Finding the perfect pocket knife for your EDC (everyday carry) rotation is only half the battle; choosing the right blade steel is what truly defines how your tool will perform in the field. When it comes to the highly sought-after Kansept Fenrir, designed by custom maker Greg Schob, Kansept offers this ergonomic folding knife in several premium steel options. Because each steel possesses its own distinct chemical makeup, your choice will dictate how often you need to sharpen your blade, how well it resists rust, and how much abuse it can take during your daily tasks.
To help you make an informed decision, we have put together a vertical, deep-dive profile of each steel option available in this iconic lineup. By evaluating each material individually, you can easily identify which one aligns with your specific cutting habits and lifestyle.
The CPM-S35VN Profile: The All-Rounder
The Science Behind S35VN
Developed by Crucible Industries in collaboration with legendary knifemaker Chris Reeve, CPM-S35VN is often called the "gold standard" of modern pocket knife steels. By introducing small amounts of niobium to the traditional S30V formula, Crucible created a highly refined grain structure. This metallurgical tweak drastically improves the steel’s structural toughness without sacrificing its ability to hold a sharp edge.
Real-World Performance
In daily use, the S35VN version of this folder behaves like a dependable workhorse. It strikes a nearly perfect balance between the three pillars of knife performance: toughness, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance. It is highly resistant to micro-chipping, meaning it won’t easily damage if you accidentally hit a staple or wire while cutting through thick cardboard.
Maintenance and Care
One of the greatest advantages of CPM-S35VN is how easy it is to maintain. Unlike harder super steels, it responds incredibly well to standard ceramic rods, strops, and guided sharpening systems. You do not need expensive diamond plates to bring this blade back to a razor-sharp, hair-shaving edge.
Who It is For
This option is ideal for the practical user who wants a premium, high-performance knife that requires minimal fuss. If you want a dependable daily cutter that is easy to sharpen at home and tough enough for outdoor or utility tasks, S35VN is your perfect match.
The CPM-20CV Profile: The Edge Endurance Champion
The Science Behind 20CV
If your primary concern is keeping a sharp edge for as long as humanly possible, CPM-20CV is the pinnacle of modern powder metallurgy. This steel features a massive concentration of vanadium and chromium. The vanadium combines with carbon to form incredibly hard vanadium carbides, which act as microscopic teeth along the cutting edge, resisting wear at an elite level.
Real-World Performance
The CPM-20CV version is built for heavy, repetitive slicing. It will easily glide through highly abrasive materials—such as thick nylon ropes, cardboard boxes, carpeting, and plastic tubing—and still retain its working edge at the end of a long workday. Furthermore, with its 20% chromium content, it offers supreme rust resistance, making it virtually immune to sweat, pocket moisture, and humid outdoor environments.
Maintenance and Care
The trade-off for this extreme edge longevity is the sharpening process. Because 20CV is incredibly wear-resistant and typically hardened to a high Rockwell rating (60-62 HRC), it can be stubborn on standard stones. To sharpen or touch up this steel efficiently, using diamond or cubic boron nitride (CBN) abrasives is highly recommended.
Who It is For
The 20CV edition is designed for high-demand users, heavy-duty workers, and gear enthusiasts who want maximum cutting endurance. If you use your knife heavily throughout the day and want to minimize how often you have to sit down and sharpen it, this premium alloy is worth every penny.
The Damascus Profile: The Collector's Heirloom
The Science Behind Damascus
Kansept’s Damascus is a stunning nod to ancient blacksmithing traditions. Rather than being a single, uniform block of steel, Damascus is created by forge-welding multiple layers of different steels together, folding them, and then acid-etching the final blade. The acid reacts differently to each steel layer, revealing a high-contrast, swirling pattern that resembles flowing water.
Real-World Performance
While Damascus is primarily selected for its breathtaking visual beauty, Kansept uses high-quality core steels during the forging process. This means the blade is fully functional, offering dependable strength and a reliable cutting edge for standard everyday tasks. However, it is not an industrial workhorse; it is not designed to compete with the specialized carbide wear-resistance of 20CV or the impact toughness of S35VN.
Maintenance and Care
Damascus requires a more active, hands-on approach to maintenance. Because of the acid-etched layers, the surface can be more sensitive to moisture and acidic substances (like citrus juices). To keep the high-contrast pattern looking its best and protect the blade from surface oxidation, you should wipe it dry after use and occasionally apply a light coat of high-quality mineral oil.
Who It is For
The Damascus edition is crafted for the collector, the connoisseur, and those who appreciate the gentlemanly side of EDC carry. If you view your pocket knife as a piece of functional art, a conversation starter, or a modern heirloom to pair with premium carbon fiber scales and titanium bolsters—similar to the elite designs seen from boutique houses like Sparrow Knife Co.—this edition is the ultimate choice.
