S35VN Stainless Steel

S35VN is a high-performance stainless steel that is known for its excellent balance of edge retention, toughness, and corrosion resistance. It was developed by Crucible Industries as an improvement of S30V steel. S35VN steel is made using a unique process that involves the use of fine particles of the alloy that are then consolidated under high pressure and heat to create a homogenous microstructure. This process improves the steel’s properties and performance. S35VN steel is considered to be premium steel due to its excellent performance and high price.

Properties: S35VN steel has a high carbon content and is high in chromium, molybdenum, niobium, and vanadium, which gives it excellent edge retention, corrosion resistance, and toughness. It is a hard steel, with a Rockwell hardness of about 59-61 HRC.

Advantages:

  • Excellent edge retention: S35VN steel is known for its excellent edge retention, which means that it can hold a sharp edge for a longer period of time than other types of steel.
  • Corrosion resistance: S35VN steel has high levels of chromium, which provides excellent corrosion resistance.
  • Toughness: S35VN steel is known for its excellent toughness, which means that it can withstand heavy use and resist chipping and breaking.
  • Improves machinability and sharpenability over S30V

Disadvantages:

  • Expensive: S35VN steel is a premium steel that is more expensive than other types of steel.
  • Requires special care to sharpen and maintain its edge.

Best use cases:

  • High-end knives: S35VN steel’s excellent edge retention, corrosion resistance, and toughness make it a great choice for high-end knives that will be used for heavy cutting tasks and exposed to high levels of wear and tear.
  • Tactical knives: S35VN steel’s excellent edge retention, corrosion resistance, and toughness make it a great choice for tactical knives that will be used for heavy cutting tasks and exposed to rough conditions.
  • Collectible knives: S35VN steel’s excellent performance and unique properties make it a great choice for collectible knives that will be used for display or occasional use.

Average retail cost range: The average retail cost range for knives made with S35VN steel can vary widely depending on factors such as the design, the quality of the craftsmanship, and the brand. However, generally, knives made with S35VN steel can be found for an average retail cost range between $200 to $800, due to its premium price.

In conclusion, S35VN steel is a high-performance steel that is known for its excellent balance of edge retention, toughness, and corrosion resistance. It is a premium steel that is more expensive than other types of steel, but its excellent properties make it worth the investment for those who want a knife that can withstand heavy use and maintain a sharp edge for a long time. S35VN steel is an improvement over S30V steel, with better machinability and sharpenability but also requires special care and attention when maintaining the edge. Due to its price and difficulty to sharpen it’s not recommended for the general public but for the enthusiasts and professionals who appreciate its unique properties. It is a great choice for those who want a knife that can perform well in demanding conditions and maintain its edge for a long time.