Ask any self-respecting knife maker how they choose which metals to use, and they’ll tell you they select the material based on the best fit for the application of the knife in question.
In other words, if a blade is going to be used as an everyday kitchen tool, it’s probably better suited to stainless steel than carbon steel. If a knife is intended for heavy-duty work, then it will likely be made from high quality carbon steel.
If you’re looking for a material that needs to be tough and hold it’s edge, 80CrV2 steel is a strong choice. In this review, we’ll be taking a closer look at this type of steel, including its composition and suitability for different applications.
If this sounds like something you’re interested in, read on and see what we thought of 80CrV2 steel!
What Is 80CrV2?
The 80CrV2 grade of steel was developed by Carpenter Technology Corporation (CTC). It’s been around since the 1960s, but has only recently become popular again due to its superior properties.
This type of steel is commonly referred to as “high speed” or “super hard” steel because it can easily withstand high levels of heat without losing much temper. 80CrV2 is what is known as a “high-carbon” tool steel. It is traditionally cast steel.
This makes it ideal for making knives with very sharp edges. The CTC designation stands for Chromium: 20%, Vanadium: 2% and Carbon: 78%.
As you might expect, there are many other grades available, each with their own unique characteristics.
For example, Carpenter also offers 60CrMo4, 70CrMo3, and 90CrMo1. These all have slightly different chemical compositions, but they’re still considered tool steels.
In terms of hardness (HRC), 80CrV2 is a high scorer, with a maximum of 57HRC.
What Is 80CrV2 Suitable For?
As it isn’t technically a super steel, 80CrV2 contains more than 0.50% carbon, it is best suited to applications that need the material to be stiff, hard, and maintain their edge.
Tools like tactical knives, hatchets, survival knifes, and swords are all perfect applications for this type of metal.
The Typical Chemical Composition Of 80CrV2
As we’ve mentioned, 80CrV2 isn’t a super steel, in fact, it’s classed as a High Carbon Steel. This is due to the fact that the typical composition of this type of metal is largely carbon.
We’ve broken down the chemical composition of 80CrV2 below:
0.85% of Carbon
0.6% of Chromium
0.5% of Manganese
0.4% Nickel
0.3% Silicon
0.3% Sulfur
0.1% of Molybdenum
0.25% of Vanadium
0.025% of Phosphorous
0.02% of Copper
0.005% of Aluminum
Balance Iron
So What Are Its Properties?
When it comes to physical properties, 80CrV2 is pretty impressive. It’s extremely hard, capable of holding an edge well, and being able to take a lot of abuse.
It’s also relatively easy to machine, meaning that most tools can be made using this type of steel.
How Does It Compare To Other Steels?
When compared to other types of steel, 80CrV is one of the hardest. It’s not quite as hard as ATS-34, which is a common competitor, but it’s certainly up there.
In terms of toughness, it’s about equal to 1095, which is another common competitor.
However, 80CrV2 does beat out some harder steels when it comes to wear resistance. It will last longer than 440C stainless steel, for example.
Why Use High Speed Steels?
There are several reasons why people prefer high speed steels over traditional carbon steels. For one thing, these materials are more resistant to corrosion and oxidation. This means that your tools won’t rust as quickly.
Another benefit of using high speed steels is that they are harder and stronger. They can take heavier loads and resist bending and deformation.
Finally, when compared to carbon steels, high speed steels are easier to sharpen. Because they don’t oxidize so readily, they maintain their edge longer.
How Do You Choose Which Type Of Steel To Use?
Choosing between high speed steels and traditional carbon steels is largely a matter of preference. However, there are some factors that influence your decision.
First off, you need to consider what kind of cutting tasks you want to perform. Are you looking to make a general purpose utility knife, or a precision instrument?
A general-purpose utility knife is typically designed to handle most types of jobs. A good example would be a paring knife.
A precision instrument, such as a surgical scalpel, requires a higher level of hardness and strength. You may find that a surgical scalpel is too brittle to cut through bone or skin.
You should also think about how often you plan to use your knife. Some people prefer to replace their blades every few months. Others keep them in service for years.
In any case, you should always test out your new blade before putting it into regular use.
Carbon Steel Vs Stainless Steel
Carbon steel has several advantages over stainless steel.
It holds an edge longer than stainless steel. This is because carbon steel contains more chromium and molybdenum (two elements that help keep an edge sharp) than stainless steel.
Carbon steels also have a higher melting point than stainless steel.
This means that when a carbon steel knife hits something hard enough to break through its surface, it can hold an edge much longer than a similar knife made out of stainless steel.
It doesn’t rust as easily as stainless steel. Stainless steel is great at resisting corrosion, but it does so by forming a thin layer of oxide on its surface.
The oxide is very good at preventing water molecules from getting inside the metal and causing rust. However, this protective coating wears off with time, leaving bare spots where moisture can get into the metal.
When these spots are exposed to oxygen, they start oxidizing, or turning brownish yellow.
Wrapping Up
The next time you’re thinking about buying a new knife, remember that there’s no single best material. It all depends on what type of job you want to do with it.
A knife made out of 80CrV2 is sure to hold its edge for longer than your average knife, plus it’ll be extremely strong.
If you’re looking for a general-use tool, then a carbon steel knife will probably work just fine.
But if you’re looking for something that needs to withstand heavy loads and extreme temperatures, then a high-speed steel might be the better choice.
Hi, my name is Tom Bower and I have had a passion for knives since I was in my early 20s. I moved out on my own and started collecting my own furniture, utensils, and hobbies. Not only do I have a passion for cooking, but I also love being outdoors in adventure mode.
I have dedicated part of my life to finding my favorite knives for different occasions. Have you ever tried to cut through a steak with a blunt knife? Or a rope with a low-quality pocket knife? Once you get a taste of quality, you’ll never go back to what you knew before.
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