Home Forums Gear Knives and Blades Is CTS-XHP Stainless?

In researching this steel I’m finding adamant stance on both sides of this argument. Some say it is. Some say it isn’t. Does anyone have any experience with this steel to form a conclusion?

Says it is stainless from Carpenters.

I read 16% chromium, so it's well into stainless territory.

I just picked up a Crotts knife in it. Bear season is upon us so nothing like skinning a few bears to test it.

From Carpenters website

CTS® XHP
CTS® XHP alloy is a powder metallurgy, air-hardening, high carbon, high chromium, corrosion-resistant alloy. It can be considered either a high hardness 440C stainless steel or a corrosion-resistant D2 tool steel. CTS® XHP alloy possesses corrosion resistance equivalent to 440C stainless steel and can attain a maximum hardness of 64 HRC and a minimum hardness of 60 HRC when air cooled from hardening temperatures of 1850 to 2000°F (1010°C to 1093°C), making it more forgiving during heat treatment than similar alloys.
TYPE ANALYSIS
Carbon (Maximum)
1.6
Silicon (Maximum)
0.4
Nickel (Nominal)
0.35
Manganese (Maximum)
0.5
Chromium (Nominal)
16
Molybdenum (Nominal)
0.8
Iron (Nominal)
Balance
Vanadium (Nominal)
0.45

Knife Steel Nerds don’t seem to agree.

some years back, I picked up a Spyderco Mule in that steel. It certainly seems like stainless steel to me, as it has never shown any corrosion. Living in Florida, corrosion is a thing.

Thanks.

I'm with Sam. Years (YEARS!) ago I told my ranch foreman to pick a knife for his work. He's from Argentina originally, then emigrated here (LEGALLY!) and spent years cutting meat in Nebraska. Won't bore y'all with how he ended up with us at our ranch in Idaho...but... has to do with my Grandad and Dad and his in Argentina. Anyway, all that aside, when I reluctantly took over managing the ranch I asked that he pick one of my personal knives to be his own...He picked my Dozier K23 Filet in D2. None of you would believe how many TONS of beef that knife has processed... SO, I decided I needed a knife like his like maybe it would make me as good with a blade as he (HA!) I bought another K23 in CTS-XHP at BLADE show in 2007. I've used it on my boat in Orange Beach, and on pigs and deer at our place up in the wiregrass...and...My dumb ass can't see a difference...'cept that out of my league even DREAMING I can use a knife like Alejandro...

Thanks

I also have a Crotts in this steel and it acts just like D2 to me. It will be ideal for skinning bears I think, good edge retention. Basic knife maintenance in a timely manner after using and you will be very happy with it. Congrats on your purchase, I've never been disappointed in one of Dan's knives regardless of the steel.