Knife Steels
Understanding knife steels is essential for choosing the right blade. Each steel has unique properties that affect edge retention, toughness, corrosion resistance, and ease of sharpening.
1095
High-Carbon Steel
Hardness: 56-62 HRC
Edge Retention: Good
Corrosion Res.: Poor
14C28N
Nitrogen-Enhanced Stainless Steel
Hardness: 55-62 HRC
Edge Retention: Good
Corrosion Res.: Excellent
154CM
Stainless Steel
Hardness: 58-61 HRC
Edge Retention: Very Good
Corrosion Res.: Very Good
AEB-L
Stainless Steel
Hardness: 59-62 HRC
Edge Retention: Good
Corrosion Res.: Very Good
CPM S30V
Powder Metallurgy Stainless Steel
Hardness: 58-61 HRC
Edge Retention: Very Good
Corrosion Res.: Excellent
CPM S90V
Powder Metallurgy Stainless Steel
Hardness: 59-61 HRC
Edge Retention: Outstanding
Corrosion Res.: Very Good
CPM-3V
Tool Steel (Powder Metallurgy)
Hardness: 58-62 HRC
Edge Retention: Very Good
Corrosion Res.: Poor
D2
Semi-Stainless Tool Steel
Hardness: 58-62 HRC
Edge Retention: Excellent
Corrosion Res.: Fair
Elmax
Powder Metallurgy Stainless Steel
Hardness: 58-62 HRC
Edge Retention: Excellent
Corrosion Res.: Excellent
M390
Powder Metallurgy Stainless Steel
Hardness: 60-62 HRC
Edge Retention: Excellent
Corrosion Res.: Outstanding
Nitro-V
Nitrogen-Enhanced Stainless Steel
Hardness: 58-64 HRC
Edge Retention: Good
Corrosion Res.: Excellent
VG-10
Japanese Stainless Steel
Hardness: 58-61 HRC
Edge Retention: Very Good
Corrosion Res.: Excellent