When searching for the desired steel, you can jump to the category (stainless, carbon), with a text description, or to the tables of chemical composition at the bottom of the page, or you can use the search function in the browser,

with the help of keystroke or  it will show the search option on the page and enter the steel you are looking for in this field.

A simple grading of the best known steels can be found here, click on the top row of this table to sort the steels by their basic properties.

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H1 Folding bladeFixed blade

(0,15% (C), 15 % (Cr), 1% (Mo), 7% (Ni), 2% (Mn), 4% (Si), 0,1% (N)) High stainless steel, perfect for use in salty weather, in very agresive environment. Specially wound steel that is almost immune to corrosion. However, it depends on the finish of the blade. Allows precipitation hardening (ageing). Japan / Myodo Metal Company

H2 (advanced H1) Zavírací nožePevné nože

(0,09% (C), 13.73 % (Cr), 2.24% (Mo), 8.25% (Ni), 0.32% (Mn), 2.63% (Si), 0,06% (N), 0.17% (Cu)) High stainless steel, perfect for use in salty weather, in very agresive environment. Specially wound steel that is almost immune to corrosion. However, it depends on the finish of the blade. Japan / Myodo Metal Company

420 (AISI 420; X20Cr13; 1.4021; ČSN17022; SUS420J1) Folding bladeFixed blade

(C) 0,15%, 12-14% (Cr), 1% (Mn) 1% (Si). It is a basic stainless steel, difficult to weld with a lower carbon content. With hardness of approx. up to 53 HRc (according to Rockwell). This steel is extremely resistant to rusting and to weaker chemical agents, very machinable, polishable but soft. It is very often used for making fantasy knives, swords, etc. It can be sharpened very easily in the field.

420J2 (AISI 420M; 1.4028; SUS420J2; ČSN17023)

(C) 0.26-0.36%, 12-14% (Cr), 1% (Mn), 1% (Ni), 1% (Si). It is a basic stainless steel, difficult to weld with a lower carbon content. With hardness of approx. up to 53 HRc (according to Rockwell). This steel is extremely resistant to rusting and to weaker chemical agents, very machinable, polishable but soft. It is very often used for making fantasy knives, swords, etc. It can be sharpened very easily in the field. Has slightly higher wear resistance than basic 420 steel

420HC High carbon (TruSharp steel) Folding bladeFixed blade

(0.45%(C), 13% (Cr), 0.3% (V), 0.4% (Mn), 0.4% (Si)) Variation of 420J2 steel with higher carbon content but less corrosion resistance, blade stability is quite good. Rockwell hardness is 57-58 HRc. Made in USA / Latrobe Specialty steel company

440A (AISI 440A; X65CrMo14; 1.4109) Folding bladeFixed blade

0.6-0.75% (C), 16-18% (Cr), 1% (Mn) Steel has high corrosion resistance and low toughness, is very popular for simple knives, with excellent sharpenability but low edge retention, hardness typically 56 HRc (Rockwell). Made in USA

440B (AISI 440B; X90CrMoV18; 1.4112) Folding bladeFixed blade

0.75-095% (C), 16-18% (Cr), 1% (Mn). Steel is almost non-weldable, used for cutting tools in surgical practice, steel with higher hardness and wear resistance. Hardness of typically 56 HRc (according to Rockwell). Made in USA

440C (AISI 440C; N685; X105CrMo17; ČSN 17042; 1.4125) Folding bladeFixed blade

0.95-1.2% (C), 16-18% (Cr), 0.75% (Mo), 1% (Mn), 1% (Si). Very wear resistant, it can be hardened to high hardness, however, it is not very resistant to breakage, so it is typically tempered to a lower hardness. Very similar in composition and properties to Swedish 12C27 steel, but has lower edge stability than 12C27 steel, for example. Made in USA

W.1.4034 (X46Cr13; N540; ČSN 17029) Folding bladeFixed blade

(0.46% (C), 13% (Cr), 0.14% (Mo), 0.28% (Ni), 0.47% (Mn), 0.33% (Si)) Stainless steel, very well machinable, resistant to corrosion and weak acids, polishing increases corrosion resistance. Difficult to weld, hot-workable steel.

3Cr13 Folding bladeFixed blade

(0.35% (C), 14% (Cr), 0.6% (Ni), 1% (Mn), 1% (Si)) Stainless steel, very well machinable, resistant to corrosion, even to weak acids, polishing increases corrosion resistance. The Rockwell hardness is around 54 HRc. China / Ahonest Chankjiang

5Cr15MoV Folding bladeFixed blade

(0.45% (C), 14.5 % (Cr), 0.6 % (Mo), 0.1% (V), 0.4% (Mn)) Stainless steel primarily manufactured in China. Generally considered to be a very ordinary steel, due to its very low carbon content it holds its edge very poorly even with occasional use. Rockwell hardness is given as around 55 HRc. China / Ahonest Chankjiang

8Cr13MoV Folding bladeFixed blade

(0.8% (C), 14% (Cr), 0.15% (Mo), 0.1% (V), 0.2% (Ni), 1% (Mn), 1% (Si)) Slightly higher quality steel even for more regular use. The carbide content contributes to the high hardness of the steel, but suffers from edge breakage. Spyderco leaves this steel on lower grade knives made in China. The fairly corrosion resistant steel is a decent choice at the right sharpening angle. And with a fine finish on higher grit abrasives, it offers a fairly high quality blade. However, a lot then depends on the quality of the resharpening and the bevel angle. Rockwell hardness is typically 59 HRc. Perfect price/performance ratio. China / Ahonest Chankjiang

8Cr15MoV

(0.75% (C), 14% (Cr), 0.15% (Mo), 0.1% (V), 0.49% (Ni), 0.5% (Mn), 1% (Si)) Steel properties virtually identical to 8Cr13MoV but more corrosion resistant and slightly tougher. Comparable steel in AUS8 equivalent. Rockwell hardness 59 HRc. Perfect price/performance ratio. China / Ahonest Chankjiang

9Cr13CoMoV Folding bladeFixed blade

(0.85% (C), 13.5% (Cr), 0.2% (Mo), 0.2 % (V), 1% (Co), 1% (Mn), 1% (Si)) Corrosion resistant steel with increased strength and hardness thanks to Cobalt. Rockwell hardness 60 HRc. China / Ahonest Chankjiang

9Cr14MoV Folding bladeFixed blade

(0.9% (C), 14% (Cr), 0.25% (Mo), 0.15% (V), 0.6% (Mn), 0.6% (Si)) Stainless steel, with carbide-forming chromium, which gives medium corrosion resistance. Typical Rockwell hardness up to 60HRc. China / Ahonest Chankjiang

9Cr18MoV Folding bladeFixed blade

(0.95% (C), 18% (Cr), 1% (Mo), 0.1% (Ni), 0.8% (Mn), 0.8% (Si)) Higher grade of Chinese stainless steel, very similar to 440C steel, increased edge resistance and toughness. China / Ahonest Chankjiang

10Cr15CoMoV Folding bladeFixed blade

(1.05% (C), 15% (Cr), 1.2% (Mo), 0.3% (V), 1.5% (Co), 0.5% (Mn)) Steel offers very good toughness and also hardness, durability of the blade. Comparable to the VG10 where it can be perfectly sharpened to a high sharpness, but not so prone to breaking. Rockwell hardness up to 62 HRc China / Ahonest Chankjiang

T5MoV

(0.5% (C), 14% (Cr), 0.35% (Mo), 0.15% (V), 0.15% (Co)) Stainless steel comparable to 440b Rockwell hardness up to 58 HRc France / Bonpertius

T6MoVFolding bladeFixed blade

(0.6% (C), 14.2% (Cr), 0.65% (Mo), 0.10% (V), 0.23 % (Ni),1% (Si)) Stainless steel comparable to 440c steel. Rockwell hardness up to 56 HRc France / Bonpertius

X-15TN

(0.42% (C), 15.6% (Cr), 1.7% (Mo), 0.29% (V),0.3% (Ni), 0.46% (Mn), 0.23% (Si), 0.21% (N), which makes the steel very resistant to corrosion even in salt water, with excellent edge retention. Hardness 59HRc (Rockwell), French origin, patented by Aubert&Duval

N680 (X54CrMoNV18-1) Folding bladeFixed blade

(0.54 % (C), 17.3% (Cr), 1.1% (Mo), 0.1% (V), 0.4% (Mn), 0.45% (Si), 0.2% (N)) Very high corrosion resistant steel with decent toughness and edge retention. Rockwell hardness up to 58 HRc Austria / Bohler Uddeholm

N690 (1.4528; X105CrCoMo18-2; N690Co) Folding bladeFixed blade

(1.08% (C), 17.3% (Cr), 1.10% (Mo), 0.4% (Mn), 0.4% (Si), 0.1% (V), 1.5% (Co), Hard, very stainless steel with easy machinability. It is similar to the classic 440C but the addition of cobalt increases its advantages. Austria / Bohler Uddeholm

N695 (1.4125, X102CrMo17) Folding bladeFixed blade

(1.2% (C), 18% (Cr), 0.5% (Mo), 0.75% (Ni), 1% (Mn), 1% (Si), 0.5% (Cu). The properties and composition of the steel are almost identical to 440C steel. With very high wear resistance. Rockwell hardness up to 60 HRc Austria / Bohler Uddeholm

154CM (not to be confused with powder steel CPM-154, very identical - if not the same as ATS34) Folding bladeFixed blade

(1.05% (C), 14% (Cr), 4% (Mo),0.4% (Mn), 0.35% (Si). Modified 440C steel, only some of the chromium is replaced by molybdenum, which produces much harder carbides. The steel has a much higher resistance to abrasion. The steel has excellent quality but requires more care, such as cleaning and regular oiling.

ATS-34 (very identical - if not the same as ATS34) Folding bladeFixed blade

(1.05% (C), 14% (Cr), 4% (Mo),0.4% (Mn), 0.35% (Si). Modified 440C steel, only some of the chromium is replaced by molybdenum, which produces much harder carbides. The steel has a much higher resistance to abrasion, with extremely high wear resistance. The steel has excellent quality but requires more care, such as cleaning and regular oiling.

14-4CrMo (ATS34; 154CM)Folding bladeFixed blade

(1.05% (C), 14% (Cr), 4% (Mo),0.5% (Mn), 0.3% (Si)) Stainless steel with extremely high wear resistance, higher than 440C steel or D2 steel (with the same hardness of approx. 61 HRc). One of the rarer steels. Compositionally very similar to ATS34 and 154CM steels. Made in USA / Latrobe Specialty steel company

ATS-55

( 1% (C), 14% (Cr), 0.6% (Mo), 0.4% (Co), 0.2% (Cu), 0.5% (Mn), 0.4% (Si)) Very similar to ATS-34 steel, which has had the Molybdenum content reduced to make it easier to sharpen steel, but will not hold a blade as long as its bigger brother, ATS-34 steel. This steel was more or less only used by Spyderco in their early days of production.

AUS-4

(0.4% (C), 14% (Cr), 0.49% (Ni), 1%(Mn)) A very easy to grind steel that is relatively highly corrosion resistant, comparable in quality to 420-440B steel. Japan / Aichi Steel

AUS-6 Folding bladeFixed blade

(0.6% (C), 14% (Cr), 0.2% (V), 0.49% (Ni), 1% (Mn), 1% (Si)) A corrosion resistant steel, more comparable to 440C steel, it retains almost identical corrosion resistance to AUS4 steel, although it is harder due to its higher carbon and vanadium content. Japan / Aichi Steel

AUS-8 Folding bladeFixed blade

(0.75% (C), 14% (Cr), 0.2% (Mo), 0.2% (V), 0.49% (Ni), 0.5% (Mn), 1% (Si)) One of the most popular Japanese stainless steels ever. Due to its higher carbon content, it ranks among the steels with higher blade life, corrosion resistance is quite decent. It ranks above 440C in toughness. Japan / Aichi Steel

AUS-10 Folding bladeFixed blade

(1.1% (C), 14% (Cr), 0.3% (Mo), 0.27% (V), 0.49% (Ni), 0.5% (Mn), 1% (Si). It has very decent edge dulling resistance, toughness and hardness. It is similar to 440C steel, but slightly harder and more durable. Rockwell hardness is 58-60 HRc. Japan / Aichi Steel

DSR1K6 Kitchen blade

(0.6% (C), 14% (Cr), 0.2% (V), 0.49% (Ni), 1% (Mn), 1% (Si)) Corrosion resistant steel, very similar in properties to AUS6 steel, typically used for the production of kitchen knives. Made in Japan / Daido

INOX; X55CrMoV14; 1.4110 Folding bladeFixed blade

(0.75% (C), 16% (Cr), 0.8% (Mo), 0.9% (Mn), 0.7% (Si)) Steel of Swedish origin, which is used by Swiss Army Knives (Victorinox, Wenger). The alloy has similar mechanical properties to 12C27M steel, but has a slightly higher chromium and molybdenum content. Sweden / Sandvik AB

DAUPHINOX

(0.52% (C), 15% (Cr), 0.6% (Mo), 0.5% (Mn), 0.6% (Si)) Victorinox high quality knives can only be made from the highest quality steel. It is only natural that steel brands are constantly evolving. However, in certain areas, both steel and knife manufacturers keep their secrets when it comes to the results of such developments. Among other factors, the way in which the steel is hardened has a significant influence on the final result.

12C27M Folding bladeFixed blade

(0.6% (C), 13.5%(Cr), 0.4% (Mn), 0.4% (Si)) Classic stainless steel for kitchen cutlery and utensils. It can be described as a steel with sufficient carbide content in the structure, similar to 440B steel. It has excellent sharpenability, but less wear resistance, on the other hand it has a higher durability of the blade. Typical resulting Rockwell hardness is 58 HRc, in knife tests the steel is comparable to VG-10 in terms of material toughness, edge durability. Sweden / Sandvik AB.

12C27 Folding bladeFixed blade

(0.6% (C), 13.5% (Cr), 0.4% (Mn), 0.4% (Si)) Sandvik steel with modified wear resistance and therefore hardness, but the same corrosion resistance and toughness. Very pure steel refined and improved for almost 50 years. Sweden / Sandvik AB

AEB-L (13C26; N611)

(0.67% (C), 13% (Cr), 0.6% (Mn), 0.4% (Si)) Stainless steel similar in properties to Swedish 12C27M, very clean and very resistant to blade wear. Sandvik steel with increased wear and corrosion resistance, high hardness. The structure of the steel is very fine grained. Compared to 12C27 steel, higher hardness and wear resistance is met. It is recommended for surgical purposes. Manufacturer Austria / Bohler Uddeholm

14C28N Folding bladeFixed blade

(0.62% (C), 14% (Cr), 0.6% (Mn), 0.2% (Si), 0.11% (N)) It is almost the same steel as 13C26, but more resistant to corrosion. Perfect ratio of edge resistance and corrosion resistance. A very pure steel, perfected over the years. Excellent price/performance ratio. Sweden / Sandvik AB

19C27 Folding bladeFixed blade

(0.95% (C), 13.5% (Cr), 0.65% (Mn), 0.4% (Si)) It contains a relatively coarse grain of carbides and is wear resistant, but the size of the carbides means that the knife cannot be sharpened to a fine bevel. However, it is ideal for coarser use on outdoor knives with high wear resistance. Sweden / Sandvik AB

AN-58 (AN58 INOX)

(0.45% (C), 13.5% (Cr), 0.01% (Mo),0.02% (V), 0.49% (Mn), 0.34% (Si)) Standard stainsless steel used by Nieto Co.

420MoV (X50CrMoV15; 1.4116) Folding bladeFixed blade

(0.55% (C), 15% (Cr), 0.8% (Mo), 0.2% (V), 1% (Mn), 1% (Si)) Stainless steel, with a fine-grained texture, popularly used in surgery for the production of cutting instruments, or for the production of cutlery sets and chef's knives. It has quite decent durability and strength even in splitting hardwood, or resistance to breaking. Can be sharpened to a very fine edge. Rockwell hardness 55 HRc. Germany / Krupp

Lam.Cos

(1.05% (C), 16% (Cr), 1.5% (Mo), 2.5% (Co), 0.25% (Ni), 0.25% (W)) The steel used and favoured by Fallkniven, where a harder and tougher steel with a hardness typically around 60 HRc, according to Rockwell, is nested in a sandwich of laminated steel in stainless steel, using 420J steel as the outer shell.

CTS-BD1 Folding bladeFixed blade

(0.95% (C), 17% (Cr), 0.5% (Mo), 1% (Mn), 0.1% (V), 1% (Si)) High carbon stainless steel in an excellent ratio of durability and toughness of the blade versus corrosion. Behaves similarly to tool steels. Similar properties to Gin-1. Typical Rockwell hardness is 60 HRc. USA / Carpenter Technology

CTS-BD1N

(0.95% (C), 17% (Cr), 0.5% (Mo), 1% (Mn), 1% (Si), 0.15% (N)) High-carbon stainless steel in an excellent ratio of resistance and toughness of the blade versus corrosion thanks to added nitrogen, even against weaker acids, ammonia, etc. It behaves similarly to tool steels. Compared to BD1 steel it has a higher hardness. Typical Rockwell hardness is 63 HRc. USA / Carpenter Technology

95x18

(1% (C), 19% (Cr), 0.6% (Ni), 0.8% (Mn), 0.8% (Si), 0.2% (Ti)) Russian version of 440C steel, contains an extra 0.2% Titanium. Typical Rockwell hardness up to 60 HRc. Russia / GOST

Niolox (Niolox Lohmann; 1.4153.03) Folding bladeFixed blade

(0.8% (C), 12.7% (Cr), 1.1% (Mo), 0.9% (V), 0.7% (Nb)) Stainless steel with fairly decent edge retention. It contains Niobium, which forms hard carbides very easily, thus helping the knife to resist wear and tear. Although the steel is not made by powder metallurgy, its texture is quite fine. Similar blade endurance to the D2 tool blade. Typical Rockwell hardness up to 60 HRc. Germany / Lohmann

Nitro-V Folding blade

(0.7% (C), 13.3% (Cr), 0.1 % (V), 0.7% (Mn), 0.12% (N)) Light modification of AEB-L steel by adding Vanadium and Nitrogen. Steel comparable to Sandvik 14C28N. Steel has very good corrosion resistance and toughness. Typical Rockwell hardness up to 62HRc. USA / New Jersey Steel Baron

VG1 Folding bladefixed blade

(1% (C), 14% (Cr), 0.3% (Mo)) Decent blade life and relatively hard steel, mainly used in cheaper kitchen knives. It offers excellent corrosion resistance and blade durability. Typical Rockwell hardness up to 60 HRc. Japan / Takefu Special Steel Company

VG2 Folding bladeFixed blade

(0.65% (C), 14% (Cr), 0.15% (Mo)) Low carbon stainless steel used primarily in cheaper kitchen knives. Can be relatively easily sharpened to a razor edge. The steel is used specifically for the production of thin blades, which this steel can easily hold. Typical Rockwell hardness up to 59 HRc. Japan / Takefu Special Steel Company

VG5

(0.75% (C), 14% (Cr), 0.3% (Mo), 0.15% (V)) High purity Japanese steel, for entrylevel knives or kitchen knives. Similar properties and sharpenability to VG2, with higher carbon content. The steel is used specifically for the production of thin blades, which this steel can easily hold. Typical Rockwell hardness up to 59 HRc. Japan / Takefu Special Steel Company

VG7

(1% (C), 14% (Cr), 0.3% (Mo), 0.15% (V), 1.25% (W)) The higher percentage of very hard tungsten in the blend predisposes the knife in its fine microstructure to the perfect retention of the violet blade and the high hardness of the stainless steel. The toughness is still quite high in comparison, the blade endurance is impressive. Typical Rockwell hardness up to 61 HRc. Japan / Takefu Special Steel Company

VG10 (V-Kin-10) Folding bladeFixed blade

( 1% (C), 15% (Cr), 1% (Mo), 0.25% (V), 1.5% (Co)) One of the most popular Japanese steels primarily used for the production of kitchen knives. Japanese gold, a very noble steel with excellent edge retention and high possibility of fine beveling. Popularly used also for pocket knives, e.g. by Spyderco or Mcusta. Truly famous steel with high value for money. Sharpenability is very easy, the blade can also be easily maintained on a leather strop. Typical Rockwell hardness up to 61 HRc. Japan / Takefu Special Steel Company

VG10W

( 1% (C), 15% (Cr), 1% (Mo), 0.25% (V), 1.55% (Co), 0.4% (W)) The more advanced VG10, which adds tungsten to the mix, increases the durability and hardness of the blade by about 20-25%. Typical Rockwell hardness up to 62 HRc. Japan / Takefu Special Steel Company

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440XH (Micro-Melt 440XH)

(1.6 (C), 16% (Cr), 0.8% (Mo), 0.45% (V), 0.35% (Ni), 0.5% (Mn), 0.4% (Si)). Comparable to very hard 440C or corrosion resistant D2. The formation of fine-structured carbides is much higher in this steel than in 440C, therefore it also shows higher resistance, hardness and toughness compared to 440C. The powder steel, with its hardness of around 60 HRs (Rockwell hardness), therefore exhibits similar properties to the popular D2 cutlery steel. USA / Carpenter Technology

CPM-154 Folding bladeFixed blade

(careful not to confuse with 154CM steel) The steel is alloyed with the elements 1.05% Carbon (C), 14% Chromium (Cr), 4% Molybdenum (Mo), 0.5% Manganese (Mn), 0.8% Silicon (Si)). Fine powder steel, a higher version of 154CM steel. Cleaner and finer powder structure, with easy formation of hard carbides. Almost twice as tough as 154CM steel with much easier machinability. USA / Crucible Industries

CPM-S30V Folding bladeFixed blade

(1.45% (C), 14% (Cr), 2% (Mo), 4% (V), 0.5% (Si)) The base steel is made by powder metallurgy and is very popular for its ease of sharpening. A little more demanding on heat treatment. Used by large companies. Overall hard and tough steel with exceptional properties for stainless steel. Rockwell hardness 59-61 HRc. USA / Crucible Industries

CPM-S35VN Folding bladeFixed blade

(1.34% (C), 14% (Cr), 2% (Mo), 3% (V), 0.5% (Mn), 0.5% (Si), 0.4% (Nb)). An evolution from S35V steel, where toughness is improved, Niobium is added to the steel to produce very fine and hard carbides. It is also less prone to chipping than the aforementioned S30V. Rockwell hardness 59-61 HRc. USA / Crucible Industries

CPM-S45VN Folding bladeFixed blade

(1.48% (C), 16% (Cr), 2% (Mo), 3% (V)). A newer powder steel, based on a collaboration between Crucible and Niagara Specialty Metals. Increased corrosion resistance. Slightly weaker toughness than S35VN, but higher than S30V. Rockwell hardness 61 HRc. USA / Crucible Industries

CPM-S60V

(formerly called CPM-440V) (2.15% (C), 17% (Cr), 0.4% (Mo), 5.5% (V), 0.4% (Mn)) One of the original super steels, due to its high Vanadium content, it is relatively resistant to abrasive materials, but is quite corrosion resistant. It offers excellent edge holding. Rockwell hardness typically around 60 HRc, however it is quite difficult to achieve this hardness on this steel. Very similar sharpness and edge retention to M390 steel. USA / Crucible Industries

CPM-S90V (CPM 420V; S90V) Folding bladFixed blade

(2.3% (C), 14% (Cr), 1% (Mo), 9% (V)) Very difficult to sharpen but very hard steel due to the high Vanadium content, suitable for use even for cutting very abrasive materials, blade life is still very good. It has relatively coarse carbides. It is difficult to sharpen. Rockwell hardness typically around 59 HRc. USA / Crucible Industries

CPM-S110V (110V; S110V) Folding blade

(2.9% (C), 15% (Cr), 2.25% (Mo), 9.1% (V), 2.5% (Co), 0.4% (Mn), 0.6% (Si), 3% (Nb)). Niobium is added in the steel to produce very fine and hard carbides. High hardness with resistance to abrasive cutting and quite decent toughness, moreover with higher corrosion resistance than S125V steel. Rockwell hardness typically around 64 HRc. USA / Crucible Industries

CPM-S125V

(3.3% (C), 14% (Cr), 0.2% (Mo), 11.85% (V), 2.5% (Co), 0.2% (Ni), 0.25% (Mn), 0.9% (Si)). Very high wear resistance, originally intended for the dental surgical industry. Very difficult to machine, but has enormous edge life and high corrosion resistance. Resharpening, unless you have diamonds or Japanese natural stones, will be very difficult if not impossible. It is definitely not a steel for newcomers to sharpening. Due to the size of the primary carbide, a 1000 grit size grindstone is recommended as ideal. However, high edge life is the reward. Rockwell hardness is typically around 64 HRc. USA / Crucible Industries

RWL34 (RWL-34 PM; Z100CD14.4) Folding bladeFixed blade

(1.05% (C), 14% (Cr), 4% (Mo), 0.2% (V), 0.5% (Mn), 0.5 % (Si)) Very pure alloy from Damasteel of Sweden. Very decent powder coated steel with excellent edge strength and quite decent toughness. Excellent grindability and polishability. Also used as steel in the production of Damasteel's DS93X damascus blend. Typical Rockwell hardness up to 64 HRc.

CPM-20CV Folding bladeFixed blade

(1.9% (C), 20% (Cr), 1% (Mo), 4% (V), 0.3% (Mn), 0.3% (Si), 0.6% (W)). Very high wear resistance and corrosion resistance. Fine-grained steel, very popular for high-end knives or limited series of closing knives. Excellent results for both coarser facet grinds and polished blades. The ideal tip angle is 30º for the highest blade life with respect to carbides. Maintaining and resharpening the blade is very easy, considering the formation of very low burr. The steel is compared to M390 or CTS-204P. Rockwell hardness typically around 62 HRc. USA / Crucible Industries

CPM-SPY27 Folding blade

((1.25% (C), 14% (Cr), 2% (Mo), 2% (V), 1.5% (Co), 0.5% (Mn), 0.7% (Nb), 0.3% (Si), 1% (N)). Spyderco exclusive steel, very similar in properties to S35VN, with higher corrosion resistance and similar toughness. With higher wear resistance. Very high corrosion resistance. Fine-grained steel, easy to grind. Rockwell hardness typically around 63 HRc. USA / Crucible Industries

CTS-204P

( 1.9% (C), 20% (Cr), 1% (Mo), 4% (V), 0.35% (Mn), 0.6% (Si), 0.65% (W)) Powder steel produced by micromelt technology. Very similar to CPM-20CV or M390. Excellent wear resistance due to Vanadium carbide content. Uniform homogeneous structure ensures excellent wear resistance and toughness. A great choice, typically for higher model knives or limiters. Typical Rockwell hardness 62 HRc. USA / Carpenter Technology

CTS-XHP Folding blade

(1.6% (C), 16% (Cr), 0.8% (Mo), 0.45% (V), 0.35% (Ni), 0.5% (Mn), 0.4% (Si)) Powder steel comparable in hardness to D2, but corrosion resistant; or as the much harder 440C. Typical Rockwell hardness is around 64 HRc. USA / Carpenter Technology

ELMAX (ELMAX Superclean)Folding bladeFixed blade

(1.7% (C), 18% (Cr), 1% (Mo), 3% (V), 0.3% (Mn), 0.8% (Si)) Elmax is a highly wear resistant steel combined with high corrosion resistance. A truly premium steel. When ground to a coarseness of 800-1000 the blade exhibits high cutting performance. However, with even higher grits and a finishing of the blade tip, it shows a much higher cutting performance. The powder technology in this steel helps to achieve a better distribution of carbides in the steel and also a finer structure. Typical Rockwell hardness 62 HRc. Austria - Sweden / Bohler-Uddeholm

M390 MICRO CLEAN Folding bladeFixed blade

(1.9% (C), 20% (Cr), 1% (Mo), 4% (V), 0.3% (Mn), 0.7% (Si), 0.6% (W)) Very well ability to resharpen, very tough with excellent edge retention, also contains very hard tungsten. Very high wear resistance. Relatively high corrosion resistance - higher than N690 steel. The steel is used in high-end knives and limited edition knives. Verified peak sharpening angle is 30º, i.e. 15º on one side. Carbide formation is reported to be around 20%. Excellent results for both coarser facet grinds and polished blades. The steel is compared with CPM-20CV and CTS-204P. Typical Rockwell hardness is around 62 HRc. Austria - Sweden / Bohler Uddeholm

M398 MICRO CLEAN

(2.7% (C), 20% (Cr), 1% (Mo), 7.2% (V), 0.5% (Mn), 0.5% (Si), 0.7% (W)) New powder technology steel with more than 50% increase in carbide formation, i.e. overall around 30% fine carbide content (compared to M390 steel improvement.) Tougher and highly abrasion resistant more than M390 MICRO CLEAN. Even higher wear resistance. High corrosion resistance. As far as machining is concerned, it is not a very pliable steel. Typical Rockwell hardness is around 66 HRc. Austria - Sweden / Bohler Uddeholm

SG2 (R2; SPGS)

(1.45% (C), 16% (Cr), 3.3% (Mo), 2.2% (V), 0.4% (Mn), 0.5% (Si)) High-quality steel used by Takefu, Fallkniven or Shun. The high hardness of this powder steel predisposes it to high sharpness, used mainly in the production of kitchen knives. Typical Rockwell hardness up to 64HRc. Japan / Kobelco steel

SuperGold 2

(The secret, unknown composition of stainless steel) Very clean, high quality powdered high-speed steel with no degrading properties or hardness. Similar in properties and toughness to carbon powder steel, but with a high degree of corrosion resistance. A fine, tough powder steel, reaching a Rockwell hardness of up to 63 HRc. Highly resistant to dulling. With excellent corrosion resistance and a high degree of wear resistance. The exact composition is not given by the manufacturer, from unverified sources the carbon content is 1.45% Carbon (C), 16% Chromium (Cr) Japan / Takefu Special Steel

LC200N (1.4108) Folding bladeFixed blade

(0.3 % (C), 15% (Cr), 0.95% (Mo), 0.5% (Ni), 0.5% (N)) Highly corrosion-resistant and hard steel with high nitrogen content, which helps for high corrosion resistance even in very harsh conditions, e.g. salt water contact. It is based on the Cronidur space steel used by NASA. Very easy to sharpen. Typical Rockwell hardness up to 61 HRc. Germany / ZAPP

Vanax (Vanax SuperClean)

(0.36% (C), 18.2% (Cr), 1.1% (Mo), 3.5% (V), 0.05% (Co), 0.18% (Ni), 0.3% (Mn), 0.3% (Si), 0.06% (W), 1.55% (N)) Swedish stainless steel powder, with nitrogen content that makes the steel immune to corrosion. Typical Rockwell hardness up to 62HRc. Austria / Bohler Uddeholm

Cowry-X

(3% (C), 20% (Cr), 1.7% (Mo), 0.9% (V)) Extremely high quality powder coated steel made by Mr. Ichiro Hattori. Rarely used, e.g. on a Fallkniven knife. Typical hardness is around 66 HRc according to Rockwell. Japan / Daido steel

ZDP189 (ZDP-189; 3C20CrMoW) Folding bladeFixed blade

(3% (C), 20% (Cr), 1.4% (Mo), 0.1% (V), 0.5% (Mn), 0.4% (Si), 1.5% (W)) One of the highest quality steels ever and the best knife material ever in the world, not only in terms of blade durability. The corrosion resistant steel is slightly prone to breakage, but the fineness of the carbides is almost unrivalled. It has excellent edge retention, but is harder to sharpen. Typical Rockwell hardness 64-67 Hrc. Made in Japan / Hitachi steel

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O1 ( Carpenter O1; 100MnCrW4; ČSN 19314; 1.2825; SKS3)

(0.9% (C), 0.5% (Cr), 0.2- % (V), 1.2% (Mn), 0.5 % (W)) Tool steel with the highest hardening stability. Good wear resistance and good edge life. Typical Rockwell hardness up to 65 HRc.

O2 (AISI O2; 90MnCrV8; SKS93; ČSN 19312; 1.2842; K720)

(0.95% (C), 0.35% (Cr), 0.3% (Mo), 0.3% (V), 0.3% (Ni), 1.8 % (Mn), 0.3% (Si)) Oil-hardened tool steel offers decent durability for medium to heavy use. Typical Rockwell hardness up to 64 HRc.

A2 (X100CrMoV5 ;ČSN 19571PH; SKD12; 1.2363; K305) Fixed blade

(1% (C), 5.25% (Cr), 1.1% (Mo), 0.2% (V), 0.8% (Mn), 0.3% (Si)) It has high resistance to thermal stress than O1 steel. Excellent abrasion and wear resistance. Typical Rockwell hardness up to 63 HRc.

A6 (70MnMoCr8; 1.2824; UHN1550)

(0.75% (C), 1.2% (Cr), 1.4% (Mo), 2.5% (Mn)) Decent wear resistance, not very often used steel.

D2 (X155CrMoV121; ČSN 19573; SKD11; 1.2379; AIRDI 15; K110) Folding bladeFixed blade

( 1.6% (C), 11.5% (Cr), 0.9% (Mo), 1.1% (V), 0.45% (Mn), 0.4% (Si)) Perfect toughness and wear resistance, however, it is relatively difficult to machine. Which is not a problem for the customer, but for the knifemaker. A very popular steel with knife makers around the world, it offers more advanced properties at an affordable price compared to ordinary stainless steels. Although the steel is not corrosion resistant, it is not that prone to it, where even with very easy maintenance the steel can be considered quite resistant to rust. It also depends on the surface treatment of the blade where it increases resistance to rusting. Relatively dulling resistant blade, but with some small resistance to soldering and similar non-sleeping uses. Typical Rockwell hardness up to 65 HRc.

S7 (50CrMoV13; ČSN 19550; 1.2357)

(0.55% (C), 3.5% (Cr), 1.8% (Mo), 0.3% (V), 0.8% (Mn), 1% (Si),) Steel has a very high resistance to breakage, but a moderate resistance to wear and dulling. Typical Rockwell hardness up to 61 HRc.

T1 (X75WCrV18-4; SKH2; ČSN 19824; 1.3355)

(0.8% (C), 4% (Cr), 1.3% (V), 0.3% (Ni), 0.4% (Mn), 0.4% (Si), 18.75% (W)) High speed tool steel with a very high content of very hard tungsten. Typical Rockwell hardness up to 65 HRc.

M1 (s1-8-1; SKH50; 1.3346)

(0.88% (C), 4% (Cr), 9.2% (Mo), 1.35% (V), 0.3% (Ni), 0.4% (Mn), 0.5% (Si),2.1% (W)) Molybdenum tungsten steel, a relatively tough high-speed tool steel. Typical Rockwell hardness up to 65 HRc.

M2 (s6-5-2; ČSN 19830; SKH9; 1.3342)

(1.05% (C), 4.5% (Cr), 5.5% (Mo), 2.2% (V), 0.3% (Ni), 0.4% (Mn), 0.45% (Si), 6.75% (W)) Excellent wear and dulling resistance and decent toughness. Typical Rockwell hardness up to 65 HRc.

M35 (s6-5-2-5; ČSN 19852; SKH55; 1.3243)

(0.95% (C), 4.5% (Cr), 5.25% (Mo), 2.15% (V), 0.4% (Ni), 0.4% (Mn), 0.4% (Si), 6.75% (W)) The impressive combination of wear resistance and high hardness of this tool steel makes it suitable for demanding applications. Typical Rockwell hardness up to 65 HRc.

W1 (C100W1; ČSN 19133; SK3; 1.1645; K970)

(1.5% (C), 0.15% (Cr), 0.1% (Mo), 0.1% (V), 0.2% (Ni), 0.4% (Mn), 0.4% (Si), 0.15% (W)) Water hardenable tool steel has excellent wear resistance and high toughness. Typical Rockwell hardness up to 68 HRc.

H13 (X40CrMoV51; ČSN 19554; SKD61; 1.2344; W302)

(0.45% (C), 5.5% (Cr), 1.75% (Mo), 1.2% (V), 0.3% (Ni), 0.5% (Mn), 1.2% (Si)) Chromium molybdenum vanadium tool steel characterized by decent hardenability and excellent toughness. Typical Rockwell hardness up to 54 HRc.

SK3 (W1; ČSN19133)

(1.1% (C), 0.3% (Cr), 0.25% (Ni), 0.5% (Mn), 0.35% (Si)) Carbon steel, made in Japan, basically similar to W1 steel, high toughness and wear resistance. Typical Rockwell hardness up to 61HRc. Japan / Nisshin

SK4 (SK95; 1.1545)

(1% (C), 0.3% (Cr), 0.25% (Ni), 0.5% (Mn), 0.35% (Si)) High toughness and wear resistance. Typical Rockwell hardness up to 60HRc. Japan / Nisshin

SK5 (1.1525; SK85) Folding bladeFixed blade

(0.9% (C), 0.3% (Cr), 0.25% (Ni), 0.5% (Mn), 0.35% (Si)) Tool steel, water hardenable. Typical Rockwell hardness up to 60HRc.

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80CrV2 (ČSN 19419; 1.2235)

(0.85% (C), 0.6% (Cr), 0.1% (Mo), 0.25% (V), 0.4% (Ni), 0.5% (Mn), 0.3% (Si)) Very decent edge life, but still sharpenable in the field. It offers a perfect balance between hardness and toughness. Typical Rockwell hardness up to 61 HRc. Germany / Krupp

Caldie

(0.7% (C), 5% (Cr), 2.3% (Mo), 0.5% (V), 0.5% (Mn), 0.2% (Si)) Steel resistant to chipping and cracks, suitable for larger blades. Typical Rockwell hardness up to 62 HRc. Sweden / Bohler Uddeholm

Sleipner Folding bladeFixed blade

(0.9% (C), 7.8% (Cr), 2.5% (Mo), 0.5% (V), 0.5% (Mn), 0.9% (Si)) Swedish steel, high quality, tougher than D2, according to Lionsteel, who likes to use this steel, it has better edge life than M390. Typical Rockwell hardness up to 64 HRc. Sweden / Bohler Uddeholm

1095 ( SUP4; 1.1275) Folding bladeFixed blade

(1.03% (C), 0.5% (Mn)) Very popular carbon steel, very easy to machine. Typical Rockwell hardness up to 60 HRc.

1095CroVan (1095CV)

(1.1% (C), 0.6% (Cr), 0.06% (Mo), 0.25% (V), 0.25% (Ni), 0.5% (Mn), 0.25% (Si)) Increased wear resistance and increased toughness compared to the basic version 1095. Typical Rockwell hardness up to 60 HRc. USA / Sharon Steel

52100 (100Cr6; ČSN14100; SUJ2; 1.3505)

(1.1% (C), 1.6% (Cr), 0.3% (Ni), 0.45% (Mn), 0.3% (Si)) Similar steel to 5160, but with better edge retention but less toughness. Typical Rockwell hardness up to 59 HRc.

1084 (1.0616)

(0.93% (C), 0.9% (Mn)) Simple carbon steel with medium wear resistance. Typical Rockwell hardness up to 59 HRc.

1080 (AISI 1080; 80Mn4; 1.1259; 75A) Folding bladeFixed blade

(0.88% (C), 0.9% (Mn)) Low alloy steel, used as spring steel and in knives of all different sizes. After proper heat treatment, it exhibits decent flexibility and medium toughness, with higher wear resistance. Typical Rockwell hardness up to 57HRc.

1075 (1.1248) Folding bladeFixed blade

(0.8% (C), 0.7% (Mn)) Simple carbon steel, if well heat treated, offers decent enough results in blade resistance and toughness. Typical Rockwell hardness up to 55HRc. Germany / ZAPP

1060 (AISI 1060; C60; ČSN12061; 1.0601; 60) Folding bladeFixed blade

(0.65% (C),0.9% (Mn)) A low-alloy steel, used as a spring steel and also for knives or sword blades because of its relative elasticity. Blade durability is not great. Typical Rockwell hardness up to 57HRc.

1065 (AISI 1065; XC65; 1.1230) Folding bladeFixed blade

(0.7% (C), 0.9% (Mn)) Low-alloy spring steel, used mainly for sword blades. It does not offer much toughness or blade durability, but is flexible enough to prevent damage. Typical Rockwell hardness up to 57HRc.

1045 (ČSN19083; 1.1191) Folding bladeFixed blade

(0.5% (C), 0.9% (Mn)) A basic carbon steel, but superior in properties to most cheaper stainless steels. Often used for larger blades or throwing knives. Typical Rockwell hardness up to 52 HRc.

5160 (60Cr3; 1.7177) Folding bladeFixed blade

(0.64% (C), 0.9% (Cr),1% (Mn), 0.3% (Si)) A very popular steel for knife making where higher toughness is needed. It is basically a simple, low-alloy spring steel with chromium added for better hardenability. The steel offers decent wear resistance in its class. Typical Rockwell hardness up to 50HRc for swords and up to 60 HRc for knives.

65Mn (AISI 1066) Folding bladeFixed blade

(0.71% (C), 0.25% (Cr), 1.1% (Mn), 0.37% (Si)) Light alloy spring steel, tensile strength resistant. Blade life is quite good. Higher Manganese content allows for higher steel toughness and hardness. Typical Rockwell hardness up to 58HRc.

CruForgeV (1086V)

(1.05% (C), 0.5% (Cr), 0.75% (V), 0.75% (Mn)) Ideal steel for knife makers who forge their knives. Similar properties to W1 or O1 steel. Typical Rockwell hardness up to 64HRc. USA / Crucible Industries

Y7XR Folding blade

(0.8% (C), 5% (Cr), 5% (Mo), 1.1% (V), 1.1% (W),) High quality high speed steel with very good toughness and high hardness, properties close to powder steels. Very high resistance to abrasive wear. Typical Rockwell hardness up to 66HRc. Japan / Hitachi steel

V-Toku1 (Takefu V1 Special)

(1.15% (C), 0.35% (Cr), 0.2% (V),2.25% (W)) The high hardness and resistance of the blade, also against chipping, is the main feature of this very pure steel typically used for chef's knives. Typical Rockwell hardness up to 64 HRc. Japan / Takefu Special Steel

V-Toku2 (Takefu V2 Special)

((1.05% (C), 0.25% (Cr), 0.2% (V),1.25% (W)) The high hardness and resistance of the blade, also against chipping, is the main feature of this very pure steel typically used for chef's knives. Typical Rockwell hardness up to 62 HRc. Japan / Takefu Special Steel

Shiro2 (Takefu Shiro 2) Kitchen knives

(1.05% (C), 0.5% (Cr), 1.3% (Ni), 0.5% (Mn), 0.35% (Si)) One of the most popular cutting steels, used mainly in the culinary industry. Very good hardness and edge durability. Typical Rockwell hardness up to 64HRc. Japan / Takefu special steel

V-Gin1 (Stainless Chromax; V1 Silver)

(1.15% (C), 5% (Cr), 1% (Mo), 0.5% (V), 0.25% (Ni), 0.9% (Mn), 0.4% (Si)) Very pure steel, made in Japan from Swedish ore. Typical Rockwell hardness up to 61HRc. Japan / Takefu special Steel

Gin2 (Stainless Chromax)

(0.9% (C), 7.5% (Cr)) Steel less susceptible to corrosion due to chromium content. Typical Rockwell hardness up to 62HRc. Japan / Takefu steel Special

V-Gin3B (Stainless Chromax ; 3B Silver V)

(0.85% (C), 6.5% (Cr), 0.8% (Mo), 0.4% (V), 0.5% (Ni), 0.5% (W)) Steel less susceptible to corrosion due to its chromium content, relatively hard, used extensively for kitchen knives due to its excellent sharpenability and blade life. Typical Rockwell hardness up to 62HRc. Japan / Takefu steel Special

8670 (AISI 8670; 1.2703)

(0.75% (C), 0.5% (Cr), 0.15% (Mo), 1% (Ni), 0.6% (Mn), 0.35% (Si)) Steel used since WWII, tough, with pretty decent wear resistance. Typical Rockwell hardness up to 61HRc.

Yellow steel (Kigami #2; Yellow paper steel)

(1.15% (C), 0.3% (Mn), 0.2% (Si)) Very hard medium grade steel used mainly for kitchen knives. Typical Rockwell hardness up to 61HRc. Japan / Hitachi (Yasugi)

Yellow steel (Kigami #3; Yellow paper steel)

(0.9% (C),0.3% (Mn), 0.2% (Si)) Medium grade steel is used for kitchen knives. Typical Rockwell hardness up to 60HRc. Japan / Hitachi (Yasugi)

WhiteSteel #2 (Shirogami #2; Shiro-Ko 2)

(1.15% (C) 0.3% (Mn), 0.25% (Si)) Very decent blade life and high hardness, can produce a very fine edge. Widely used in kitchen knives. Typical Rockwell hardness up to 61HRc. Japan / Hitachi (Yasugi)

WhiteSteel #1 (Shiroogami #1) Folding blade

(1.35% (C),0.3% (Mn), 0.2% (Si)) The high blade life and the high hardness of the fine blade make the knife suitable for use with kitchen knives. Typical Rockwell hardness up to 62HRc. Japan / Hitachi (Yasugi)

Blue steel #2 (Aogami#2, Ao-ni ko)

(1.15% (C), 0.5% (Cr), 0.3% (Mn), 0.2% (Si), 1.5% (W)) Very clean and high quality steel, with high hardness and the possibility of a very fine edge. Used on kitchen knives. Very maintainable sharpness, for example, blade can be easily maintained just on a leather strop. Typical Rockwell hardness up to 63HRc. Japan / Hitachi (Yasugi)

Blue steel #1 (Aogami #1, Ao-ichi ko) Folding blade

(1.35% (C), 0.5% (Cr), 0.3% (Mn), 0.2% (Si), 2% (W)) High quality carbon steel, used in high end knives, especially kitchen knives. Despite its hardness, it has a decent sharpness and high durability, fineness and durability of the blade. The toughness is slightly lower than that of Blue steel #2. A very good sharpening steel, with easy maintenance of the blade, with leather strop.. Typical Rockwell hardness up to 65HRc. Japan / Hitachi (Yasugi)

BlueSuper steel (Super Blue, Aogami super)

(1.5% (C), 0.5% (Cr), 0.5% (V), 0.3% (Mn), 0.2% (Si), 2.5% (W)) One of the finest steels, typical for kitchen knives, with very high hardness and fineness of the blade. Although it has a lower toughness than Blue1 and Blue2 steels, it has the highest hardness and wear resistance of these steels. A royal steel, with medium sharpness. With the use of the blade can also be easily maintained on a leather strop., it is very easy to wrap the blade to maintain its fine, razor edge that lasts a very long time. Typical Rockwell hardness up to 66HRc. Japan / Hitachi (Yasugi)

S600 (Bohler S600; 1.3343)

(0.9% (C), 4.1% (Cr), 1.8% (V), 5% (Mn), 6.2% (W)) Quick-cutting tool steel, expert steel with high wear resistance, stable toughness and relatively good machinability. Typical Rockwell hardness up to 64HRc. Sweden / BOHLER-UDDEHOLM

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CPM REX M4 ( CPM-M4; M4; SKH54; 1.3394) Folding bladeFixed blade

(1.42% (C), 4% (Cr), 5.25% (Mo), 4% (V), 0.3% (Mn), 0.55% (Si), 5.5% (W)) Very durable powder coated steel with regard to cutting performance and blade durability. Typical Rockwell hardness up to 65HRc. USA / Carpenter

Maxamet ( Micro-Melt Maxamet) Folding blade

(2.15% (C), 4.75% (Cr), 6% (V), 10% (Co), 0.3% (Mn), 0.25% (Si), 13% (W)) The manufacturer Carpenter uses patented micromelt manufacturing technology to produce this high speed, very hard steel. A very progressive, high performance steel with exceptionally high wear resistance and high edge hardness. The high content of Tungsten, Cobalt and Vanadium creates a highly durable steel. The structure shows a proportion of approximately 22% carbides. However, this is still less than e.g. REX121. This hard to machine steel is used by e.g. Spyderco. However, it is really very difficult to resharpen. A minimum of ceramic Japanese stone or diamond abrasive is recommended. Typical Rockwell hardness up to 69 HRc. USA / Carpenter

CPM-3V (3V) Folding bladeFixed blade

(0.8% (C), 7.5% (Cr), 1.3% (Mo), 3% (V), 0.4% (Mn), 0.9% (Si), 0.4% (W)) Powder coated steel with very high wear resistance, although in terms of toughness we can find tougher steels. Combined with wear resistance, however, better steels are less easy to find. In terms of corrosion resistance, due to the higher chromium content, rust tends to form superficially. Despite its hardness, the steel does not suffer from micro-warping of the blade. An ideal choice for tough, hard, dulling-resistant steel. Typical Rockwell hardness up to 64 HRc. USA / Crucible

CPM-15V (15V) Folding blade

(3.4% (C), 5.25% (Cr), 1.3% (Mo), 14.9% (V), 0.5% (Mn), 0.9% (Si), 0.4% (W)) Powdered steel, which is not very common due to its difficult machinability, shows tremendous wear resistance. It has surpassed the fabled ZDP-189. Typical Rockwell hardness up to 63 HRc. USA / Crucible Industries

CPM-MagnaCut (MagnaCut) Folding blade

(1.15% (C), 10.7% (Cr), 2% (Mo), 4% (V), 0.5% (Mn), 0.4% (Si), 0.2% (N), 2% (Nb)) The steel, one of the few, was made directly as a cutlery by Mr. Larrin Thomass, tailor-made for the requirements of the excessive toughness of the steel. It is truly an all-round super steel, not only for its excellent toughness, but also for its very decent durability even for a fine edge. All this combined with a high level of corrosion resistance. Comparable to CruWear or 4V steels - but not rustproof, conditions permitting. It is even more corrosion resistant than outright stainless steels (well over 20CV) The special mix of alloying elements is balanced to offer truly stunning performance. The carbide structure is very fine, much smaller compared to e.g. M390 or CPM-154. In sharpness endurance comparison, the steel is somewhere between S30V and S90V. But if the steel is hardened to higher grades, the edge retention is then unsurpassed. Combined with the correct grind angle, its properties increase. Typical Rockwell hardness up to 65 HRc. USA / Crucible

CPM CruWear (CRU-WEAR; CruWear; 1.2895) Folding bladeFixed blade

(1.1% (C),7.25% (Cr), 1.6% (Mo), 2.4% (V), 1.2% (Si), 1.15% (W)) Very durable powder coated steel, wear resistance is much higher than A2 steel, toughness is higher than M2 steel. The perfect combination of these properties. Typical Rockwell hardness up to 65HRc. USA / Crucible Industries

K490 MICRO CLEAN

(1.4% (C), 6.4% (Cr), 1.5% (Mo), 3.7% (V), 3.5% (W)) Powder steel with unspecified Niobium content, which forms very fine and hard carbides. The toughness of this steel is up to twice that of M4 steel, while maintaining wear resistance. Typical Rockwell hardness up to 65HRc. Sweden / BOHLER-UDDEHOLM

K390 MICRO CLEAN Folding bladeFixed blade

(2.47% (C), 4.2% (Cr), 3.8% (Mo), 9% (V), 2% (Co), 0.4% (Mn), 0.55% (Si), 1% (W)) Fine powder steel with high Vanadium content. The steel is extremely wear resistant and has high toughness. Spyderco uses this steel in many of its models. Typical Rockwell hardness up to 64HRc. Sweden / BOHLER-UDDEHOLM

K294 MICRO CLEAN

(2.45% (C), 5.2% (Cr), 1.3% (Mo), 9.7% (V), 0.5% (Mn), 0.9% (Si)) The very high wear resistance of this steel, due to its high Vanadium content. Medium toughness and relatively hard machinability of this Swedish powder metallurgy steel. It is used when the main emphasis is on really high wear resistance. Typical Rockwell hardness up to 63HRc. Sweden / BOHLER-UDDEHOLM

K190 MICRO CLEAN

(2.3% (C), 12.5% (Cr), 1.1% (Mo), 4% (V), 0.3% (Mn), 0.6% (Si)) Very pure steel produced by powder metallurgy. Typical Rockwell hardness up to 65HRc. Sweden / BOHLER-UDDEHOLM

CPM REX76

(1.5% (C),3.75% (Cr), 5.25% (Mo), 3.10% (V), 8.5% (Co), 0.3% (Mn), 0.3% (Si), 9.75% (W)) A powdered high speed steel very similar to REX45, with a higher tungsten content to give higher hardness. Typical Rockwell hardness up to 67 HRc. USA / Crucible

CPM REX 121

(3.4% (C), 4% (Cr), 5% (Mo),9.5% (V), 9% (Co), 10% (W)) One of the toughest knife steels with one of the highest wear resistance. A highly demanding steel to sharpen, with a tremendous hardness far above other steels. Vanadium, cobalt and tungsten content resulting in very hard machinability even on ceramic grinding belts. Typical Rockwell hardness up to 71 HRc. USA / Crucible

CPM REX45 (Vanadis 30; Bohler S590; HAP40)

(1.3% (C),4.05% (Cr), 5% (Mo), 3.05% (V), 8% (Co), 0.3% (Mn), 0.5% (Si), 6.25% (W)) Powdered steel is slightly less abrasion resistant than e.g. M4 steel, but thanks to the addition of Cobalt it is much harder. Typical Rockwell hardness up to 66 HRc. USA / Crucible

Z-Max

(2% (C), 4% (Cr), 5% (Mo), 5% (V), 9% (Co), 0.12% (Si), 10% (W)) Super highsspeed cutting powder steel. High resistance to wear and dulling. However, it is demanding to machine and sharpen. Typical Rockwell hardness up to 68HRc. Germany / ZAPP

Vanadis8

(2.3% (C), 4.8% (Cr), 3.6% (Mo), 8% (V), 0.4% (Mn), 0.4% (Si)) Improved steel, made by powder metallurgy, quite resistant to chipping of the blade. Very good wear resistance. Typical Rockwell hardness up to 65HRc. Sweden / Bohler Uddeholm

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PMC27 (PMC-27) Folding bladeFixed blade

(0.6% (C), 13.5% (Cr), 0.5% (Mn), 0.5% (Si)) A very pure powdered steel, which is not available as steel itself, but is used together with RWL34 as an additive in DS93x damascus. With its pure structure it can hold a razor blade excellently. It is very similar in composition to 12C27, but made by powder metallurgy which gives the steel an edge. Typical Rockwell hardness up to 64HRc. Germany / ZAPP

Pakistan Damascus Folding bladeFixed blade

Rusting damascus made from materials that are not precisely specified, they have a high-contrast pattern but inconsistent characteristics on the blade.They are highly decorative and desirable for their lower price and interesting concept and workmanship.

Stainless steel DamascusFolding bladeFixed blade

(e.g. damasteel made by Swedish uddeholm, typically with a combination of RWL34 and PCM17 = DS93x steels) and other stainless steel damasks are made of more advanced materials and are fully functional in terms of durability and blade life. Most of the time, we cannot find the exact composition of the steels used to make these stainless damasks, but they offer a full-featured yet ornamental blade, with material comparable to very high quality steels. Most of the time, it is really a prestigious affair.

Clad / Sandwich damascus / San-MaiFolding bladeFixed blade

In this type of damascus, the overlaid steel is of a double type, the so-called functional damascus - clad, Japanese damascus, where the inner part, the cutting part, is of a harder material and is surrounded by a softer material that gives some surrounding protection to the fragile blade, it can be layered for a higher contrast of layers, it is then more decorative. The highest quality functional solution. The inner steel tends to be carbon but this is not the rule, the surrounding layering is then typically stainless.