At A GlanceZDP-189, a high-quality Japanese stainless steel, is known for exceptional hardness and edge retention, thanks to its unique composition, including about 3% carbon and 20% chromium. However, its hardness can make it slightly prone to chipping under heavy use and challenging to sharpen. While offering superior hardness and edge retention, it may fall …
At A GlanceCPM CruWear, manufactured by Crucible Industries, is gaining popularity for its optimal performance as a knife steel. It offers a balanced combination of wear resistance, corrosion resistance, and edge retention, making it a versatile choice for demanding tooling applications and knife blades. Although not a stainless steel, its unique composition ensures durability, toughness, …
At A GlanceAR-RPM9 is a proprietary stainless steel developed by Artisan Cutlery, known for its impressive balance of toughness, sharpness, and corrosion resistance, making it a good knife steel. It is created using the powder metallurgy process, resulting in a uniform distribution of its nine alloy elements, contributing to its unique characteristics. This steel has …
At A GlanceH1 steel is indeed a good choice for knife steel, especially for those in need of a corrosion-resistant tool. Originating from Japan, this precipitation-hardened stainless steel offers exceptional corrosion resistance, making it nearly waterproof and ideal for use in humid and marine environments. While its wear resistance might be lower than some other …
At A GlanceGerman 4116 stainless steel is a popular choice for knife making, particularly for kitchen and tactical knives. It offers a balance between performance and affordability, with good toughness, durability, and ease of sharpening. It also provides impressive corrosion and rust resistance, making it suitable for various knife types. However, its edge retention may …
At A GlanceSK-5 steel, a low to mid-range carbon steel from Japan, is a good option for knife-making due to its balance of durability, sharpness, and affordability. This steel boasts excellent hardness, translating to superior edge retention and wear resistance, although it’s not immune to corrosion. It’s easy to sharpen and maintain, ideal for both …
At A Glance1055 carbon steel is a popular choice for knife enthusiasts due to its durability, toughness, and workability, making it ideal for heavy-duty use like swords and hunting tools. Although it’s more susceptible to corrosion and may not retain its edge as long as other steels, it offers satisfactory edge retention, decent hardness, and …
At A GlanceCTS BD1N is a reputable choice for knife steel, known for its excellent performance and affordability. Manufactured by Carpenter Technology Corporation, this stainless steel offers a balanced composition that supports edge retention and a well-finished appearance. Although not comparable to high-end steels such as S30V or S90V, its performance is often likened to …
At A GlanceBohler K110 is a widely used knife steel, known for its blend of hardness, edge retention, and wear resistance. Despite not being the toughest or most corrosion-resistant steel, its overall balanced properties and ease of sharpening make it a versatile choice for many knife applications. It offers good performance compared to other popular …
At A GlanceChrome Vanadium (CV) steel is a good choice for knife steel due to its hardness, strength, and wear resistance, which are essential properties for the overall performance of a knife. CV steel, known for its ability to develop a patina over time, has been used in various knife applications, notably in folding pocket …