The steels used in Star Tactical knives were selected based on two criteria: affordability and performance. They offer a good balance of properties for knives and are great values at their price points.

Pallas $35

The Star Tactical Pallas folding knife features a D2 steel blade. D2 steel is a high-quality steel that offers excellent performance. It is a good choice for knives that will be used for heavy-duty tasks, such as hunting, fishing, and camping.

Edge retention: 8/10

D2 steel has excellent edge retention, meaning it can stay sharp for a long time even with heavy use. It is also very wear-resistant, so it can withstand a lot of abuse without losing its edge.

Corrosion resistance: 6/10

D2 steel is not stainless steel, so it is not as corrosion-resistant as some other steels. However, it is still relatively corrosion-resistant, and it can be treated with a protective coating to improve its corrosion resistance.

Toughness: 7/10

D2 steel is a tough steel, meaning it can withstand a lot of force without breaking or chipping. It is also relatively resistant to shock, so it can handle being dropped or hit without damage.

Ease of sharpening: 5/10

D2 steel is not as easy to sharpen as some other steels. It is a hard steel, so it takes more effort to sharpen it. However, it is not impossible to sharpen, and with a little practice, it can be sharpened to a very sharp edge.

Cost: 7/10

D2 steel is not as expensive as some other high-end steels, such as S35VN or M390. However, it is more expensive than some lower-quality steels, such as 440C or AUS-8.

Overall, D2 steel is a good all-around steel that offers a good balance of edge retention, toughness, and corrosion resistance. Because of the surge in popularity of D2 steel in knives, it has become a relatively affordable option for knives. It is a good choice for knives that will be used for heavy-duty tasks, such as hunting, fishing, and camping.

Vesta $150

The S35VN steel used in the blade of our Vesta folding knife is a high-performance, powder metallurgy stainless steel developed by Crucible Industries. It is a modified version of S30V that contains niobium instead of vanadium. Niobium helps to improve the toughness of the steel without sacrificing its edge retention or corrosion resistance.

Edge retention: 8/10

S35VN has excellent edge retention, comparable to other high-end stainless steels such as M390 and ZDP-189. It can hold an edge for a long time, even when used for heavy-duty tasks.

Corrosion resistance: 7/10

S35VN is also very corrosion resistant, thanks to its high chromium content. It can be used in a variety of environments without rusting or corroding.

Toughness: 8/10

S35VN is very tough, making it resistant to chipping and breaking. It can handle a lot of abuse without getting damaged.

Ease of sharpening: 6/10

S35VN is relatively easy to sharpen, even with a basic sharpening stone. It is not as easy to sharpen as some other stainless steels, such as AUS-8, but it is still relatively easy to maintain.

Cost: 7/10

S35VN is a relatively expensive steel, but it is still less expensive than some of the other high-end stainless steels on the market. It is a good value for the price, as it offers excellent performance in all areas.

Overall, S35VN is a great choice for a high-performance knife blade. It has excellent edge retention, corrosion resistance, toughness, and ease of sharpening. It is also relatively affordable, making it a good value for the price.