CPM stands for Crucible Particle Metallurgy, a process used to make high-quality tool steel. Crucible Industries in the United States is the only producer of CPM steel, which involves pouring 

molten metal into a small nozzle and using high-pressure gas to cause it to erupt into a sheet of small droplets. These droplets cool, solidify, and form a powder, which is then bonded and 

compacted by hot isostatic pressing. The success lies in the fact that the HIP process ensures that each particle is uniform in composition. This also improves the toughness and wear 

resistance of the steel.

Austenitic and Martensitic Steels

Austenitic steel has a high nickel content, so it lacks magnetism and is relatively soft, making it unsuitable for inserts. Its advantages are its toughness and superior corrosion resistance, and its 

high chromium content, making it best suited for things like inserts, forks, spoons, and kitchen sinks. Martensitic steel has less chromium and is prone to rust, but has a very low nickel content, 

making it magnetic. What really distinguishes martensitic steel is its higher carbon content, which makes it harder and ideal for making inserts. Steel manufacturers are able to transform 

austenite into martensite steel by rapidly cooling it.

What about Damascus Steel?

Damascus Steel is produced in the Middle Eastern countries of India, Pakistan, and dates back to ancient times before the Common Era. Originally a weld of two different types of steel, 

Damascus Steel has many myths about its strength and power, and today it is widely popular for its beautiful appearance. Most are collected for collection.

Other Considerations

Remember that steel is not everything. Insert buyers should be careful not to pursue the most perfect steel, as steel is not the only factor that affects insert performance. Steel analysis has 

become a science, so don't be easily fooled by statistics. Remember - inserts made from the premium or high-end steels listed above are not necessarily better than those made from inferior 

steels.

The heat treatment techniques used by the insert maker also have a huge impact on the final performance of the insert!

For example, Cold Steel's CTS-XHP, CTS-BD1, and AUS-8A steel folding inserts have the most critical process - steel heat treatment - done in the United States, and the Taiwan factory is only 

responsible for other processes. Shhh - this is the secret of Cold Steel's so-called high cost-effectiveness.

In fact, all modern steels are sufficient to meet the needs of most users, and people are investing more energy in other aspects of small folding inserts, such as the handle and other features of 

the insert.