Understanding Knife Steel

-

 I'll be honest, as a newbie knife collector knife steel is one area where I often glaze over.  Obviously, my less expensive collections fall within the lower end.  But now even so-called 'budget knives', say Ozark Trails from Walmart, are upping their game and providing better steel and other features.  

So, I thought I'd put some charts and info here as much for myself as anyone else who might stumble on this site....

On Gearjunkie.com (https://gearjunkie.com/knives/common-knife-blade-steels) I found one of the more helpful comparisons for those of us who do not regularly purchase the really high end knives.  Here's their info: 

 

420HC

  • Soft steel with low carbon content
  • Relatively stain-resistant and tough, but doesn’t hold an edge well
  • Easy to sharpen

1095

  • Old high-carbon (non-stainless) steel, known for toughness
  • Prone to staining and corrosion, often coated
  • Performance varies with heat treatment

AUS-8

  • Common stainless steel, decent all-around
  • Hard, tough, and stain-resistant
  • Good choice for midrange knives

VG-1

  • Non-powder steel, slight upgrade to 440C/VG-10/ATS-34
  • Good corrosion resistance, decent toughness, modest hardness
  • Comparable to 440C and VG-10

Damascus Steel

  • Not a specific steel but a forging technique using layers of different steels, resulting in unique patterns
  • Performance: Varies depending on the steel used and heat treatment
  • Best for: Aesthetic and collectible knives, as well as some functional blades

Damasteel

  • High-end stainless Damascus steel, produced by a specific company, offers excellent performance and aesthetics
  • Note: Expensive due to the manufacturing process
  • Best for: Premium and custom knives for collectors and enthusiasts

8Cr13MoV (any of the CR series)

  • Chinese-produced steels, 9Cr is top-tier
  • 8Cr is less corrosion-resistant and not as hard as AUS-8
  • Good value when ground appropriately

1.4116

  • Used in Swiss Army knives, excellent for beginners
  • Very tough and corrosion-resistant, but doesn’t hold an edge well
  • Easy to sharpen

154CM

  • Widely used in nicer knives, good balance between hardness, toughness, and corrosion resistance
  • Similar to RWL 34 and ATS-34
  • Purer powder-metal version called CPM154 is available

S30V

  • American-made powder steel, balanced attributes
  • Hardened versions can be prone to chipping
  • Chris Reeve’s version is slightly less hard and performs well

S35V

  • Similar to S30V, but with a finer grain structure
  • Slightly different chemical composition makes it tougher than S30V with similar edge retention
  • Excellent steel used on a wide variety of quality knives.

S90V

  • Powder-metal steel, very hard, exceptionally difficult to sharpen
  • Holds an edge for a long time, resistant to corrosion, quite tough
  • Found on some high-end hunting knives

S110V

  • Powder-metal steel, high-hardness yet balanced
  • Used in Spyderco and favored by custom makers

VG-10

  • Non-powder Japanese steel, corrosion-resistant, and tough
  • Lacks hardness compared to some steels
  • Midprice steel with matching performance

D2

  • Tool steel used in industrial settings and hard-use knives
  • High hardness and toughness, relatively corrosion-resistant
  • Not technically stainless, but resistant to corrosion

A2

  • Tool steel known for toughness, but lacks wear resistance
  • Used for heavy-duty applications prioritizing toughness over edge retention

Elmax

  • European powder-metal steel, advanced formula
  • Good all-around performance
  • Considered a generation ahead of older formulations like 154CM

CTS-BD1

  • Non-powder steel, a good budget option, similar to GIN-1
  • Sharpens easily, used by CRKT and Spyderco

AEB-L

  • Non-powder steel produced by Swedish steelmaker Uddeholm
  • Exceptionally sharp, suitable for custom makers

Nitro V

  • Nitrogen steel, enhanced version of AEB-L, corrosion-resistant
  • Suitable for marine environments, budget-friendly

14C28N

  • Non-powder metallurgy steel produced by European company Sandvik
  • Updates of previous steels, good balance of attributes for the price

CTS-XHP

  • Powder steel produced by Carpenter, a combination of D2’s hardness and 440C’s corrosion resistance
  • Exceptionally balanced with excellent all-around attributes

SPY27

  • Newer steel from Crucible, marketed as a good all-around knife steel
  • User-serviceable powder steel, introduced by Spyderco

CPM MagnaCut

  • CPM MagnaCut has high toughness, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance
  • This is a premium knife steel and a top choice of high-end knives
  • Visible, beautiful crystal structure

James Brand’s The Ellis uses MagnaCut Steel with a gorgeous crystalline structure

CPM M4

  • Another high-end tool steel, CPM M4 has excellent edge retention, wear resistance, and impact toughness
  • This steel is used on premium knives where edge holding is a primary objective

Maxamet

  • Made by Carpenter Steel in the U.S., Maxamet has incredible edge retention but lacks other attributes
  • You’ll find Maxamet knives from Spyderco more than any other brand

This isn't exhaustive, as I didn't see any reference to 12c27 steel, for example, as the list does seem to favor high end steels.  

The three areas that steels are compared are: edge retention, toughness, and corrosion resistance. Some metals, like D2 excel in the first two, but less in the last.  It's often a 'trade off'. 

Following is a comparison generated on Google by AI:

Here's a comparison of some popular budget knife steels and their key characteristics:
  • 8Cr13MoV: This Chinese-made stainless steel is a cost-effective option with decent edge retention, good corrosion resistance, and excellent ease of sharpening. It's a great starter steel for those new to knife ownership and sharpening. However, it may not hold its edge as long as some higher-end steels, and it may be more prone to chipping or rolling under heavy use.
  • AUS-8/AUS-8A: This Japanese-made stainless steel offers a good balance of corrosion resistance, ease of sharpening, and decent toughness. It’s known for achieving a razor-sharp edge. However, it may lack the wear resistance of steels like D2. AUS-8 is often considered a slight step up from 8Cr13MoV.
  • 420HC: Considered a "stainless steel for carbon steel lovers", 420HC offers excellent corrosion resistance and is exceptionally easy to sharpen, making it a great choice for tasks where frequent sharpening is needed, according to bladeforums.com. However, it may not hold its edge as long as harder steels. Buck Knives is particularly known for their heat treatment of 420HC, enhancing its performance.
  • 14C28N: This Sandvik steel is a good budget option with excellent toughness and corrosion resistance. It's also known for being easy to sharpen. It's considered a good step up from steels like 8Cr13MoV.
  • 440C: While once a top-tier steel, 440C is now considered a mid-range, yet still solid, option. It provides a good balance of hardness and corrosion resistance, making it a versatile choice for various knives, notes leeknives.com. However, its edge retention might be surpassed by some higher-end steels. 

It then adds: 

 The ideal budget steel depends on your individual needs: 

  • For extreme rust resistance and easy maintenance, 420HC or 14C28N might be the best choices.
  • For a balance of performance and affordability, AUS-8 or 8Cr13MoV are strong contenders.
  • For enhanced edge retention without significantly impacting the budget, D2 steel is a fantastic workhorse, but it requires more attention to corrosion prevention.
  • For a step up in overall quality and performance, consider VG-10 or 154CM, although they fall outside the strict definition of budget steels, they can be found in more affordable knives. 

While the above reference 440C, they do not reference the other 440 steels.  Again, here is what AI collected on Google:

The 440A, 440B, and 440C stainless steels are all martensitic stainless steels with varying carbon content, resulting in differences in hardness, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance. 440C has the highest carbon content and thus the highest hardness and wear resistance, while 440A has the lowest carbon content and offers the best corrosion resistance. 440B sits in between, providing a balance of hardness and corrosion resistance. 

Here's a more detailed comparison:

440A:

This grade has the lowest carbon content of the three, resulting in slightly lower hardness and wear resistance but better corrosion resistance. It is often used in applications where corrosion resistance is important, such as cutlery, surgical instruments, and some valve components. 

 440B:

With a higher carbon content than 440A, 440B offers a good balance between hardness and corrosion resistance. It is suitable for applications like higher-grade cutlery and precision instruments. 

440C:

This grade boasts the highest carbon content and therefore the best hardness and wear resistance. It is commonly used in applications where these properties are crucial, such as high-quality knife blades, ball bearings, and valve seats. 

In essence, the choice between 440A, 440B, and 440C depends on the specific requirements of the application. If corrosion resistance is paramount, 440A might be preferred. If maximum hardness and wear resistance are needed, 440C is the better choice. 440B offers a middle ground

 In studying the steels used, I have come to realize that higher carbon steels are different than stainless.  Here is an AI summary: 

Carbon steels used in knives offer a variety of properties, with higher carbon content generally leading to harder, sharper blades but also increased brittleness and susceptibility to rust. Popular choices include 1095, 5160, and W2, each with its own balance of hardness, toughness, and ease of sharpening. 

1095 Steel:

High carbon content (around 0.95%) makes it hard and capable of holding a sharp edge. 

·   Known for excellent edge retention and is often used in fixed blade knives and survival knives. 

·   More brittle than lower carbon steels and requires more care to prevent rust. 

·   Relatively inexpensive and easy to sharpen. 

·   Best suited for applications where a sharp, durable edge is needed, such as in hard-use fixed blades. 

5160 Steel:

Offers a good balance of hardness and toughness. 

·   More impact resistant than 1095, making it suitable for applications requiring both edge retention and durability. 

·  Can achieve a decent edge and is relatively easy to sharpen. 

·  Good choice for applications where the knife might be subjected to more stress or impact. 

W2 Steel: 

High carbon steel known for its ability to harden to a high degree.

Good edge retention and can take a very sharp edge.

Can be more challenging to sharpen than some other carbon steels.

Suitable for a range of knife types, especially those requiring a fine, durable edge.

Other Notable Carbon Steels:

1055, 1060, 1070, 1080: Lower carbon content than 1095, offering more toughness and flexibility but less edge retention. 

·  80CrV2: Good balance of toughness and wear resistance, often used in larger knives and tools. 

·  52100: Ball bearing steel, known for its wear resistance and toughness. 

Considerations for Choosing Carbon Steel:

Hardness: Higher carbon content generally leads to a harder blade, but also increases brittleness. 

·  Toughness: The ability of the blade to withstand impact and bending without breaking. 

·  Edge Retention: How well the blade maintains its sharpness during use. 

·  Corrosion Resistance: Carbon steel is prone to rust and requires more maintenance than stainless steel. 

·  Sharpening: Some carbon steels are easier to sharpen than others

As I said, most of my knives probably do not use premium steel.  

Here, in part, is what I have: 

  • CAMILLUS WEDGE (one of my regular EDC knives) - 420 [not the HC, but they boast a titanium coating]
  •  OZARK TRAIL FOLDER/ ONESIMO fixed blade neck knife - D2 [surprising for a Walmart 'budget knife']
  • US Military "Demo" Knife - 440A [makes sense that it has the lowest carbon content as a military knife in the field would need to resist rust]
  • Swiss Army Knives -  DIN X55CrMo14 (1.4116) - They state that they use austenitic stainless steel AISI 316L.  AI further notes: "AISI 316L is a low-carbon austinistic stainless steel, a modification of AISI 316, known for its excellent corrosion resistance, particularly in chloride-containing environments like seawater. The "L" signifies its low carbon content, which helps prevent intergranular corrosion after welding. It's widely used in various industries, including chemical, pharmaceutical, food, and marine applications."
  • SOG POWERPINT -  5Cr15Mov [8Cr13Mov is listed above as a 'top tier' Chinese steel; not sure why the other is not listed. AI further notes: "5Cr15 and 8Cr13 are both stainless steels commonly used in budget-friendly knives, but 8Cr13 generally offers better edge retention and is slightly more wear-resistant. 5Cr15 is known for its high corrosion resistance and is often found in kitchen knives. Both are relatively easy to sharpen."]
  • SOG TRACTION - 5Cr15MoV steel 
  •  SMITH & WESSON BENJI - 8Cr13MoV Stainless Steel.
  • KERSHAW OBLIVION -  8Cr13MoV Stainless Steel.
  •  KA-BAR - 1095 Cro-Van, 1095 Cro-Van, a moderate carbon and low chromium steel alloy, that allows the blade to hold an edge very well. 1095 is a high-carbon steel known for its ability to take a very sharp edge and maintain it well. However, it's not stainless steel and requires proper care to prevent rust.  Also, see description above.
  • FLISSA Bowie Knife- 3Cr13 - a martinsitic steel, not necessarily high grade. 
  • VNLA - Damascus
  • MORAKNIV COMPANION - hardened Sandvik 12C27 stainless steel - a specific Swedish stainless steel grade
  • CRKT CEO - 8c13MoV Stainless steel
  •  HIGONOKAM - high carbon, often the Blue Paper (Aogami); cheaper models (which is probably mine!) use SK5 Carbon Steel, which is similar to 1080 Steel. 
  • BOKER PLUS INTENTION II - D2
  • OPINIEL - XC90 (high carbon) 
  • BUCK Knives - 420HC 
  • GERBER DUAL FORCE - 420HC in the blade 
  • GLOCK 81 - SAE 1095 High carbon steel
  • COLD STEEL SRK - SK5 steel [This is a Japanese high-carbon steel known for its toughness and good edge retention, making it suitable for hard use. It's often compared to the American 1080 steel.]
 
I'll add more later.... 


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Higonokami Knife - An Affordable Japanese Classic Combines Simplicty with Effective Style

-
  Higonokami (肥後守) knives are a  type of traditional Japanese pocket knife that goes back to 1896 . The blade of these friction folding knives is secured in the 'open' position by applying thumb pressure to the Chikiri ('Tail' lever) that is built in to the blade.  The handle is brass.  The knife is hand-crafted and supposedly the only one allowed to call his knives 'Higonokami' now is 5th generation blacksmith Mr Nagao, based in Miki. It is a light duty knife and clearly not intended for any hard or heavy task.  Usually used for opening packages, sharpening pencils, or cutting fruit.  Would make a nice EDC.  It's light and thin and fits easily in any pants pocket.   As I noted in another post, I wanted to add some unique knives to my collection, and this Japanese knife truly fits the bill. I purchased mine from Amazon for around $30.  Higonokami knives are to the Japanese what the Swiss Army Knife is to the Swiss, in being the iconic...
Read more

NexTool Mini Sailor Lite Multi-tool - Small, Well Built and TSA Compliant - A Sure Winner!

-
While this site is dedicated primarily to my knife collecting, this post represents a slight exception. As noted in a previous post my EDC pouch includes an inexpensive multi-tool. The NexTool Mini Sailor Lite Multi-tool , however, is a 'blade-less' version of their multi-tool. It appealed to me primarily because it is TSA compliant .  I still remember having to turn over a small pocket knife at security some years back (it was a cheap K-Mart knife, not a loss), and the hassle in the years since of having all kinds of things from keys to other items flagged by the screening system.  I just purchased this, so it hasn't been tested, but others have and it seems okay. It feels solid for its size; not cheaply constructed at all.  It is a 9-in-1 multi-tool which includes: 1.) needle-nosed pliers, 2.) regular pliers, 3.) Philips screwdriver, 4.) regular screwdriver, 5.) key chain ring, 6.) scissors, 7.) wire cutter, 8.) SIM card remover, and 9.) a bottle opener.  I doubt...
Read more

BUCK 110 - The Alltime Classic that Makes All the Lists, A Must Have for Any Collector

-
 In reviewing the lists of knives all collectors should have, this model surfaced repeatedly.  I have a 'knock off' version of the Buck 110 from China (it is a highly copied knife), but knew that I needed to finally invest in the genuine article.  It is a heavy knife, to be sure, especially for a folder (probably twice the weight of typical folders today with synthetic handles).  But the weight betrays its quality.  As the photos demonstrate, this knife is constructed with brass, both on the end caps, but also in the liner.  The blade is constructed of 420HC steel, which, as some will observed, is not necessarily impressive in itself, but it is the heat treatment of the steel that makes the difference.  The handle is constructed of genuine ebony with brass bolsters. All around an impressive piece of workmanship that shines brightly in the world of knives. Although large, by comparison, it also comes up in lists of "gentleman's knives" (which are usuall...
Read more