N690 is a good knife steel for buyers who want useful edge retention, good corrosion resistance, and manageable maintenance. It makes sense in an everyday carry or hunting knife, provided the blade is designed and heat-treated for the job. Its limitations matter, too. N690 is not an exceptional toughness steel, and other steels offer longer-lasting …
At A GlanceN690, produced by Bohler, stands out for its superior corrosion resistance, toughness, and good edge retention, making it ideal for general-purpose knives and usage in challenging conditions. In contrast, 154CM, developed by Crucible Industries, features high hardness and excellent edge retention but is slightly more susceptible to chipping and corrosion, hence suited for …
~ At A Glance ~ ELMAX is a tough, wear-resistant steel that’s built for performance. It holds an edge for ages and shrugs off rust, but it can be a bit of a pain to sharpen and has a reputation for being a little chippy if pushed too hard. Magnacut, on the other hand, is …
As someone who has way too many knives, I’m often asked about the purpose of various blade shapes. I’ll admit that I didn’t know a single thing about blade shapes or types when I started buying knives. I just bought them because they looked cool. However, I soon learned that all types of blades have …
At A GlanceSG2, also known as Super Gold 2 or SGPS, is a high-carbon stainless steel that is highly regarded for its excellent edge retention, sharpness, and overall durability. Produced through powder metallurgy, it has a fine, uniform grain structure that contributes to its performance. SG2 steel can achieve a hardness level of up to …
At A GlanceCTS-XHP is a high-quality, American-made stainless steel that is considered an excellent choice for knife-making due to its superior performance and durability. This steel offers a desirable combination of properties including high corrosion resistance, excellent edge retention, and remarkable toughness. It boasts a high carbon and chromium content, which contribute significantly to its …
At A GlanceSandvik 12C27, a martensitic stainless chromium steel originating from Swedish manufacturer Sandvik, is considered a good choice for knife steel. It offers a balance of excellent wear resistance, corrosion resistance, and high hardness, making it popular in the knife-making industry. While it might not measure up to some high-end steels, it is a …
At A Glance7Cr17Mov is a Chinese stainless steel known for its affordability and reasonable quality, making it a solid option for those in search of budget-friendly and durable knives. It is a modified version of the 440A steel and has similar properties to 8cr13mov stainless steel. The composition of 7Cr17Mov includes a high concentration of …
At A GlanceCPM MagnaCut, developed by Larrin Thomas and produced by Crucible Industries in 2021, is considered a superior knife steel due to its balance of edge retention, toughness, and corrosion resistance. Its innovative composition lowers chromium content compared to other stainless steels, resulting in enhanced performance characteristics. This fine-grained, stainless steel achieves the toughness …
At A GlanceNitro-V steel, introduced in 2017 by New Jersey Steel Baron and Buderus Steel, is a superior version of Uddeholm AEB-L steel, enriched with nitrogen and vanadium. This unique composition results in a highly durable and corrosion-resistant knife steel, with exceptional edge retention capabilities. It is particularly well-suited for manufacturing thin blades, as used …