steel as far as I can join that conversation (no experience with 15 V or other "super-super steels" myself)

@Deadboxhero Shawn, may I ask: When it comes to sharpening 15V, could I get away with "just" the CBN sharpmaker rods (and of course the browns and whites)?
Given that I have no experience with such hard steels, but on the other hand just need a good working edge and not a scary hairsplitting sharp one?

[Deadboxhero]

I presented the same question on my Instagram.

Here are more reviews about sharpening BBB CPM 15V.

[Deadboxhero]

AI summary of Instagram Reviews.


"Based on the latest set of reviews, BBB CPM 15V steel demonstrates exceptional performance and user satisfaction.

Performance:
* Excellent edge retention: Maintains a sharp edge for extended periods, even with demanding use (e.g., cutting blackberry roots, heavy use).
* High edge stability: Resistant to chipping and rolling, even with hard use.
* Versatile: Performs well with different edge angles and finishes (from toothy to mirror).

Comparisons:
* Compared to K390, Maxamet, S90V: Sharpening is considered easier than K390 and Maxamet.
* Compared to M4: Sharpening is considered comparable in difficulty to M4.




Key findings:
* Sharpening Ease: Despite its high hardness and carbide content, 15V is surprisingly easy to sharpen. Users report successful sharpening experiences on a variety of tools, from diamond stones and CBN plates to simpler systems. Burr removal is consistently described as effortless.
* Edge Retention and Stability: 15V exhibits excellent edge retention, maintaining sharpness through demanding tasks and heavy use. It also demonstrates high edge stability, showing resistance to chipping and rolling.
* Versatility: The steel is versatile, capable of achieving both aggressive, toothy edges and refined, smooth edges.
* User Enthusiasm: Many users express high levels of satisfaction with 15V, with some even considering it their favorite steel.
Overall:
BBB CPM 15V appears to be a top-tier steel that effectively balances exceptional performance with user-friendly sharpening characteristics. Its combination of edge retention, stability, and ease of use makes it a strong contender for demanding tasks and a highly recommended choice for knife enthusiasts."

[PMBohol]

I really like M4 so the references to that steel make me believe this is a great one.

[Brock O Lee]

I can share my experience today, after I sharpened the 15V Manix for the first time. In terms of sharpening response 15V is good stuff. It felt similar to K390, another favourite. It did not put up a fight or create a stubborn burr.

Using the Edge Pro, I kept the 17 dps factory edge for the time being. I'll probably drop the angle and grit on the next sharpening.

It was trivial to get a burr on both sides with a 600 grit CKTG diamond stone, and then refine it with a 1000 grit CKTG diamond stone, minimising the burr. Finished with a few passes on a Basswood strop with 1 micron diamond spray, and finally a few passes on clean kangaroo leather. Deburring was easy, and the edge came up beautifully, able to slice "Rizla Red" cigarette paper cleanly (my verification for a burr-free edge).

It felt easier to get a clean and razor sharp edge on 15V than the typical PM stainless steels like S30V, S45VN and S90V.

[Deadboxhero]

I really like M4 so the references to that steel make me believe this is a great one.

Yeah I thought that was very interesting. One of the reviewers itrieditathome899 in a reply said

"CPM M4 is the gateway drug to high performance tool steels!"

I agree. In fact, that was one of the steels that started me down this path over a decade ago when I first got my hands on a Spyderco Gayle Bradley 1 that I bought from Derek (in person) at knife ship free before he moved the shop to the east coast and unfortunately passed away. (RIP Derek )

Derek was also the person that got me into using cBN emulsion compound on leather. At the time, I was just using bark river green compound and white compound on leather and he pulled me aside in the shop and said

"Listen man, this stuff is a real game changer but it's difficult for me to articulate to you the difference it makes. You got to try this and see for yourself."

At the time, I was an accomplished sharpener, but I wasn't as obsessed about the nuances with different abrasives which seemed to me superfluous even though I didn't have experience with all of them.

Well, after Derek let me try his strop I was beyond impressed. I walked out of there with a new strop, some CBN emulsion and a new Gayle Bradley folder in CPM M4.

My mind was completely blown.

It was like experiencing a new level of sharpness that I had not yet experienced from other steels and other stropping compounds.

The edge was so crisp and sticky. It wasn't something I had experienced at that level until that point.

I felt a feeling that was beyond language rush over me and consume me.

Complete euphoria.

It was from that point on I knew this feeling had to be shared with others.

10 years later and it looks like I've gone completely insane.

[Deadboxhero]

That's a very clean, highly detailed and well articulated sharpening review right there.

Thank you for sharing, this one checks all the boxes for useful and pertinent information.

Dr Vadim (RIP) would be proud reading about the Rizla cigarette paper test.

I can share my experience today, after I sharpened the 15V Manix for the first time. In terms of sharpening response 15V is good stuff. It felt similar to K390, another favourite. It did not put up a fight or create a stubborn burr.

Using the Edge Pro, I kept the 17 dps factory edge for the time being. I'll probably drop the angle and grit on the next sharpening.

It was trivial to get a burr on both sides with a 600 grit CKTG diamond stone, and then refine it with a 1000 grit CKTG diamond stone, minimising the burr. Finished with a few passes on a Basswood strop with 1 micron diamond spray, and finally a few passes on clean kangaroo leather. Deburring was easy, and the edge came up beautifully, able to slice "Rizla Red" cigarette paper cleanly (my verification for a burr-free edge).

It felt easier to get a clean and razor sharp edge on 15V than the typical PM stainless steels like S30V, S45VN and S90V.

[Brock O Lee]

That's a very clean, highly detailed and well articulated sharpening review right there.

Thank you for sharing, this one checks all the boxes for useful and pertinent information.

Dr Vadim (RIP) would be proud reading about the Rizla cigarette paper test.

Thank you... Good steel is worth a review!

Yup, I learnt the cigarette paper check from Dr Vadim Kraichuk. His YouTube channel (Knife Grinders Australia) and Kindle booklet on deburring is a treasure chest of wisdom and experience.

[VandymanG]

Thank you for posting this information. It will definitely help me re-sharpen my mule which I was only using the ceramic Sharpmaker rods on it. Going to purchase CBN or diamond rods asap. Probably the diamond rods since I have the CBN Webfoot. Also the PM3 LW is turning out to be one of my favorite knives and I’m thinking of getting the G10 version next.

[WilliamMunny]

Shawn,

Awesome information as always. I love to pick your brain to save time and money going down the wrong route.

I have had great experiences sharpening 15V so far with my Manix 2 and I assume my new Para 3 LW will be similar.

I have kept the 17° factory grind and primarily strop with 6 micron Gunny Juice with good results. When the edge is beyond stroping I use my CBN stones on my Sharpmaker, again with good results. Using the Sharpmaker a bur doesn’t have a chance to form as you are hitting each side back to back.

Finally, when it needed more help than the Sharpmaker could provide I used my KME with the kit diamond platers stones. I found stoping at 600 grit worked the best and there was very little return going to the 1000 or 1500 grit stone. Very little issue forming a bur and cleaning it up on the other side.

I generally use paper towels to test how clean my knife will cut and know if it is a clean cut it’s sharp enough.

Per your recommendation I ordered a 400 grit Poltava Metalic Bonded CBN stone for my KME that should be here this week. I am excited to see how that will refine my edge even farther as the diamond plated stones I have are not always as uniform as I would like. Finally I will also switch to 1 micron Gunny Juice for stropping as you recommended. It should help bring the edge to the next level.

Only issue I have is that you now have me considering getting the Military 2 15V. I rarely need a 4” knife, but 15v is great and 4” of it is even better.

[Steeltoez83]

I've done a few dozen different tests across several samples of 15V. Several of em went against the grain of recommended practices by including ceramic abrasives. The goal was to see how the edge declined in comparison to a diamond stone, and a diamond strop. There's too much variability in this style of testing, therefore the pattern not the percentages should be observed. Off hand it scored roughly cruwear numbers when I used the brown spyderco benchstone to refine the apex from 400 grit. A diamond loaded strop did much better when it was substituted for the ceramic benchstone.

I've been satisfied with 15V. Has great edge stability, very easy to deburr, and it's predictable gradual edge decline are the standout attributes I've noticed. I'm not picking up any of the newest run, but I assume the pattern is still similar from the first run to the second.

[RazorSharp86]

Thanks for sharing, Shawn.

Just some background,
I had a sharpening business for over a decade, before closing it permanently about 9 years ago.
Although I mostly specialized in straight razors, I’ve sharpened thousands of knives - many of high hardness and quality.

The 15V (your collab with Spyderco) felt absolutely sublime to sharpen on my Atoma plates.
It took an edge readily, came with a great angle and bevel from factory, and was very enjoyable to sharpen from start to finish. Excellent work!
My progression was all done via Atoma’s diamond plates, starting at 400 and ending at 1,200. I used diamond pastes, finishing with a .1 micron.
After I was done, the edge offered superior bite and aggression. I’ve used it plenty since, and have not had to resharpen. 10/10.

We truly live in the golden era of blade-steels. Mostly thanks to you, people like you, and the wonderful folks at Spyderco.

Knife enthusiasts are all very lucky.

[Danke]

I have only the 15V Shaman. I cut stuff with it and don't run the edge along cement curbs or punch it into oil drums to test it out Forged in Fire style. I also bought the CBN stones for my Sharpmaker along with it. Sharpening is uneventful.

[Wartstein]

(EDIT: Perhaps not right on topic, cause this vid is not yet really about actual sharpening - but still interesting, I guess thus I won´t delete the post)

@Red Leader pointed me/us to a vid about REX 121 on the the youtube channel of

ericasedc and I found it really refreshing to watch one of the few "real" reviewers, she actually and obviously knows what she is talking about from real life experience.

Now here is another vid of hers about 15V (rather a first impression and also somewhat gets compared to REX121 and Maxamet) and I found it interesting too and worth sharing. Above my pay grade to actually join that discussion, but I can follow and enjoy it.

[ejames13]

(EDIT: Perhaps not right on topic, cause this vid is not yet really about actual sharpening - but still interesting, I guess thus I won´t delete the post)

@Red Leader pointed me/us to a vid about REX 121 on the the youtube channel of

ericasedc and I found it really refreshing to watch one of the few "real" reviewers, she actually and obviously knows what she is talking about from real life experience.

Now here is another vid of hers about 15V (rather a first impression and also somewhat gets compared to REX121 and Maxamet) and I found it interesting too and worth sharing. Above my pay grade to actually join that discussion, but I can follow and enjoy it.

I'm confused. In her previous video about REX121, she said it was the easiest steel she's ever sharpened and took an incredible edge. Now she's saying you need to use 600 grit diamond or higher because it microchips significantly with lower grits.

[Wartstein]

I'm confused. In her previous video about REX121, she said it was the easiest steel she's ever sharpened and took an incredible edge. Now she's saying you need to use 600 grit diamond or higher because it microchips significantly with lower grits.

I don´t know, paid more attention to the 15V part - but I think your input should perhaps better get discussed in the "ericasedc REX121" - thread, so here viewtopic.php?p=1814051#p1814051?