Knife Steels
MagnaCut Stainless Steel
MagnaCut is a modern “super steel” designed to deliver top-tier edge retention, toughness, and corrosion resistance without compromise. It is ideal for premium EDC, tactical, outdoor, and even marine use where maximum performance is expected.
Technical Profile
Hardness: 60–63 HRC (★★★★★)
Edge retention: ★★★★★
Corrosion resistance: ★★★★★
Toughness: ★★★★★
Sharpening: ★★★☆☆
D2 Tool Steel
D2 is a high-carbon, semi-stainless tool steel known for exceptional edge retention and wear resistance. It is a performance-focused steel ideal for hard-use knives where long-lasting sharpness matters most.
Technical Profile
Hardness: 58–62 HRC (★★★★☆)
Edge retention: ★★★★★
Corrosion resistance: ★★★☆☆
Toughness: ★★★☆☆
Sharpening: ★★☆☆☆
440C Stainless Steel
440C is a classic high-carbon stainless steel known for strong corrosion resistance and balanced everyday performance. It is well suited for EDC, hunting, and general outdoor use where low maintenance and reliability matter.
Technical Profile
Hardness: 57–59 HRC (★★★☆☆)
Edge retention: ★★★☆☆
Corrosion resistance: ★★★★☆
Toughness: ★★★☆☆
Sharpening: ★★★★☆
14C28N Stainless Steel
14C28N is a modern Swedish stainless steel designed specifically for knives, offering an excellent balance of edge retention, corrosion resistance, toughness, and easy sharpening. It is ideal for EDC, outdoor, and utility use where reliability and low maintenance matter.
Technical Profile
Hardness: 58–62 HRC (★★★★☆)
Edge retention: ★★★★☆
Corrosion resistance: ★★★★☆
Toughness: ★★★★☆
Sharpening: ★★★★☆
AUS-8 Stainless Steel
AUS-8 is a Japanese stainless steel known for its good balance of toughness, corrosion resistance, and easy sharpening. It is a reliable choice for EDC, tactical, and outdoor knives where simplicity and low maintenance are important.
Technical Profile
Hardness: 57–59 HRC (★★★☆☆)
Edge retention: ★★★☆☆
Corrosion resistance: ★★★★☆
Toughness: ★★★★☆
Sharpening: ★★★★★
AUS-10 Stainless Steel
AUS-10 is a Japanese stainless steel that offers a strong balance of edge retention, corrosion resistance, and toughness, with improved performance over AUS-8. It is ideal for EDC, folding, and utility knives where reliable, easy-to-maintain performance is expected.
Technical Profile
Hardness: 59–61 HRC (★★★★☆)
Edge retention: ★★★★☆
Corrosion resistance: ★★★★☆
Toughness: ★★★★☆
Sharpening: ★★★★☆
M390 Stainless Steel
M390 is a premium powder metallurgy “super steel” known for exceptional edge retention and outstanding corrosion resistance. It is ideal for high-end EDC and premium knives where maximum performance and long-lasting sharpness are required.
Technical Profile
Hardness: 60–62 HRC (★★★★★)
Edge retention: ★★★★★
Corrosion resistance: ★★★★★
Toughness: ★★★★☆
Sharpening: ★★☆☆☆
1095 Carbon Steel
1095 is a classic high-carbon steel known for exceptional toughness and ease of sharpening. It is ideal for survival, bushcraft, and heavy-duty outdoor knives where durability and field maintenance are essential.
Technical Profile
Hardness: 56–58 HRC (★★★☆☆)
Edge retention: ★★★☆☆
Corrosion resistance: ★☆☆☆☆
Toughness: ★★★★★
Sharpening: ★★★★★
VG-10 Stainless Steel
VG-10 is a high-quality Japanese stainless steel known for its ability to take a very sharp, refined edge while maintaining good corrosion resistance and solid edge retention. It is ideal for EDC, folding knives, and light outdoor use where cutting performance is a priority.
Technical Profile
Hardness: 60–62 HRC (★★★★☆)
Edge retention: ★★★★☆
Corrosion resistance: ★★★★☆
Toughness: ★★★☆☆
Sharpening: ★★★★☆
CPM S30V
CPM S30V is a premium powder metallurgy steel designed specifically for knives, offering excellent edge retention, strong corrosion resistance, and reliable toughness. It is ideal for premium EDC, tactical, and outdoor knives where long-lasting performance is expected.
Technical Profile
Hardness: 59–61 HRC (★★★★☆)
Edge retention: ★★★★★
Corrosion resistance: ★★★★☆
Toughness: ★★★★☆
Sharpening: ★★★☆☆
CPM S35VN
CPM S35VN is a premium powder metallurgy steel designed to improve on S30V, offering excellent edge retention, high toughness, and easier sharpening. It is ideal for premium EDC, tactical, and outdoor knives where balanced high performance is required.
Technical Profile
Hardness: 59–61 HRC (★★★★☆)
Edge retention: ★★★★★
Corrosion resistance: ★★★★☆
Toughness: ★★★★★
Sharpening: ★★★★☆
CPM S45VN Stainless Steel
CPM S45VN is a modern premium stainless steel designed as an upgrade to S35VN, offering excellent edge retention, improved corrosion resistance, and strong overall balance. It is ideal for premium EDC, tactical, and all-purpose knives where high performance and reliability are expected.
Technical Profile
Hardness: 60–62 HRC (★★★★★)
Edge retention: ★★★★★
Corrosion resistance: ★★★★★
Toughness: ★★★★☆
Sharpening: ★★★★☆
CPM 3V Tool Steel
CPM 3V is a high-performance tool steel built for extreme toughness and durability, making it ideal for hard-use, survival, and bushcraft knives. It offers strong edge retention with exceptional resistance to chipping under heavy stress.
Technical Profile
Hardness: 58–60 HRC (★★★★☆)
Edge retention: ★★★★☆
Corrosion resistance: ★★☆☆☆
Toughness: ★★★★★
Sharpening: ★★★☆☆
CPM 4V Tool Steel
CPM 4V is a high-performance tool steel that combines excellent edge retention with very high toughness, making it ideal for hard-use, survival, and outdoor knives. It offers longer-lasting sharpness than 3V while maintaining strong resistance to chipping.
Technical Profile
Hardness: 58–60 HRC (★★★★☆)
Edge retention: ★★★★★
Corrosion resistance: ★★☆☆☆
Toughness: ★★★★★
Sharpening: ★★★☆☆
Elmax Stainless Steel
Elmax is a premium powder metallurgy steel that offers an excellent balance of edge retention, corrosion resistance, and toughness. It is ideal for high-end EDC, outdoor, and all-purpose knives where strong, well-rounded performance is required.
Technical Profile
Hardness: 60–62 HRC (★★★★★)
Edge retention: ★★★★★
Corrosion resistance: ★★★★☆
Toughness: ★★★★☆
Sharpening: ★★★☆☆
Nitro-V Stainless Steel
Nitro-V is a modern stainless steel offering a strong balance of edge retention, corrosion resistance, and toughness, with improved performance over traditional mid-range steels. It is ideal for EDC, outdoor, and utility knives where reliability and easy maintenance are important.
Technical Profile
Hardness: 59–61 HRC (★★★★☆)
Edge retention: ★★★★☆
Corrosion resistance: ★★★★☆
Toughness: ★★★★☆
Sharpening: ★★★★☆
154CM Stainless Steel
154CM is a well-known American stainless steel that offers a balanced combination of edge retention, corrosion resistance, and toughness. It is ideal for EDC, folding, and utility knives where reliable, all-around performance is expected.
Technical Profile
Hardness: 58–61 HRC (★★★★☆)
Edge retention: ★★★★☆
Corrosion resistance: ★★★★☆
Toughness: ★★★★☆
Sharpening: ★★★★☆
