Types of Steel Used in Knife Blades

The type of steel used in a knife's blade can affect its performance in a number of ways, including:

• Edge retention: The ability of the blade to hold its edge after repeated use.
• Corrosion resistance: The ability of the blade to resist rust and other forms of corrosion.
• Toughness: The ability of the blade to withstand impact without breaking or chipping.
• Sharpening ease: How easy it is to sharpen the blade.
• Cost: The cost of the steel will affect the overall cost of the knife.

There are many factors to consider when choosing the right type of steel for a knife, including:

• Intended use of the knife: The type of steel you choose will depend on how you plan to use the knife. For example, a knife that will be used for heavy-duty tasks, such as chopping wood, will need a blade that is tough and resistant to corrosion. A knife that will be used for more delicate tasks, such as opening packages, can be made from a high-carbon steel that is not as corrosion resistant.
• Budget: The cost of the steel will affect the overall cost of the knife.
• Personal preference: Ultimately, the best way to choose the right type of steel for a knife is to consider your own personal preferences. Some people prefer the look and feel of high-carbon steel, while others prefer the corrosion resistance of stainless steel.

There are several different categories of steels used in knives, each with its own unique properties. Some of the most common types of steels used in knives include:

• Carbon steel: Carbon steel is a type of steel that contains carbon, which gives it its strength and edge retention. Carbon steel is relatively easy to sharpen, but it can be prone to rust.
• Stainless steel: Stainless steel is a type of steel that contains chromium, which gives it its corrosion resistance. Stainless steel is more difficult to sharpen than carbon steel, but it is more resistant to rust.
• High-carbon stainless steel: High-carbon stainless steel is a type of steel that combines the best of both carbon steel and stainless steel. It is strong, holds an edge well, and is resistant to rust.
• Tool steel: Tool steel is a type of steel that is designed for use in tools. Tool steel is very strong and durable, but it can be difficult to sharpen.
• Powder metallurgy steel: Powder metallurgy steel is a type of steel that is made using a powder metallurgy process. This process results in a steel that is very strong, tough, and wear-resistant.

In general, high-carbon steels are known for their edge retention, but they are also more prone to corrosion. Stainless steels are more corrosion resistant, but they are not as sharp and can be more difficult to sharpen.

Breaking down the categories of steel further, some common types of steel used in knives are:

• 1095: 1095 is a high carbon steel that is known for its strength and edge retention. It is a popular choice for knives, swords, and other cutting tools.
• O1: O1 is a high carbon steel that is known for its high toughness and edge retention. It is also a popular choice for knives, swords, and other cutting tools.
• 420: 420 is a low-cost stainless steel that is known for its corrosion resistance. It is often used for inexpensive knives that do not need to be very sharp or durable.
• 420HC: 420HC is a high-carbon stainless steel that is known for its corrosion resistance and edge retention. It is a popular choice for knives that need to be both durable and easy to sharpen.
• 440C: 440C is a high-carbon, high-chromium stainless steel that is known for its corrosion resistance and edge retention. It is a good all-around steel for knives.
• D2: D2 is a high-carbon, high-chromium tool steel that is known for its wear resistance and toughness. It is often used in knives, but it is also used in a variety of other applications, such as dies, punches, and springs. The high carbon content gives D2 steel its wear resistance, while the chromium and molybdenum improve its toughness.

  D2 steel is a good all-around steel for knives. It is tough, wear resistant, and easy to sharpen. However, it is not as corrosion resistant as some other types of steel, so it is important to keep it clean and dry.

• 154CM: 154CM is a high-performance stainless steel that is known for its high hardness, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance. It is a popular choice for knives that need to be both strong and resistant to corrosion.

• M390: M390 is a superalloy tool steel that is known for its extreme hardness, wear resistance, and toughness. It is a popular choice for knives that need to be able to withstand extreme use.

• AUS-8: AUS-8 is a stainless steel that is known for its toughness and edge retention. It is a good choice for folding knives that will be used for heavy-duty tasks.

• VG-10: VG-10 is a Japanese stainless steel that is known for its edge retention and corrosion resistance. It is a good choice for knives that will be used for both heavy-duty and delicate tasks.
• S30V: S30V is a high-performance stainless steel that is known for its toughness, edge retention, and corrosion resistance. It is a good choice for knives that will be used for heavy-duty tasks.
• S35VN: S35VN is an upgrade of S30V. It contains a small amount of niobium, which improves the toughness of the steel. It also contains a slightly lower amount of vanadium, which improves the edge retention. As a result, S35VN is generally considered to be a more well-rounded steel than S30V. It is tougher, yet it still retains its edge well. It is also easier to sharpen than S30V.

The elements in steel affect its characteristics in a variety of ways. Some of the most important elements include:

• Carbon: Carbon is the most important element in steel. It increases the strength and hardness of steel, but it also makes it more brittle.
• Chromium: Chromium is a major alloying element in steel. It increases the corrosion resistance and toughness of steel.
• Manganese: Manganese is a deoxidizer and improves the strength and toughness of steel.
• Molybdenum: Molybdenum increases the strength, toughness, and hardenability of steel. It also improves the corrosion resistance of steel at elevated temperatures.
• Vanadium: Vanadium increases the strength, toughness, and hardenability of steel. It also improves the wear resistance of steel.

It is important to note that the type of steel used in a knife is not the only factor that affects its performance. Other factors, such as the heat treatment and the blade geometry, can also play a role.

See why we chose the types of steel used in Star Tactical knives.