• Blade Grind: Spanto
• Blade Length: 3.50″
• Handle Length: 4.75″
• Overall Length: 8.25″
• Blade Thickness: 0.165″
• Lockside Thickness: 0.165″
• Liner Thickness: 0.050″
• Overall Handle Thickness: 0.540″
• Handle Material: OD Green G10
• Blade : Stonewash
• Lockside : Stonewash Bronze
• Weight: 5.6oz
• Blade Steel: CPM-S45VN

I want to introduce to you the ever popular XM-18 3.5 Spanto in the new CPM steel S45VN. This is a smaller batch of the XM-18 Spanto made in this new Crucible steel as an introduction to this steel. So, I will call it kind of like a “Trial” run. When I first learned of the new S45VN I was very intrigued. We have used a lot of the S35VN in the past so of course I was looking forward to trying this upgrade. From the data that is available it seems that S45VN will have improved corrosion resistance and slightly better edge retention. As more actual field use opinions come in, I feel we will know more about this new steel after users actually use them as an EDC tool. But it sure shows a lot of promise! I will still be using CPM 20CV as my main steel choice, however, I am always looking into new steels and technologies!