Maxamet’s distinguishing metallurgical characteristic is the high carbon content (2.15%) and the inclusion of 10% Tungsten. Maxamet is made by Carpenter Technology, a company best known among steel snobs for its CTS-XHP, which made appearances on the Spyderco Techno, Slysz Bowie, and Chaparral among others. Click here to download a PDF of this steel chart (107kb) Click here to download a two-page brochure with more details about steel(14 MB). Hover over an element to learn more about how it affects steel performance characteristics. Carbon steel: Most Japanese knives will fall under this first category. Disadvantages: Can be relatively difficult to sharpen (compared to carbon steels and softer stainless steels). Carbon steel is made through the process of adding carbon to steel made from iron ore. Experiences … D2 and M4 do get a lower score of “2” though I would argue that 1095 should get a “1” or “0” rather than the same “2” as D2 and M4. What it is: CPM 154 is the "Crucible Particle Metallurgy" version of 154 CM stainless steel, and is widely regarded as a "super steel" for its properties and performance. Furthermore, because of its ultrahigh hardness, Maxamet is very prone to corrosion, probably worse than 1095. electroslag, forged ring/ block,etc. It’s so high in hardness that Maxamet knives … It’s so high in hardness that Maxamet knives usually ship with desiccating packages. Hardness: REX 121 Maxamet is intriguing stuff, would like to hear more from actual users. Maxamet is the latest high speed powder steel from Carpenter (aka CarTech). In actual use I doubt you will see the difference in the 2 overall. For example, A2 and 3V, non-stainless tool steels, get the same score of “3” out of 5 as CPM-154 and VG-10 which are stainless steels and obviously are superior in terms of corrosion resistance. Spyderco is the only company I am aware of that is using Maxamet. Stainless steel: Stainless steel is created much the same way as carbon steel, however chrome is added to the mix. Spyderco has produced a number of production knives with Maxamet, and the steel debuted on the ZT0888. Its an extreme alloy with insane hardness and tremendous edge retention while still retaining a reasonable amount of toughness but at the expense of corrosion resistance (it’s not stainless). Micro Melt Maxamet Alloy can be supplied as steel plate/ sheet, round steel bar, steel tube/pipe, steel stripe, steel billet, steel ingot, steel wire rods. There have been some comparisons with other steels regarding edge retention, corrosion resistance, but nothing definitive so far. See More Maxamet Steel Knives. Stainless Steel, Special Steel, Compressor Blading, Turbine Blading, Superalloy Supplier. Furthermore, because of its ultrahigh hardness, Maxamet is very prone to corrosion, probably worse than 1095. 154CM Both great steels, CPM-154 benefits from a powdered metallurgy and is finer grained than 154CM. CPM-154 is an excellent EDC blade steel with above average edge retention, corrosion resistance, and ease of sharpening. Click a specific steel below to see its elements. Maxamet. I tested and used all 3 steels, CW is OK, so it comes down to MAXAMET or S110V. In my testing MAXAMET beat S110V on rope, but S110V killed it in the cardboard testing. Advantages: Toughness, edge retention, corrosion resistance. Steel Chart.