Knife-makers have tried to mitigate these negatives by adding specific alloys and various heat treatments, but their solutions always had trade-offs. CPM S35VN "powder metal" steel solves this riddle.
Molten metal is sprayed into a cold environment, freezing into "nano" structures. The molecular density of its molten state is preserved instantly in newly formed "steel flakes." This "super powder" is then combined using intense compression, similar to the way diamonds are formed.
Made in the U.S.A., S35VN powder metal steel exceeds other manufactured steels in just about every category: sharpness, toughness, stain-resistance, edge-holding, and ease of sharpening. But why isn’t every knife-maker using it?
Simply put, many of the overseas knife-giants have gone the way of Walmart, outsourcing their manufacturing and sacrificing quality for volume and cost-cutting.
Watch video of us testing a 60 RHC blade for toughness.