Understanding Knife Blade Metals

Knife blades are made from a variety of steel alloys, each offering different strengths, edge retention, and resistance to wear and corrosion. Choosing the right steel depends on how the knife will be used, how often it will be sharpened, and the conditions it will be exposed to.

Key Alloying Elements in Knife Steels

The properties of a knife blade are largely determined by its metal composition. Here are the most important elements found in blade steels and how they affect performance:

Carbon – Increases hardness, edge retention, and wear resistance.
Chromium – Enhances corrosion resistance and helps with hardness. Knives with more than 10.5% chromium are considered stainless steel.
Manganese – Improves strength, wear resistance, and hardenability.
Molybdenum – Adds toughness and enhances resistance to heat and corrosion.
Nickel – Helps with toughness and prevents brittleness.
Silicon – Contributes to overall strength and impact resistance.
Vanadium – Increases hardness, wear resistance, and helps refine the grain structure of the steel.
Cobalt – Enhances hardness and increases the effects of other alloying elements.
Copper – Improves corrosion resistance.
Tungsten – Used for high-speed steels, it enhances wear resistance and hardness.
Phosphorus & Sulfur – Improves machinability but can make steel brittle if used in high amounts.
Nitrogen – Sometimes replaces carbon in certain steels to enhance corrosion resistance.

Types of Knife Steels

Knife steels can be grouped into different categories based on their composition and intended use.

1. Carbon Steels

Carbon steels are known for their sharp edges and easy maintenance but require more care to prevent rust. Over time, they develop a patina that protects against corrosion.

1055 – A tough, impact-resistant steel often used for machetes and large fixed blades.
1075 – Offers good toughness and is commonly found in tools and spring steel applications.
1095 – One of the most popular carbon steels, known for edge retention and ease of sharpening.
5160 – A highly durable steel with good edge holding, often used in swords and large chopping knives.
52100 – A high-carbon steel commonly found in high-performance fixed blades.

2. Tool Steels

Tool steels are designed for high wear resistance and hardness, making them ideal for heavy-use knives.

A-2 – Offers excellent toughness and is commonly used in survival knives.
D2 – A semi-stainless steel that provides good edge retention and wear resistance.

3. Stainless Steels

Stainless steels contain enough chromium to resist corrosion, making them popular for everyday carry and outdoor use.

CPM S30V – A well-balanced steel offering good edge retention and corrosion resistance.
N690 – A high-quality steel that performs well in both corrosion resistance and edge retention.
440C – A widely used stainless steel with a decent balance of sharpness, durability, and rust resistance.
420HC – An affordable stainless steel that sharpens easily and resists corrosion.

Choosing the Right Blade Steel

When selecting a knife, it’s important to consider the trade-offs between edge retention, toughness, and maintenance. Harder steels tend to hold an edge longer but can be more brittle and difficult to sharpen. Softer steels may require more frequent sharpening but are generally tougher and more forgiving in heavy use.

For those who prioritize low maintenance, stainless steel is often the best choice. If sharpness and edge retention are more important, high-carbon or tool steels might be the better option.

Understanding the properties of different knife steels helps in choosing the best blade for specific tasks. Whether looking for a durable survival knife, a razor-sharp chef’s knife, or an everyday carry option, the right steel can make a big difference in performance and longevity.

Blade Metals:

Steel is an alloy (mix) of mostly iron and some carbon. Other elements used in steels (alloys) are, manganese, chromium, vanadium, and tungsten. The amount of alloy elements in the steel controls qualities like hardness, ductility, and tensile strength.

Alloy Increases:	Edge Retention	Hardness	Toughness	Tensile Stength	Hardenability	Impact Strength	Wear & Abrasion Resistance	Corrosion Resistance	Melting Temperature
Carbon (C)	Yes	Yes		Yes			Yes
Chromium (Cr)		Yes		Yes			Yes	Yes	Yes
Manganese (Mn)				Yes	Yes		Yes
Molybdenum (Mo)		Yes		Yes	Yes		Yes	Yes
Nickel (Ni)			Yes	Yes	Yes			Yes
Silicon (Si)				Yes
Cobalt (Co)		Yes		Yes
Copper (Cu)								Yes
Phosphorus (P)		Yes		Yes
Tungsten (W)			Yes	Yes	Yes
Vanadium (V)		Yes		Yes		Yes	Yes

Carbon (C) increases hardness, improves edge retention, increases tensile strength, increases wear & abrasion resistance
Chromium (Cr) increases hardness, increases wear & abrasion resistance, increases tensile strength, corrosion resistance & increases melting temperature
Stainless steel is a generic term steel with over 10.5% chromium
Cobalt (Co) Increases strength & hardness. Used to make high speed (tool) steel, Intensifies effects of elements in complex steels
Copper (Cu) Increases corrosion resistance and fatigue resistance
Manganese (Mn) improves hardenability, increases tensile strength & increases wear & abrasion resistance
Molybdenum (Mo) improves hardenability, increases hardness, increases tensile strength, increases wear & abrasion resistance & improves resistance to corrosion & pitting.
Nickel (Ni) increases tensile strength, toughness, hardenability and corrosion resistance
Silicon (Si) increases tensile strength, increases workability, elasticity
Tungsten (W) is used to make high speed (tool) steel, increases resistance, hardness and tenacity
Vanadium (V) increases hardness, increases tensile strength, increases impact strength, wear resistance, promotes fine grain & reduces metal fatigue
Sulfur (S) Improves machinability in small quantities
Nitrogen (N) Used in place of carbon
Phosphorus (P) increases brittleness, workability. improves strength, machinability, and hardness

Modern steel is identified into grades defined by various organizations.

Steel can generally be divided into Carbon Steel, Stainless Steel.
Stainless Steel has over 10.5% chromium

Non-Stainless Steels (Carbon Steel, Tool Steels)	Stainless Steels
has a better sharp edge quicker and easier to bring back to a razor edge	Stainless steel is easy to care for good choice around salt water, or damp climate
will corrode more easily low tolerance for heat sometimes tarnish to a gray or gray-black	Soft but it holds a blade edge very well Stainless steel is very difficult to forge most blades are made by grinding them to shape

Non-Stainless Steels (Carbon Steel, Tool Steels)
Steel Type	Composition:	Hardness:	Used by:	Origin:	Cost	Properties:
1055	between a medium and a high carbon steel, manganese	Rc 60-64	Cold Steel			One of the toughest steels available, ideal for applications where strength and impact resistance is needed
1075			Ontario		$3	Toughness is outstanding, Used for truck springs, files
1095	Carbon, Manganese, Phosphorus, Sulphur	59	Glock , Spyderco, KA-BAR, Ontario, Tops	USA	$4	Easy to sharpen. One of the most popular for knives
5160	Carbon, Silicon, Chromium, Manganese, Phosphorus	mid 50’s	Ontario, Spyderco		$3	Good edge holding, excellent for swords, or blade that will take abuse, Used for automotive leaf springs
52100	Carbon, Silicon, Chromium, Manganese, Phosphorus, Sulphur	56-61	Spyderco		$45	Ball bearing steel
A-2	Carbon, Molybdenum, Silicon, Chromium, Manganese, Vanadium	64	Spyderco		$20	Exceptional steel, one of the toughest tool steels, fine wear-resisting qualities. frequent choice for combat knives.
Steel Type	Composition:	Hardness:	Used by:	Origin:	Cost	Properties:
CPM-10V		58-60	Spyderco
CPM-15V		61-63	Spyderco
CPM-3V		58-60	Spyderco
CPM-9V		54-56	Spyderco
CPM-D2	high-carbon, high-Chromium: Carbon, Molybdenum, Chromium, Vanadium	57-61	Kershaw, Spyderco	USA, Crucible Materials	$32	Tool steel. only made by Cruciblen, experimental steel
CPM-M4	Carbon, Molybdenum, Silicon, Tungsten, Chromium, Manganese, Sulphur, Vanadium	59-61	Benchmade, Spyderco			Non Stainless Tool Steel. Excellent wear resistance and toughness
CTS-B52			Spyderco
D2	high-carbon, high-Chromium: Carbon, Molybdenum, Chromium, Vanadium	57-61	Benchmade, Kershaw, Microtech, Spyderco, SOG, KA-BAR		$35	Tool steel. Good corrosion resistance, excellent wear resistance. Good for hard use. Very difficult to process.
Hitachi Blue Super		62-64	Spyderco
L6		57				Tool Steel, not easy to work or grind. Famous sword steel. Almost never used in production knives
M-2		60-62, 66-67	Spyderco			Better edge holding than D-2, brittle, not recommended for large knives, high temperature steel for lath cutting tools
O-1		65	Spyderco		$40	Minimum distortion and dimensional change. very little corrosion resistance. Tool and die steel,
Steel Type	Composition:	Hardness:	Used by:	Origin:	Cost	Properties:
S7			Ontario			Shock resisting tool steel, very low wear resistance, need to be sharpened often, do not make good knife blades
SK-5	high carbon, manganese	Rc 65 57-58	Cold Steel	Japan		Equivalent of American 1080. Used for hand tools, chisels & wood saws
Vascowear		59-61	Spyderco
XC90	high carbon		Opinel
Steel Type	Composition:	Hardness:	Used by:	Origin:	Cost	Properties:

Stainless Steels

Steel Type

Composition:

Hardness:

Used by:

Origin:

Cost

Properties:

12C27
Sandvik

Carbon, Silicon, Chromium, Manganese, Phosphorus, Sulphur

59-61

CRK&T,
KA-BAR, Opinel, Spyderco

Sweden

$30

Premium steel
Used in Finish & Norwegian knives.

13C26
Sandvik

Kershaw

$13

14C28N Sandvik

Kershaw

154CM

Carbon, Molybdenum, Chromium

57-59,
58-60

Benchmade, Case, Emerson, Gerber, Leatherman, Microtech, Spyderco, SOG, Tops

USA,
Crucible Metals

$20

Great corrosion resistance with good toughness and edge quality. Very few impurities, must be laser cut
Developed as a high temperature alloy for use in fan-jet engines.
154 CM is not an accepted standard grade designation, just a manufacturers trade name.

17-7PH

chromium-nickel-aluminum precipitation

Rc 54-56

Buck

High saltwater corrosion resistance and good edge retention

20CV

Carbon, Molybdenum, Silicon, Tungsten, Chromium, Manganese, Vanadium

Spyderco

3Cr13

52-55

CRK&T

China

4034

54-55

S&W (Taylor)

China

X45Cr13 (Europe)
40Ch13 (Russia)

Steel Type

Composition:

Hardness:

Used by:

Origin:

Cost

Properties:

4116

carbon, chromium

55-57

CRK&T, Kershaw, Cold Steel

German

High degree of corrosion resistance, strength & edge holding. 4116 Krupp

420

Carbon, Manganese, Chromium

Frost, Gerber

USA

Tanto blades, axe heads

420HC

high carbon: Carbon, Manganese,Chromium

Rc 58,
55-59

Buck, Gerber, Kershaw, Leatherman, Microtech, Ontario

USA,
Crucible & Latrobe ?

Stays sharp, not brittle, excellent tensile strength, hardness and wear resistance, corrosion resistant. works well with high production tooling

420J2

Carbon, Silicon, Chromium, Manganese, Phosphorus, Sulphur

52-55

CRK&T, Kershaw, Spyderco

Lowest grade of cutlerystainless steel. Low wear resistance & edge holding make it a poor blade

440A

low-carbon: Carbon, Molybdenum, Silicon, Chromium, Manganese, Phosphorus, Sulphur

55-57

CRK&T, Frost, Gerber, Kershaw, Ontario, Spyderco, SOG, KA-BAR

Contains the least amount of carbon and is the more stain-resistant. easy to polish, easy to scratch. Usually only used by production knife companies.

440B

Carbon, Molybdenum, Silicon, Chromium, Manganese, Phosphorus, Sulphur

Spyderco

Tougher than 440C but inferior edge retention & sharpness. easy to machine & sharpen making it cheaper to produce. Not commonly seen in knives.

440C

high-chromium: Carbon, Molybdenum, Silicon, Chromium, Manganese, Phosphorus, Sulphur

Benchmade, Coast, Frost, Spyderco, SOG, Warren

$12

Contains high carbon and is hard. Excellent value. First used by Gil Hibben about 1966.
Benchmark cutlery steel
SAE 51440C

440XH

Carbon, Molybdenum, Silicon, Chromium, Manganese, Nickel, Vanadium

60-62

Spyderco

Steel Type

Composition:

Hardness:

Used by:

Origin:

Cost

Properties:

5Cr15MoV

55-57

CRK&T

China

6168CrV

59-61

CRK&T

8Cr13MoV

Carbon, Molybdenum, Silicon, Chromium, Manganese, Nickel, Phosphorus, Sulphur, Vanadium

58-59
Rc56 to Rc58

CRK&T, Kershaw, Spyderco, SOG

China

High performance-to-cost ratio compared to AUS-8

8Cr14MoV

58-59

Benchmade, CRK&T

China

Excellent value, similar to AUS-8

9Cr13CoMoV

high-carbon, cobalt

Benchmade

China

High level of corrosion resistance at a great value

9Cr18MoV

Carbon, Molybdenum, Silicon, Chromium, Manganese, Nickel, Phosphorus, Sulphur

58-60

CRK&T, Spyderco

China

ACUTO +

59-60

CRK&T

ATS-34

high carbon: Carbon, Molybdenum, Silicon, Chromium, Manganese, Phosphorus, Sulphur

60-61

Buck, Case, Spyderco, Tops, Warren

Japan,
Hitachi

Very few impurities, hardness, rust resistant. Re-sharpening can require extra effort. Considered the equal of 154CM.
Just a trade name

Steel Type

Composition:

Hardness:

Used by:

Origin:

Cost

Properties:

ATS-55

Carbon, Cobalt, Copper, Molybdenum, Silicon, Chromium, Manganese

59-61

Spyderco

Japan,
Hitachi

Very good cutlery steel Takes a very fine edge & cuts very well.
Similar to ATS-34.
Custom for Spyderco.

AUS 4

55-57

CRK&T

Japan,
Aichi

AUS-6

Carbon, Silicon, Chromium, Manganese, Nickel, Phosphorus, Sulphur, Vanadium

56-58

Kershaw, Spyderco, SOG

Japan,
Aichi

Compromise between toughness, strength, edge holding ability, resistance to corrosion & cost

AUS-8 (8A)

medium-carbon, high chromium: Carbon, Molybdenum, Silicon, Chromium, Manganese, Nickel, Phosphorus, Sulphur, Vanadium

58-59

Benchmade, Blade-Tech, Cold Steel, Kershaw, Spyderco, SOG

Japan,
Aichi

Mid-range steel, step up from AUS-6. Compromise between toughness, strength, edge holding, & resistance to corrosion

AUS-10

Carbon, Silicon, Chromium, Manganese, Nickel, Phosphorus, Sulphur, Vanadium

58-60

Spyderco

Japan,
Aichi

Top of the line steel.
Less rust resistant
T ougher than 440C

Bohler M390

vanadium, chromium

Benchmade, Kershaw

$46

Excellent corrosion resistance

Bohler N680

chromium, molybdenum, vanadium

Benchmade

$20

High wear resistance & ability to preserve an edge

Steel Type

Composition:

Hardness:

Used by:

Origin:

Cost

Properties:

BG-42

high carbon: Carbon, Molybdenum, Silicon, Chromium, Manganese, Vanadium

61-62

Buck, Case, Spyderco, Warren

USA,
Latrobe

High performance, Improved strength & increased edge retention over 154CM
Bearing-grade. for aircraft gears, ball screws, bearings.

CPM-S110V

Spyderco

USA,
Crucible

CPM-S35VN

Spyderco

USA,
Crucible

CPM-S30V

high-Chromium: Carbon, Molybdenum, Chromium, Vanadium

58-60

Benchmade, Blade-Tech , Buck, Chris Reeve, Kershaw, Leatherman, Spyderco, SOG, Strider, Warren

USA,
Crucible Metals

$45

Uniform structure & clean steel properties. excellent corrosion resistance and superb edge qualities.
Must be laser cut
Created especially for knives in 2001.

CPM-S60V(440V)

57-58

Spyderco

USA,
Crucible

$50

Exceptional wear resistance. Difficult to machine and grind

CPM-S90V(420V)

56-58

Spyderco

USA,
Crucible

Difficult to work with & sharpen

Steel Type

Composition:

Hardness:

Used by:

Origin:

Cost

Properties:

Cronidor 30

58-60

Spyderco

Germany

CTS-204P

Spyderco

CTS-20CP

Spyderco

CTS-40CP

59-60

Spyderco

CTS-B75

Spyderco

CTS-BD-1

Spyderco

CTS-XHP

Spyderco

Elmax PM 170

Carbon, Molybdenum, Silicon, Chromium, Manganese, Vanadium

Kershaw, Spyderco

$46

GIN-1

56-58

Spyderco

Japan,
Hitachi

Very good mid-range stainless steel.
Used on Japanese made kitchen knives

H-1

Carbon, Molybdenum, Nitrogen, Silicon, Chromium, Manganese, Nickel, Phosphorus, Sulphur

58-59

Spyderco

Japan,
Myodo Foundry

Impervious to rust.
Nitrogen used to harden the steel (not carbon)
Introduced to the market in 2003 by Benchmade

Steel Type

Composition:

Hardness:

Used by:

Origin:

Cost

Properties:

MBS-26

Spyderco

MRS-30

Spyderco

N690

Carbon, Cobalt, Molybdenum, Silicon, Chromium, Manganese, Vanadium

58-60

Benchmade, Blade-Tech, Extrema Ratio, Leatherman, Spyderco, Tops

Austria, Bohler

Keen edge qualities with great corrosion resistance, high resistance to wear, keeps a sharp edge

VG-1

Cold Steel

Japan, Takefu Steel

Sharpness, edge retention, point strength, shock, and ultimate blade strength
Does not hold an edge as long as VG-10.

VG-10

Carbon, Cobalt, Molybdenum, Silicon, Chromium, Manganese, Phosphorus, Vanadium

Rc 60

Spyderco, SOG

Japan,
Takefu Steel

Premium, high-end steel. Can be sharpened to a very durable fine edge.
Designed for high-quality blades.

Steel Type

Composition:

Hardness:

Used by:

Origin:

Cost

Properties:

W-1

Spyderco

Spring Steel. Toughness is outstanding. used for grader blade edges, truck springs and files

W-2

Spyderco

Tool Steel. Toughness is outstanding. used for grader blade edges, truck springs and files. used for swords & knives

X15 TN

Carbon, Molybdenum, Nitrogen, Silicon, Chromium, Manganese, Nickel, Phosphorus, Sulphur, Vanadium

Benchmade, Spyderco

French

Use in harsh environments (salt water)

x 50 CrMo ??

high carbon, stainless

55-56 HRC

Victorinox

Optimum edge retention

YK-30

57-59

CRK&T

ZDP-189

Spyderco

Japan,
Hitach

Sharpening is not easy. can be hardened to RC 65-67 without chipping

Steel Type

Composition:

Hardness:

Used by:

Origin:

Cost

Properties:

** Cost estimates as of 8-2010based on 2″ wide x 1/8″ thick per foot (12″) from AdmiralSteel.com & AlphaKnifeSupply.com

Exotic Blade Materials
Steel Type	Composition:	Hardness:	Used by:	Origin:	Cost	Properties:
6061 Aircraft Alloy	aluminum alloy		Gerber			Heavy-duty, good corrosion resistance. Easily cold worked, heat treatable
san mai	3 layered steel. very hard core steel encased in softer, resilient outer layers		SOG			Extremely hard edge but flexible as well
Ceramics						Hold an edge well, but brittle, cannot be sharpened
Damascus	forged, layered steel of a variety of steels	remarkable toughness and edge quality	Benchmade, Case, Chris Reeve			Unique visual effect, high cost, artistic
Damasteel		60		Sweden, Damasteel AB		Damascus Stainless Steel. two steels used; RWL34 & PMC27. Comparable to 154CM
Titanium		mid 40’s				Almost completely rustproof and corrosion resistant. Will hold an edge for a very long time
60 NiTiNOL PM	60% Nickel,Titanium		Strider	USA, Crucible		Extremely corrosion resistant, lightweight, non-magnetic & high strength. Superelastic, it will return to its original shape immediately after bending or deforming. Discovered in 1962.
Steel Type	Composition:	Hardness:	Used by:	Origin:	Cost	Properties:

Knife Manufacturer / Blade Steel Material Resources:

Benchmade	http://www.benchmade.com/about_knives/our_blades.asp
Boker	http://www.boker.de/us/blade-steel.html
Buck	http://www.buckknives.com/index.cfm?event=about.feature
Case	http://www.wrcase.com/case_college/blades_&_steel/steel.php
Cold Steel	http://www.coldsteel.com/faqs.html#VG1%20stainless
Columbia River Knife & Tool	http://www.crkt.com/steelfacts
Ek Commando Knife Co	http://ekknife.com/knives.html
Emerson	http://www.emersonknives.com
Extrema Ratio	http://www.extremaratioknivesdivision.eu/inglese/acciaio.htm
Frost Cutlery	http://www.frostcutleryco.com/default.aspx?content=faq#15
Gerber	http://www.gerbergear.com/index.php/glossary
KA-BAR	https://www.kabar.com/glossary.jsp
Kershaw	http://www.kershawknives.com/pressrelease.php?brand=kershaw
Leatherman	http://www.leatherman.com/products/faq.asp?c=2
Microtech	http://www.microtechknives.com/
Ontario Knife Company.	http://www.ontarioknife.com/catalog
Opinel	http://www.opiknife.com/thesteels.asp
Chris Reeve	http://www.chrisreeve.com/faq.htm#cpm
SOG	http://sogknives.com/store/buyers-guide.html#blade-steel
Spyderco	http://www.spyderco.com/edge-u-cation/index.php?item=3
Tops	http://www.topsknives.com
Al Warren	http://www.warrenknives.com/blade%20steels.htm
Victorinox	http://www.swissarmy.com/CustomerService/FAQs/

More Blade Steel Material Resources:

Sharpening Made Easy, Blades ‘N’ Stuff	http://sharpeningmadeeasy.com/steels.htm
AJH Custom Knives & Services	http://ajh-knives.com/metals.html
CustomTacticals.com	http://faq.customtacticals.com/steels/

Metals

Understanding Knife Blade Metals

Key Alloying Elements in Knife Steels

Types of Knife Steels

1. Carbon Steels

2. Tool Steels

3. Stainless Steels

Choosing the Right Blade Steel

Blade Metals:

Non-Stainless Steels
(Carbon Steel, Tool Steels)

Stainless Steels

Non-Stainless Steels (Carbon Steel, Tool Steels)

1095

D2

XC90

Stainless Steels

154CM

17-7PH

420HC

440C

ATS-34

AUS-8 (8A)

BG-42

CPM-S30V

N690

Ceramics

Knife Manufacturer / Blade Steel Material Resources:

More Blade Steel Material Resources: