Thread: CV or SS blade for pocketknife?

I am no sort of expert, connoisseur, or collector of knives, but have been thinking of ordering a Case medium stockman pocketknife. (Shepherd Hills Cutlery has been recommended to me for good prices and service.) The one I really like--this one--has chrome vanadium steel, as opposed to the stainless steel that Case uses for most of their knives. Practically speaking, what would be the difference?

Thanks much for any thoughts you may have.

Rich

CV tends to hold a better edge and is stain resistant but the steel will rust and blacken if not cared for! Even when cared for the will tend to darken!
The SS is very resistant to any sort of darkening or staining and holds an edge well enough for daily use, but in my opinion, CV can hold an edge longer and can be made sharper than SS!

I am of course talking of the steels that W R Case uses!

My preference is ats-34 which case uses in their more expensive knives!

Thanks, Usagi-san! That makes sense. I was figuring on keeping the knife out of the damp and giving the blade a coat of honing oil every month or so. Yes, that ATS-34 steel sounds good--maybe some day when I'm really able and ready to give myself a treat! For now, though, I'll just stick with a good, moderately-priced carry-around knife.

Rich

I prefer the carbon as well for ease of sharpening and edge holding. Their Tru-Sharp stainless is okay and I have a few with it but on knives I carry I don't mind the blade becoming stained. nowadays all I usually cut are tomatoes, apples, peaches and the like so a black blade is normal. Good luck with your new knife.

I carry the medium stockman 3318 CV with the flesh blade and yellow scales. The cv tends to rust in the summer time with the sweat on the hands and pockets but with a little oil and a little 600 grit it is good as new. I dont care for stanless knives but that is just an opinion. I would rather have a little pitting from rust than SS. I perfer the flesh or spey blade. Don't ask why I just do. You can get a wicked edge on that little blade.

Don

The Case CV seems to get sharper and hold an edge longer than their SS. The rust issue is minor if you use it every day and wipe it down every now and then.