CPM 3V Special Hardened Model

The conventional CPM 3V is a powder steel with excellent toughness and wear resistance, making it a popular, durable, high-quality steel. Its strength is virtually equal to that of CPM 1V, which was once expected to be even better than 3V, and its toughness is similar to that of AEB-L/14C28N. However, these also show a significant drop in toughness above 60 HRC. While 3V, with its superior wear resistance, was superior, the introduction of Z-Tuff has meant that it has fallen behind in absolute strength.

The toughness characteristics of 3V decline sharply above a hardness of 60, making it difficult to compensate for strength through hardness. As a result, depending on the blade shape, the cutting edge can easily deform when striking hard targets like bone.

However, with this special heat treatment recipe, 3V has achieved a hardness of 61.5 HRC while maintaining toughness comparable to that of 58 HRC. While the numerical absolute strength and maximum toughness still cannot reach Z-Tuff, the strength characteristics are closest to Z-Tuff.

Furthermore, its abrasion resistance and corrosion resistance exceed Z-Tuff.

This heat treatment is said to be similar to a method developed by a very small number of knife manufacturers in the United States, and is known locally as Delta 3V, with performance that sets it apart from previous 3V.
After much trial and error and many wasted 3V, this ultimate heat treatment is a special recipe that only ISZ KNIVES in Japan has come up with.

A 3V with improved strength and abrasion resistance, close to Z-Tuff.
This is CPM 3V HSHT.


Steel