We use cookies to make your experience better. To comply with the new e-Privacy directive, we need to ask for your consent to set the cookies. Learn more.
Automatic Knife Release Form
f-18 form successfully submitted
A confirmation will be sent to your email shortly. You can find your signed form in your Account.
Please note, you cannot add to cart without signing the f-18 agreement
- 1800 SW Teton Avenue
- Tualatin, OR 97062
- Phone: 503-682-1966
- Toll Free: 800-325-2891
- Fax: 503-682-7168
- kaiusa.com
Blade Steels
Zero Tolerance blades are made only of premium, high-performance stainless steels that provide the characteristics most desirable in pocketknives.
CPM 20CV
This Crucible powdered metallurgy tool steel has a high volume of vanadium carbides for exceptional wear resistance and edge retention. The highest level of chromium of any high-vanadium steel gives it excellent corrosion resistance.
HRC: 59–61
TOUGHNESS: 6/10
EDGE RETENTION: 9/10
CORROSION RESISTANCE: 7/10
SHARPENING EASE: 2/10
CPM 3V
A high carbon tool steel that resists edge chipping with superior toughness. It has a high volume of vanadium carbides for greater wear resistance and hardness.
HRC: 58-60
TOUGHNESS: 9/10
EDGE RETENTION: 5/10
CORROSION RESISTANCE: 5.5/10
SHARPENING EASE: 6/10
CPM S30V
Large carbides in this all-around premium knife steel make it take and hold an edge extremely well; it is also very tough and wear resistant.
HRC: 59.5–61
TOUGHNESS: 5/10
EDGE RETENTION: 7/10
CORROSION RESISTANCE: 7/10
SHARPENING EASE: 5/10
CPM S35VN
Crucible's S35VN modifies the formula of S30V for enhanced toughness and resistance to edge chipping with no loss of wear resistance. Its formula promotes the formation of niobium carbides along with the vanadium and chromium carbides. It provides a sharper, longer lasting edge.
HRC: 60-62
TOUGHNESS: 6/10
EDGE RETENTION: 8/10
CORROSION RESISTANCE: 7/10
SHARPENING EASE: 5/10
Steel Elements
| Carbon (C) | Chromium (Cr) | Molybdenum (Mo) | Vanadium (V) | Tungsten (W) | Cobalt (Co) | Nickel (Ni) | Manganese (Mn) | Silicon (Si) | Sulphur (S) | Phosphous (P) | Copper (Cu) | Niobium (Nb) | Nitrogen (N) | |
| CPM 20CV | 1.9% | 20% | 1% | 4% | 0.6% | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| CPM 3V | 0.8% | 7.5% | 1.3% | 2.75% | - | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| CPM S30V | 1.45% | 14% | 2% | 4% | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 0.2% |
| CPM S35VN | 1.4% | 14% | 2% | 3% | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 0.5% | – |