The CPM-3V knife is made from a high carbon alloy steel that is known for its exceptional toughness. It also contains enough chromium to provide some resistance to corrosion, although it still requires proper care. The high toughness of this steel allows for a stable edge that can be ground to a thin profile, resulting in improved performance. In terms of edge retention, the CPM-3V is comparable to VG-10 and CPM-154, but it surpasses them in terms of toughness, being more than three times as tough.