Crucible Industries LLC’s CruWear steel is a type of high-performance alloy specifically designed for knife blades. It is a high-carbon, high-chromium metal steel known for its toughness, edge retention, and corrosion resistance.
CruWear is often compared favorably with other high-end knife steels such as CPM S35VN and CPM S30V. Knives made from CruWear are popular among knife enthusiasts and are often used for hunting, camping, and outdoor activities.
Our goal is to cover all the major features and functions of these special knife steels in this article. So, it would be best for you to read this specific article till the end for accurate knowledge purposes.
8 Detailed Features of the CruWear Steel Knives:
Numerous features of this special steel make it one of the most durable materials to be used for making any knife. However, all the properties are the ones that we were able to discover after using this steel.
Just like we have discussed the borka blades, it is now time for us to analyze all the major materials, properties, and versatility of these amazing knife steels. So, let’s dive right into the main action.
1. High Carbon Content
CruWear has a high carbon content of around 1.2%, which gives it excellent edge retention and allows it to hold a sharp edge for a longer time. As a result, this special steel lasts for quite a long time.
2. High Chromium Content
Due to its high chromium content, this steel resists rust and corrosion. We always loved using this amazing steel for making outdoor knives with durability and high strength.
3. Toughness
CruWear is known for its toughness, which means that it is less likely to break or chip compared to other high-end knife steels. For hunting and other outdoor knives, this steel is just a blessing for knife smiths.
4. Wear Resistance
The high chromium and carbon content in the steel gives it exceptional wear resistance, which makes it ideal for heavy use and demanding cutting tasks. You can also use them for multiple indoor tasks as they are not capable of getting any rust on their body.
5. Corrosion Resistance
Another amazing factor of the CruWear’s high chromium content gives it excellent resistance to rust and corrosion, making it an ideal choice for knives that will be exposed to harsh environments.
6. Edge Retention
The high carbon content in CruWear helps to retain the edge of a blade for a longer time, making it a popular choice for knives that require sharpness for extended periods.
7. Heat Treatment
CruWear can be heat treated to optimize its properties for specific applications, such as maximum toughness, edge retention, or corrosion resistance. But, make sure to maintain a certain heat temperature for this process to get accurate results.
8. Grindability
The steel is relatively easy to grind, allowing knife makers to produce blades with complex shapes and intricate details. We would also advise you to utilize multiple sharpeners for perfect output results.
CruWear Steel vs Other Steel Materials:
Here are some of the best steel materials this CruWear steel is often compared to. So, make sure to read all about their feature comparison till the end for the best results.
1. D2
Tool steel D2 has excellent edge retention and wear resistance due to its high carbon and high chromium content. However, D2 is less expensive and slightly less tough than CruWear.
2. S30V
Known for its stellar corrosion resistance and edge retention, S30V is a premium steel. In comparison to CruWear, S30V is considered to be more precise, but it is also more expensive and less tough.
3. CPM 3V
CPM 3V is a high-performance steel that is known for its toughness and ability to handle heavy use. Compared to CruWear, CPM 3V is less wear-resistant, but it is also less prone to chipping and is more affordable.
4. M4
M4 is a high-speed steel that is known for its ability to retain a sharp edge at high temperatures. Compared to CruWear, M4 is less corrosion-resistant and less wear-resistant, but it is also less expensive and easier to sharpen.
5. Elmax
It has a high level of edge retention and corrosion resistance, which makes it premium steel. Although Elmax is usually considered a better choice for tasks that require precision, it is also more expensive and less durable than CruWear.
6. M390
Steel M390 is renowned for its excellent edge retention, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance. As opposed to CruWear, M390 is considered to be a better option for tasks that require high levels of precision, but it is also more costly and less durable.
7. Maxamet
Its exceptional edge retention and toughness make Maxamet one of the best high-speed steels. Maxamet is more wear-resistant and easier to sharpen than CruWear, but more expensive and less corrosion-resistant.
8. S110V
Steel S110V same as the S45vn is very corrosion-resistant and retains its edge well. Although S110V has a higher level of precision than CruWear, it is also more expensive and less durable than CruWear.
Is CruWear steel stainless?
CruWear steel does not belong to the stainless steel family. As a stainless steel, it does not meet the minimum requirement of 13% chromium content, even though it contains high levels of chromium, which makes it highly resistant to rust and corrosion.
CruWear Steel vs Magnacut:
Steel alloys that add strength and durability to knife blades are CruWear and Magnacut. Both are composed differently and have different properties.
Known for its durability, toughness, and resistance to corrosion and wear, CruWear tool steel has a high carbon and high chromium content.
Because of its affordability and performance, it is one of the most popular knife blades. Latrobe Steel Company has developed Spyderco Magnacut, a patented steel alloy. Wear resistance, edge retention, and toughness make it exceptional.
Compared to CruWear, it is a more expensive premium steel intended for tasks requiring precision. But, we would advise you to use both of these special and amazing steels for making high-quality knives.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Air-hardening tool steel Cru-WEAR® offers high wear resistance and toughness. It exhibits minimal distortion in hardening under annealed conditions (similar to D2).
The Cru-wear tool steel is not stainless steel, unlike the S30V and S110V steels. If you neglect cru-wear, it can rust and corrode. Because it contains a high amount of chromium, it is corrosion-resistant. For instance, 1095 is better than 52100.
Wear resistance is higher than D2, toughness is higher than M2, and compressive strength is higher than both. D2 tempers lower than Cru-WEAR. This makes it resistant to nitriding, steam tempering, and titanium nitriding.
Final Verdict:
In addition to its durability, CuWear Steel has a high degree of resistance to corrosion. The material can withstand harsh conditions and is commonly used in industrial applications.
From the information available, CuWear Steel appears to possess a wide range of desirable properties. Depending on the application requirements and the conditions it will be used, its suitability will vary.
For clear Steel to meet your needs, it is recommended to consult an expert or conduct further research. This article, therefore, is intended to provide you with useful information that you will find beneficial.