Knives 101: Knife Steels, Their Attributes, and Their Intent

[Talyn]

Not all knives are created equal. A crucial determining factor in a knife’s construction that makes it unique is the steel it is made of. Assuming the heat treat is done properly, the steel itself determines factors such as purpose, performance, edge retention, durability, cost/value, etc.

Knives 101: Knife Steels, Their Attributes, and Their Intent

Not all knives are created equal & understanding the different steels will help you avoid buying an underperforming knife.

skillsetmag.com

 

[Oldmountaiman]

I Love my knives and my wonderful sensei who taught me so much. I remember graduation day and the belt buckle he gave me for graduation. The last thing he told me was you never walk away from a knife fight with out scars. It's true take my word for it as I wear the proof.

 

[trader]

Unless you walk away from a knife fight. I have. No scars.

 

[KillerFord1977]

 

[KillerFord1977]

My knives get used for skinning - cleaning wild game.
I dont know a thing about knife fighting. What CCW is for

 

[Oldmountaiman]

Unless you walk away from a knife fight. I have. No scars.

Some times there is no choice and that's truth.

Unless you walk away from a knife fight. I have. No scars.

 

[Lab4Us]

Great article, if for nothing more than the “types of steel” descriptions from highest quality to lowest. Definitely something I’ll reference next time I ponder a carry knife purchase!

 

[Jester560]

D2 is where its at when it comes to blade steel. Holds an edge forever and doesn't tarnish like lesser steels. The downside is that it is harder to sharpen but we need to maintain our knives as we do our guns.

 

[Oldmountaiman]

D2 is where its at when it comes to blade steel. Holds an edge forever and doesn't tarnish like lesser steels. The downside is that it is harder to sharpen but we need to maintain our knives as we do our guns.

Yes sir, people should pick the knives that do the job for them what ever the steel or handle material suits them.

 

[Oldmountaiman]

Yes sir, people should pick the knives that do the job for them what ever the steel or handle material suits them.

I don't have any D2 and probably will not get any. I stick with my Tops carbo but my very best is my Shackleton Damascus 3 in blade which works for all my needs. Honing a edge and using my Otis CLP wipe give me my enjoyment of sharpening and keep them in shape for most of my needs just like my firearms. Yep I have a rocking chair so I can listen to my old sons and some new country blues. It's very relaxing for a old man.

 

[bc22wm]

I miss the days back in the dark ages (before the internet) when you had four types of knife steels. Carbon, stainless, sharp and dull.

 

[Musashi]

I still have a coupla Case pocket knives including a Sodbuster I’ve had since the 60’s. Simple carbon steel, sharpened up nicely. Went thru my share of Kershaw and Gerber, then Benchmades and Spydercos. D2 was popular back then. Then S30V caught my eye. The new CPM steels have merit and are usually found on higher end blades. My wife just got me a Chris Reeve in CPM Magnacut. I died and went to heaven.

 

[Oldmountaiman]

I still have a coupla Case pocket knives including a Sodbuster I’ve had since the 60’s. Simple carbon steel, sharpened up nicely. Went thru my share of Kershaw and Gerber, then Benchmades and Spydercos. D2 was popular back then. Then S30V caught my eye. The new CPM steels have merit and are usually found on higher end blades. My wife just got me a Chris Reeve in CPM Magnacut. I died and went to heaven.

I know what you mean,my 2 Randall's had the same effect on me. They were stolen some years back,can never be replaced.