If you’re deep into the world of premium knives, chances are you’ve heard the buzz about 15V steel—and especially Spyderco’s exclusive 15V sprint runs. But what exactly is 15V steel, and why is it turning heads among collectors and hard-use knife fans?
What Is CPM 15V Steel?
15V steel, made by Crucible Industries using their CPM (Crucible Particle Metallurgy) process, contains a staggering 14.5% vanadium—more than any other commonly used knife steel. This gives it industry-leading wear resistance, making it one of the best knife steels for edge retention. It’s not stainless, but if you value cutting longevity over corrosion resistance, CPM 15V is in a league of its own.
Performance That Pushes Limits
Thanks to its ultra-hard carbide structure, 15V knives stay sharp longer than Maxamet, S110V, or M4. However, it requires diamond or CBN stones to sharpen, and users should be mindful of corrosion. But for those who want their blade to keep cutting long after others dull, 15V delivers.
The Big Brown Bear x Spyderco Collaboration
Spyderco’s 15V sprint runs were developed in collaboration with Big Brown Bear, a respected voice in the knife community known for his in-depth edge retention testing and steel analysis. His feedback helped guide heat treat protocols that maximize 15V’s performance, resulting in knives with optimized hardness (up to 67 HRC) and incredible real-world cutting longevity.
This partnership ensures these sprint runs aren’t just collector’s items—they’re functional cutting tools tuned by one of the most trusted testers in the knife world.
Highlighted available models include:
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Spyderco MicroJimbo 15V – A compact powerhouse designed by Michael Janich, now upgraded with superior edge retention and a fully flat-ground 15V blade.
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Spyderco Native 5 15V Sprint Run – A classic EDC favorite enhanced with the ultimate tool steel for daily cutting, slicing, and precision control.
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Other collector favorites like the Paramilitary 2 15V, Shaman 15V, and Manix 2 15V.
These limited production knives combine cutting-edge metallurgy with proven ergonomics and USA-made quality.
Why Knife Collectors and Users Love It
Whether you’re a collector chasing sprint runs or a user looking for a workhorse that can go weeks between sharpenings, Spyderco 15V sprint run knives represent the cutting edge of knife performance. From the pocket-friendly MicroJimbo 15V to the tried-and-true Native 5 15V, these blades are built for those who demand the most from their tools.