Contents
A knife steel chart is most useful when it compares the properties that change how a blade behaves in real use: edge retention, toughness, corrosion resistance, ease of sharpening, and realistic working hardness. Steel name alone is not a performance guarantee; heat treatment, blade geometry, edge angle, and the cutting task can change the result substantially.
This reference compares common and premium knife steels on a relative 1–10 scale so you can see the trade-offs quickly. The chart covers powder-metallurgy stainless steels, tool steels, carbon steels, nitrogen-rich corrosion-resistant grades, fine-grained stainless steels, and budget workhorse alloys. The goal is comparison, not a single universal winner.
Use this page when you want a steel-by-steel technical comparison. For recommendations by knife type—EDC, hunting, kitchen, survival, saltwater, or budget—see our best knife steel guide.
Prepared by Aleks Nemtcev, knifemaker at Noblie Custom Knives, with more than 10 years of hands-on experience working with custom blades, Damascus steel, powder-metallurgy steels, blade geometry, and collector-grade knife construction.
This chart compares the practical potential of each steel, not the guaranteed performance of every finished knife. Higher numbers mean stronger performance in that category only. A steel can score high in edge retention and low in toughness, or high in corrosion resistance and lower in maximum hardness.
Rating method: the 1–10 scores are normalized editorial ratings anchored primarily to published Knife Steel Nerds testing for edge retention, toughness, and corrosion resistance where comparable data are available, then cross-checked against steelmaker datasheets and knife-specific technical references. They are not direct laboratory units. “Ease of sharpening” is qualitative because there is no single standardized sharpening test; carbide type, hardness, stone material, deburring behavior, and heat treatment all affect sharpening.
HRC values are typical finished-knife working ranges, not the maximum hardness a steel can reach. Heat treatment, cryogenic treatment, tempering, blade thickness, grind, edge angle, and sharpening finish can materially change real-world performance. H1/H2 are an exception: these austenitic nitrogen steels are work-hardened during manufacture, so a single conventional finished-blade HRC range is not directly comparable and is shown as “N/A.”
| Steel | Family | HRC | Edge Ret. | Toughness | Corr. Res. | Sharpening | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Super Stainless & PM Steels | |||||||
| CPM MagnaCut | PM stainless tool steel | 60–64 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 6 | Balanced EDC, hunting, kitchen, outdoor, premium folders |
| MagnaMax | PM stainless high-wear | 62–65 | 9 | 5 | 9 | 3 | High-edge-retention stainless folders and custom knives |
| M390 | PM stainless | 60–62 | 8 | 4 | 9 | 3 | Premium EDC folders, collector knives, light-duty slicing |
| CPM 20CV | PM stainless | 59–62 | 8 | 4 | 9 | 3 | Premium folders, EDC knives, high-wear stainless blades |
| CTS-204P | PM stainless | 60–62 | 8 | 4 | 9 | 3 | Premium folders, M390/20CV-class applications |
| M398 | PM stainless high-wear | 61–64 | 10 | 2 | 8 | 1 | Maximum wear resistance, collector folders, controlled slicing |
| CPM S90V | PM stainless high-vanadium | 59–62 | 9 | 3 | 6 | 1 | Long edge life, slicing, premium folders |
| CPM S110V | PM stainless high-wear | 59–62 | 10 | 2 | 8 | 1 | Extreme edge retention in light-duty cutting |
| ZDP-189 | High-carbon stainless | 64–67 | 8 | 3 | 4 | 1 | Very hard slicers, Japanese folders, controlled cutting |
| Elmax | PM stainless | 60–62 | 7 | 5 | 7 | 4 | Premium outdoor knives, folders, balanced stainless blades |
| Vanax SuperClean | Nitrogen PM stainless | 59–61 | 5 | 5 | 10 | 5 | Saltwater, fishing, wet EDC, corrosion-prone environments |
| LC200N | Nitrogen stainless | 58–60 | 3 | 7 | 10 | 7 | Saltwater knives, fishing, kayaking, humid climates |
| H1 / H2 | Nitrogen stainless | N/A | 2 | 7 | 10 | 8 | Diving, fishing, serrated saltwater knives |
| High-Performance Balanced Steels | |||||||
| CPM S45VN | PM stainless | 59–62 | 6 | 6 | 8 | 5 | Premium EDC, production folders, general-use knives |
| CPM S35VN | PM stainless | 58–61 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 5 | EDC folders, hunting knives, premium production knives |
| CPM S30V | PM stainless | 58–61 | 6 | 5 | 7 | 5 | Classic premium EDC and production folders |
| CPM SPY27 | PM stainless | 60–62 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 6 | Spyderco EDC knives, user-friendly premium stainless |
| SG2 / R2 | Japanese PM stainless | 61–64 | 7 | 4 | 7 | 4 | High-end kitchen knives, thin slicers, fine edges |
| CTS-XHP | High-carbon stainless | 60–62 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | EDC folders, stainless D2-style performance |
| High-Toughness Tool Steels | |||||||
| CPM 3V | High-toughness tool steel | 58–61 | 5 | 9 | 3 | 5 | Hard-use fixed blades, survival knives, chopping tools |
| CPM 4V | Tool steel | 60–64 | 6 | 7 | 3 | 4 | Hard-use folders, fixed blades, edge stability |
| CPM CruWear | Tool steel | 60–64 | 6 | 8 | 3 | 5 | Hard-use EDC, fixed blades, balanced tool-steel performance |
| CPM M4 | High-speed tool steel | 62–65 | 8 | 7 | 2 | 2 | Hard-use folders, cutting performance, non-stainless users |
| K390 | High-wear tool steel | 62–65 | 9 | 4 | 2 | 2 | High-edge-retention folders, cutting abrasive materials |
| CPM 10V | High-wear tool steel | 60–64 | 9 | 4 | 2 | 2 | Abrasive cutting, specialist knives, high-wear applications |
| Maxamet | Extreme high-wear tool steel | 66–70 | 10 | 1 | 2 | 1 | Specialist slicing, maximum edge retention, careful users only |
| D2 | Semi-stainless tool steel | 58–61 | 6 | 4 | 3 | 3 | Budget-premium folders, work knives, dry-use EDC |
| 80CrV2 | Carbon tool steel | 58–61 | 4 | 8 | 2 | 8 | Bushcraft, survival knives, hard-use fixed blades |
| 5160 | Spring steel | 56–59 | 3 | 8 | 2 | 8 | Large fixed blades, choppers, camp knives |
| High-End Stainless Steels | |||||||
| 154CM | Stainless | 58–61 | 5 | 4 | 6 | 5 | Classic American folders, general premium use |
| ATS-34 | Stainless | 59–61 | 5 | 4 | 6 | 5 | Older custom knives, historical 154CM-class blades |
| VG-10 | Japanese stainless | 59–61 | 5 | 4 | 7 | 6 | Kitchen knives, Japanese folders, light EDC |
| AUS-10 | Japanese stainless | 58–60 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 6 | Mid-range EDC, outdoor knives, budget-premium folders |
| N690 | European stainless | 58–60 | 5 | 4 | 6 | 4 | Outdoor knives, hunting knives, European production blades |
| N680 | Nitrogen stainless | 57–59 | 3 | 4 | 8 | 6 | Wet environments, rescue knives, corrosion-resistant tools |
| Mid-Range Steels | |||||||
| AEB-L | Fine-grained stainless | 60–63 | 3 | 8 | 6 | 8 | Kitchen knives, razors, thin edges, easy sharpening |
| 13C26 | Fine-grained stainless | 58–61 | 3 | 7 | 5 | 7 | Thin slicers, razors, simple stainless knives |
| 14C28N | Fine-grained stainless | 58–62 | 4 | 7 | 8 | 6 | Value EDC, thin blades, outdoor utility knives |
| Nitro-V | Fine-grained stainless | 58–61 | 4 | 7 | 7 | 7 | Kitchen knives, EDC, thin stainless blades |
| 440C | Classic stainless | 57–60 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 6 | Traditional folders, budget/mid-range outdoor knives |
| Böhler N695 | European stainless | 57–60 | 4 | 4 | 6 | 6 | Hunting knives, outdoor knives, 440C-class applications |
| AUS-8 | Japanese stainless | 57–59 | 3 | 7 | 5 | 8 | Budget EDC, easy-maintenance folders |
| CTS-BD1 / BD1N | Stainless | 58–60 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 6 | User-friendly EDC, lightweight folders |
| 8Cr13MoV | Budget stainless | 56–59 | 3 | 6 | 5 | 8 | Affordable folders, beginner knives, utility use |
| Carbon and Simple Tool Steels | |||||||
| 1095 | Simple carbon steel | 56–60 | 3 | 7 | 2 | 8 | Field knives, survival knives, traditional users |
| 52100 | Carbon bearing steel | 58–62 | 4 | 7 | 2 | 7 | Fine edges, custom knives, traditional carbon-steel blades |
| O1 | Oil-hardening tool steel | 58–62 | 4 | 6 | 2 | 7 | Custom fixed blades, woodworking knives |
| Entry-Level Steels | |||||||
| 440A | Budget stainless | 55–58 | 2 | 7 | 8 | 9 | Low-cost knives, light-duty cutting |
| 420HC | Budget / workhorse stainless | 56–59 | 3 | 8 | 8 | 9 | Work knives, multi-tools, easy-maintenance users |
| Budget Steels | |||||||
| 420J | Low-carbon stainless | 52–56 | 2 | 8 | 8 | 9 | Decorative knives, low-cost blades, light tasks |
| AUS-6 | Budget stainless | 55–57 | 2 | 8 | 5 | 9 | Older budget knives, light cutting, easy sharpening |
The table above is the primary reference. These graphics provide a faster visual comparison of the same core properties. Because several graphics were created before newer steels and newer test data were available, use the table for the current ratings and treat the images as visual summaries.
Edge retention is the ability to keep a useful cutting edge during a defined workload. High-wear steels such as CPM S90V, M398, K390, CPM 10V, Maxamet, S110V, and MagnaMax are designed for long abrasive cutting, but edge geometry and hardness can change the result substantially.
Rockwell C hardness is useful context, not a quality ranking. Higher HRC can improve strength at the edge and often increases wear resistance, but the useful hardness range depends on the steel, heat treatment, blade geometry, and intended use.
Toughness is resistance to fracture and chipping under stress. For hard-use knives, toughness must be considered together with edge angle, behind-the-edge thickness, heat treatment, and overall blade geometry.
Corrosion resistance matters around sweat, food acids, blood, rain, humidity, and saltwater. Vanax, LC200N, H1/H2, MagnaCut, and several modern stainless PM steels perform strongly here, but surface finish and heat treatment also affect corrosion behavior.
Sharpening ease is not a standardized laboratory property. High-vanadium, high-carbide steels generally abrade more efficiently with diamond or CBN, while lower-wear fine-grained steels are usually faster to maintain on conventional stones. Deburring behavior can be as important as material removal rate.
Use the ratings as a map of trade-offs, not as a ranking from “bad” to “best.” A finished knife can perform differently from the chart because heat treatment, hardness, edge geometry, blade thickness, sharpening finish, and cutting media all matter.
Edge retention describes how long the blade keeps a useful cutting edge under a particular test or workload. In CATRA-style abrasive cutting, hardness, carbide volume, and carbide hardness are major drivers. High-wear steels can excel here, but a thin, well-supported edge can change cutting life dramatically.
CATRA edge-retention results measure how much silica-loaded cardstock a blade cuts during a controlled test. They are useful for comparing abrasive slicing performance, but they do not directly measure how long an edge stays sharp enough to whittle a hair. Small differences in initial sharpness can strongly affect short cutting comparisons, while edge angle, hardness, and sharpening finish also influence the result. Rolling and microchipping can shorten edge life through mechanisms other than abrasive wear. Read the edge-retention scores alongside toughness and blade geometry—not as a guarantee of hair-whittling sharpness or a universal ranking of finished knives.
Toughness is resistance to fracture and chipping. It matters most when an edge may see impact, twisting, hard inclusions, bone, wood, staples, or accidental lateral loading. Tough steels allow makers to use thinner geometry with a lower risk of catastrophic edge damage, but geometry still controls the stress seen by the edge.
Corrosion resistance measures resistance to rust, staining, and chemical attack. Chromium in solution is important, but total chromium percentage alone does not predict corrosion behavior because chromium tied up in carbides is not available to support the passive layer. Heat treatment and surface finish can also move the result.
“Stainless” does not mean maintenance-free. Saltwater, sweat, blood, food acids, and long-term moisture exposure still justify rinsing, drying, and sensible storage.
Sharpening difficulty depends on wear resistance, carbide type and size, hardness, retained austenite, burr behavior, and the abrasive being used. High-vanadium steels can be frustrating on conventional aluminum-oxide stones because vanadium carbides are harder than the abrasive; diamond or CBN usually makes the job more efficient.
The sharpening score in this chart is therefore qualitative. It describes typical maintenance effort with appropriate equipment, not a laboratory constant.
Heat treatment can change the same alloy from excellent to disappointing. Austenitizing temperature, quench, cryogenic treatment, tempering, and final hardness influence toughness, corrosion resistance, retained austenite, edge stability, and sharpening response. HRC is useful only when read in the context of the steel and the knife’s intended job.
Geometry can matter as much as alloy choice. A more acute edge cuts with less force but is less resistant to chipping and deformation; a more obtuse edge is stronger but slices less efficiently. Behind-the-edge thickness and primary grind have similar trade-offs. See the knife sharpening angle guide and our knife blade shapes guide for the geometry side of the equation.
Steel families are useful for orientation, but they do not predict finished-knife performance by themselves. The same family can contain alloys optimized for very different combinations of wear resistance, toughness, corrosion resistance, and hardness.
| Family | Examples | Typical strengths | Typical trade-offs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon and low-alloy steels | 1095, 52100, 5160, 80CrV2, O1 | Toughness, fine edges, easy field sharpening | Low corrosion resistance; modest abrasive wear resistance |
| Conventional stainless steels | VG-10, 154CM, N690, AUS-10, 440C | Good corrosion resistance and practical all-around performance | Usually less extreme wear resistance than high-carbide PM grades |
| High-alloy tool steels | D2, CPM M4, CPM 3V, CPM CruWear, K390 | Can emphasize toughness, edge stability, or very high wear resistance | Many are not stainless; several require more demanding sharpening |
| Powder-metallurgy steels | MagnaCut, MagnaMax, S90V, M390, M398, CPM 3V | Fine carbide distribution and access to property combinations difficult to achieve conventionally | Higher material and processing cost; some grades are slow to sharpen |
| Nitrogen-rich / corrosion-focused steels | Vanax, LC200N, H1/H2, N680 | Strong corrosion resistance for wet or marine use | Some give up abrasive edge retention or maximum hardness |
| Pattern-welded and patterned PM steels | Carbon Damascus, mosaic Damascus, Damasteel | Visual pattern, craftsmanship, collector appeal; performance depends on constituent steels | “Damascus” is not one fixed alloy and should not receive one universal rating |
For manufacturing process and microstructure, see our powder metallurgy knife steel guide. For pattern-welded and patterned stainless materials, see types of Damascus steel.
Video credit: Knife Steel Nerds.
Super stainless and powder metallurgy steels are used when a knife needs more than basic stainless performance. These steels often offer higher wear resistance, better carbide distribution, cleaner microstructure, and more consistent performance than conventional ingot steels. They are common in premium folding knives, custom knives, high-end EDC blades, collector pieces, and some modern hunting or kitchen knives.
The trade-off is cost and sharpening effort. Many high-wear PM steels hold an edge for a long time, but they are slower to sharpen and less forgiving than simpler steels. Others, such as CPM MagnaCut and Elmax, are valued less for one extreme property and more for their balance. When comparing these steels, look beyond the name and consider heat treatment, hardness, geometry, and the kind of cutting the knife will actually do.
These steels are especially common in premium folders and EDC knives. If you are comparing M390, CPM 20CV, MagnaCut, S90V, or Damasteel for everyday carry, see our selection of custom pocket knives.
CPM MagnaCut is a powder metallurgy stainless tool steel designed specifically for knives. Its main advantage is balance: strong corrosion resistance, high toughness for a stainless knife steel, and practical edge retention in the same alloy. Unlike many high-chromium stainless steels, MagnaCut was designed to avoid chromium carbides in the heat-treated microstructure. Instead, it relies on fine vanadium and niobium carbides, which helps explain its toughness and edge stability.
MagnaCut is not the highest-edge-retention steel in this chart. S90V, S110V, M398, K390, Maxamet, CPM 10V, and MagnaMax can outcut it in long abrasive slicing. Its strength is that it does several things well at once. That makes it one of the most practical modern steels for EDC folders, hunting knives, kitchen knives, outdoor knives, and custom fixed blades where corrosion resistance, toughness, and sharpening behavior all matter.
MagnaMax is a high-wear stainless PM steel developed by Larrin Thomas as a higher-edge-retention counterpart to MagnaCut. Published testing shows substantially greater abrasive wear resistance and slicing edge retention while retaining strong corrosion resistance. In practical terms, MagnaMax is aimed at users who want longer cutting life in abrasive materials such as cardboard, rope, packaging, and fibrous media.
The trade-off is lower toughness than MagnaCut. MagnaCut remains the more balanced all-around choice when toughness, corrosion resistance, and easier maintenance are the priority. MagnaMax makes more sense when maximum slicing edge retention is more important and the user is prepared to sharpen a higher-carbide steel with suitable abrasives such as diamond or CBN.
M390 is a powder metallurgy stainless steel from Böhler, widely used in premium folding knives and custom knives. It is known for high wear resistance, strong edge retention, good corrosion resistance, and an ability to take a fine finish. In modern EDC knives, M390 is often chosen when the goal is long cutting life in a stainless blade without moving into the extreme sharpening difficulty of S110V or Maxamet.
The weakness of M390 is toughness. It is not fragile when properly heat treated and used within its design limits, but it is not a hard-impact steel. M390 makes more sense in slicers, folders, collector knives, and light-to-medium EDC blades than in chopping tools or abuse-oriented fixed blades. It also benefits from good sharpening equipment, especially when heavily worn or when the edge needs reprofiling. For a deeper dedicated guide, see our article on M390 steel.
CPM 20CV is Crucible’s powder-metallurgy stainless steel and is compositionally equivalent to Böhler M390; Carpenter CTS-204P belongs to the same closely equivalent alloy family. CPM 20CV combines high wear resistance with strong corrosion resistance and is widely used in premium folding knives and high-performance cutlery.
Like M390, CPM 20CV is not the best choice for rough impact work or field knives that will be struck through wood or used carelessly around hard materials. It shines in controlled cutting, especially where the user values edge life more than quick sharpening. If you cut abrasive material often and prefer stainless steel, CPM 20CV remains one of the most relevant premium options. For more detail, read our full guide to CPM 20CV steel.
CTS-204P is Carpenter’s Micro-Melt powder metallurgy stainless steel in the same general class as M390 and CPM 20CV. It is designed for high wear resistance and strong corrosion resistance, using a chromium-rich matrix and hard vanadium-rich carbides. In knives, it is most often found in premium folders and high-end production blades where long edge life and stainless performance are priorities.
For most users, CTS-204P can be understood as an M390/20CV-class steel rather than a completely different performance category. Heat treatment and blade geometry will matter more than small differences in composition. It is a strong choice for EDC slicing, collector folders, and premium knives, but it is not the first steel to choose for chopping, prying, or very rough fixed-blade work.
CPM S90V is a high-vanadium powder metallurgy stainless steel built for edge retention. It has a large volume of hard vanadium carbides, which makes it excellent for long abrasive cutting. For users who cut cardboard, rope, synthetic materials, or packaging all day, S90V can hold a working edge longer than many more balanced stainless steels.
The trade-off is sharpening and toughness. S90V is not an easy steel to sharpen, and it is not as tough as steels designed for impact resistance. It works best in slicing-oriented folders and controlled-use knives, not in heavy camp knives or blades that will be twisted through hard material. Users who want maximum edge life and have diamond or CBN sharpening equipment will get the most from S90V.
CPM S110V pushes the high-wear stainless idea even further. It offers extreme edge retention and strong corrosion resistance, but it pays for that with low toughness and difficult sharpening. This is a specialist steel for users who want long cutting life in light-to-medium tasks and understand the limits of a high-carbide alloy.
S110V should not be described as a tough steel. It is better suited to careful slicing than rough use. If your priority is cutting abrasive material for a long time, S110V is impressive. If you want a knife for hard impacts, rough outdoor work, or easy field sharpening, CPM 3V, CruWear, MagnaCut, 14C28N, 80CrV2, or 1095 will usually make more practical sense.
M398 is Böhler’s high-wear development in the M390 family. It increases carbon and vanadium compared with M390, giving it higher wear resistance and longer potential edge retention. In a knife, M398 is best understood as a steel for controlled cutting and maximum stainless edge life, not as an all-around outdoor steel.
The trade-off is clear: M398 is harder to sharpen and less forgiving than more balanced steels. It can be excellent in premium folders, collector knives, and fine slicing tools, but it is not the steel to choose if toughness, impact resistance, or easy maintenance matter most. Buyers should think of it as a high-wear specialist, not simply “better M390.”
M390 / M398 folder context: In premium folders, the M390/M398 family should be judged together with blade grind, behind-the-edge thickness, lockup, pivot action, detent, blade finish, and handle construction. Our Herman Knives category is a relevant example because many Herman folders use Böhler M390 or M398 blades in titanium builds with different finishes, giving buyers a practical way to compare high-wear PM stainless steels in finished collector-grade EDC knives rather than only on a chart.
For model-level differences between Herman folders using M390, M398 and other blade steels, see our Herman Knives model guide.
ZDP-189 is a Japanese powder metallurgy steel known for very high carbon, very high chromium, and extreme working hardness. It is often hardened into the mid-to-high 60s HRC range, which gives it strong edge retention in thin, controlled-use blades. It appears most often in Japanese knives, high-hardness folders, and specialty slicers.
Despite its chromium content, ZDP-189 should not be treated like a low-maintenance stainless steel in the same way as MagnaCut, Vanax, LC200N, or M390. Much of its chromium is tied into carbide formation, and its combination of high hardness and wear resistance makes sharpening more demanding. ZDP-189 is best for users who value fine-edge performance and are comfortable maintaining a hard, less-forgiving steel.
Elmax SuperClean is Uddeholm’s powder metallurgy stainless steel known for a useful balance of wear resistance, corrosion resistance, polishability, and dimensional stability. In the knife world, Elmax became popular before MagnaCut took over much of the “balanced premium stainless” discussion, but it remains a capable steel for folders, outdoor knives, and custom blades.
Elmax does not dominate edge retention like S90V or M398, and it does not match MagnaCut’s modern toughness/corrosion balance. Its value is that it remains practical, stainless, and well-rounded when heat treated correctly. For a premium knife that needs good corrosion resistance, respectable edge life, and less specialization than the most extreme PM steels, Elmax still deserves a place in the chart. See also our dedicated guide to Elmax steel.
High-wear tool steels are chosen when edge retention matters more than stainless corrosion resistance or fast sharpening. These steels are built around hard carbides and high wear resistance, which allows them to keep cutting through abrasive materials for a long time. They are useful for cardboard, rope, carpet, synthetic fiber, plastic strapping, packaging, and other materials that quickly dull lower-wear steels.
The trade-off is predictable. High-wear tool steels are usually harder to sharpen, less corrosion-resistant, and less forgiving than balanced steels such as CPM MagnaCut, CPM S35VN, 14C28N, or AEB-L. They make the most sense for users who understand the limits of the steel, avoid lateral abuse, and use proper sharpening equipment such as diamond or CBN stones.
K390 is a high-vanadium powder metallurgy cold-work tool steel from Böhler. In knives, it is valued for excellent wear resistance and long edge life. It works especially well in folding knives and slicing tools that cut abrasive material for long sessions. Users who cut cardboard, rope, plastic packaging, or fibrous material often appreciate K390 because it keeps a working edge longer than many conventional stainless steels.
K390 is not stainless. It can patina, stain, and rust if exposed to moisture, sweat, acidic residue, or salt without care. It is also not an easy steel to sharpen compared with simpler alloys. K390 is best for users who want high edge retention and are willing to maintain the blade. It is not the best choice for saltwater, kitchen use without careful cleaning, or rough impact work where toughness and corrosion resistance matter more.
Maxamet is an extreme high-wear alloy from Carpenter’s Micro-Melt family. It is used in knives when the goal is very high edge retention and very high working hardness. In practical use, Maxamet can keep cutting long after many ordinary stainless steels have dulled, especially in controlled slicing tasks. It is a specialist steel for users who want maximum cutting life and understand how to maintain a hard, wear-resistant edge.
The downside is that Maxamet is not forgiving. It has low toughness compared with more balanced knife steels, it is not stainless, and it is slow to sharpen. It should not be used as a pry tool, chopping blade, or rough outdoor knife. Maxamet makes sense in carefully used folders and slicers, not in knives that will see twisting, impact, lateral stress, or neglect in wet conditions.
CPM 10V is a powder metallurgy tool steel designed for very high wear resistance. It contains a large volume of hard vanadium carbides, which gives it outstanding cutting life in abrasive materials. In knives, CPM 10V is most relevant for specialist slicers and custom blades where the user wants extreme edge retention and accepts the maintenance requirements of a non-stainless tool steel.
CPM 10V is not a general-purpose beginner steel. It is difficult to sharpen compared with 14C28N, AEB-L, 1095, or 420HC, and it needs protection from corrosion. Its toughness is better than many users expect from a high-wear PM tool steel, but it is still not the first choice for chopping, prying, or rough impact work. Choose CPM 10V for long cutting life, not for easy maintenance.
CPM M4 is a high-vanadium, molybdenum-rich high-speed tool steel known for strong edge retention, good strength, and better toughness than many high-wear stainless steels. In knives, it is popular with users who want more toughness than S90V or S110V but still want serious cutting performance. It works well in hard-use folders, utility knives, and blades built for dry environments.
The main weakness of CPM M4 is corrosion resistance. It is not stainless and should not be described as corrosion-resistant. Sweat, rain, food acids, and humidity can stain or rust the blade if it is neglected. CPM M4 is a strong performer for users who maintain their tools, but it is not ideal for saltwater, fishing, kitchen work, or low-maintenance carry. If corrosion resistance matters more, CPM MagnaCut, M390, CPM 20CV, Vanax, or LC200N are safer choices.
D2 is a high-carbon, high-chromium tool steel often described as semi-stainless. It offers better edge retention than many budget stainless steels and is common in work knives, budget-premium folders, and dry-use EDC blades. Its chromium content helps with stain resistance, but much of that chromium is tied up in carbides, so D2 should not be treated as true stainless steel.
The main trade-offs are toughness and corrosion resistance. D2 can chip if used with thin geometry or rough lateral stress, and it can rust if neglected around sweat, rain, salt, or acidic residue. It is a strong choice for affordable edge retention, but 14C28N, Nitro-V, MagnaCut, or S35VN may be better when corrosion resistance, toughness, or easier sharpening matter more.
High-toughness steels are chosen when a knife needs to survive impact, twisting forces, hard outdoor work, or rough field use. These steels are common in fixed blades, hunting knives, bushcraft knives, survival knives, camp knives, choppers, and working blades where edge stability matters more than maximum wear resistance.
The trade-off is that many tough steels are not stainless, and some do not hold an edge as long as high-wear PM steels such as S90V, M398, K390, or CPM 10V. That does not make them inferior. It means they are built for a different job. A steel that resists chipping in wood, bone, or hard outdoor work may be more useful than a steel that wins a cardboard-cutting test but chips under impact.
For hard-use blades, steel choice should be matched with blade thickness, grind, tang construction, and handle ergonomics. You can compare real examples in our custom fixed blade knives and custom hunting knives categories.
CPM 3V is a common benchmark for high-toughness hard-use fixed blades. It is a powder metallurgy tool steel designed around toughness, edge stability, and resistance to chipping. Compared with high-wear stainless steels, CPM 3V gives up corrosion resistance and some slicing edge retention, but it gains impact resistance and durability under harder use.
This makes CPM 3V a strong choice for survival knives, camp knives, hunting knives, bushcraft blades, and large fixed blades. It is not stainless, so it needs cleaning and protection from moisture, blood, sweat, and acidic residue. For users who want a knife that can handle rough work without becoming brittle, properly heat-treated CPM 3V remains one of the most respected modern tool steels.
CPM 4V sits between CPM 3V and higher-wear tool steels. It offers more wear resistance than CPM 3V while still keeping useful toughness. In knives, CPM 4V is often chosen when the maker wants a harder-use steel with better edge retention than 3V, but not the extreme wear resistance or sharpening difficulty of K390, Maxamet, or CPM 10V.
The main limitation is corrosion resistance. CPM 4V is a tool steel, not a stainless steel, and it needs maintenance in wet or humid conditions. It is well suited to hard-use folders, compact fixed blades, utility knives, and blades where edge stability is important. For saltwater, kitchen work, or low-maintenance carry, stainless options such as MagnaCut, S45VN, M390, or Vanax are easier to live with.
CPM CruWear is a powder metallurgy tool steel known for a practical balance of toughness, edge stability, and moderate wear resistance. It does not chase maximum edge retention like S90V or K390, and it is not stainless like MagnaCut or M390. Its appeal is different: CruWear gives a strong, stable edge that can handle harder use while still being more manageable to sharpen than many high-wear super steels.
In real knives, CPM CruWear makes sense for hard-use EDC, fixed blades, outdoor knives, and users who value toughness over corrosion resistance. It can take a fine edge, resist chipping well when heat treated properly, and perform reliably in rougher cutting tasks. The blade should still be cleaned and dried after moisture exposure because CruWear is not a stainless steel.
80CrV2 is a simple, tough carbon tool steel that has become popular in hard-use fixed blades, bushcraft knives, camp knives, and custom outdoor knives. It is often chosen because it gives good impact resistance, takes a keen edge, sharpens easily, and performs well in larger blades when heat treated correctly.
80CrV2 is not a stainless steel. It will patina and can rust if left wet or dirty. That trade-off is acceptable for users who want a tough working blade and are willing to maintain it. Compared with high-wear PM steels, 80CrV2 will not hold an edge as long in abrasive cutting, but it is easier to sharpen and more forgiving in rough outdoor use.
5160 is a chromium-alloy spring steel known for toughness and shock resistance. It has a long history in large fixed blades, bowies, choppers, swords, and camp knives. Its strength is not extreme edge retention or corrosion resistance, but its ability to handle impact and flex better than many harder, more wear-resistant steels.
For chopping and heavy outdoor work, 5160 can be a very practical steel when paired with the right heat treatment and geometry. It sharpens easily, takes abuse well, and is well suited to large blades. The weakness is corrosion resistance. Like other carbon and low-alloy steels, 5160 should be cleaned, dried, and protected after use, especially around moisture, sap, blood, or salt.
1095 is a simple high-carbon steel used in traditional fixed blades, survival knives, bushcraft knives, military-style knives, and affordable working blades. It is easy to sharpen, takes a very keen edge, and can be tough enough for field use when heat treated properly and ground with suitable geometry.
Its weaknesses are corrosion resistance and edge retention compared with modern PM steels. 1095 will rust if neglected, and it will not outlast M390, S90V, K390, or 20CV in long abrasive cutting. However, it remains useful because it is predictable, easy to restore, and practical in the field. For many outdoor users, a 1095 blade with good geometry is still a reliable tool.
52100 is a high-carbon bearing steel known for fine edge potential, good toughness, and strong performance in custom knives. It is often used by makers who want a carbon steel that can take a refined edge and perform well in slicers, hunting knives, and traditional fixed blades. It has more alloy content than plain 1095, but it still behaves like a carbon steel in maintenance.
52100 is not stainless. It can develop patina and rust if left wet, especially after food, blood, or outdoor use. Its appeal is the combination of edge quality, sharpenability, and toughness when heat treated correctly. It is not a maximum edge-retention steel by modern PM standards, but it remains respected among makers and users who like fine-edged carbon steel knives.
O1 is a classic oil-hardening tool steel used in woodworking tools, custom fixed blades, bushcraft knives, and traditional shop-made knives. It is relatively easy to heat treat compared with more complex alloys, takes a sharp edge, and is straightforward to sharpen. O1 has enough alloy content to improve performance over very simple carbon steels, while remaining easy to maintain with ordinary sharpening stones.
The trade-off is corrosion resistance. O1 stains and rusts if neglected, so it is better suited to users who accept carbon-steel maintenance. It also does not offer the wear resistance of modern PM steels or the corrosion resistance of stainless steels. Its value is practical: a properly heat-treated O1 knife can cut well, sharpen easily, and serve reliably in controlled outdoor, workshop, and general utility use.
Balanced premium stainless steels are not designed to win only one category on a knife steel chart. Their value is practical performance: useful edge retention, decent toughness, good corrosion resistance, and manageable sharpening. These steels are common in premium production folders, EDC knives, hunting knives, kitchen knives, and custom blades where the user wants reliable performance without the maintenance burden of non-stainless tool steel.
This group includes steels such as CPM S45VN, CPM S35VN, CPM S30V, CPM SPY27, CTS-XHP, SG2/R2, 154CM, and ATS-34. Some are modern powder metallurgy steels. Others are older premium stainless steels that remain relevant because they are proven, predictable, and easy enough to maintain. They do not usually match S90V, S110V, M398, or Maxamet in wear resistance, but they are often better all-around choices for real everyday use.
CPM S45VN is a modern powder metallurgy stainless steel developed as an evolution of the S30V and S35VN family. It is designed to improve corrosion resistance while keeping a practical balance of edge retention, toughness, and sharpening response. In premium production folders, S45VN is often used as a refined all-around steel rather than a specialist high-wear alloy.
The main advantage of S45VN is usability. It offers enough edge retention for serious EDC work, better corrosion resistance than many older stainless steels, and easier maintenance than high-carbide steels such as S90V or S110V. It is not the best steel for maximum edge retention, and it is not a hard-impact tool steel like CPM 3V. Its strength is that it works well for everyday knives carried and used by normal people.
CPM S35VN is a widely used balanced stainless steel in modern knives. It was developed from CPM S30V with the goal of improving toughness and machinability while keeping good edge retention and corrosion resistance. For many years, S35VN became a default premium steel for quality folding knives, hunting knives, and custom blades.
S35VN is not as wear-resistant as M390, CPM 20CV, S90V, or S110V, but it is easier to sharpen and more forgiving. That makes it useful for buyers who want a premium stainless knife without the sharpening demands of more extreme super steels. It remains a strong choice for EDC folders, compact fixed blades, and hunting knives where balanced performance matters more than one impressive number.
CPM S30V helped define the modern premium stainless EDC category. It was one of the first powder metallurgy steels designed specifically with knife use in mind, combining good edge retention, stainless corrosion resistance, and reasonable toughness for folding knives and general cutting tools. Many later steels are compared against S30V because it became such an important reference point.
Today, S30V is no longer the newest or most fashionable premium steel, but it is still useful. A well-heat-treated S30V blade can perform very well in EDC tasks, outdoor use, and light hunting work. Compared with S35VN or S45VN, it can be a little less forgiving, but it remains a proven steel. The finished knife and heat treatment matter more than whether the blade says S30V, S35VN, or S45VN.
CPM SPY27 is a powder metallurgy stainless steel associated with Spyderco and produced by Crucible. It can be understood as a user-friendly premium stainless steel rather than an extreme edge-retention alloy. It offers a practical balance of corrosion resistance, toughness, edge holding, and sharpening response, making it suitable for EDC folders and daily cutting tasks.
SPY27 should not be presented as a MagnaCut-class breakthrough or as a direct replacement for S90V, M390, or 20CV. Its appeal is more practical: it sharpens reasonably well, takes a good edge, and performs consistently in everyday use. For users who want a balanced premium stainless steel and do not need maximum abrasive cutting life, SPY27 is a sensible option.
CTS-XHP is a high-carbon stainless steel from Carpenter that is often described as having a D2-like concept in a more stainless form. It offers good edge retention, decent corrosion resistance, and a fine working edge when heat treated properly. In knives, it has been used in premium folders, custom knives, and EDC blades where users want more wear resistance than simple stainless steels without moving into extreme PM super steels.
The steel’s position is balanced but slightly specialized. CTS-XHP is not as corrosion-resistant as the most stainless modern steels, and it is not as wear-resistant as S90V or M398. It does, however, give a useful mix of cutting performance and stainless convenience. It works best in folders and slicers, not in knives intended for chopping or abuse.
SG2 (also sold as SPG2) and R2 are Japanese powder-metallurgy stainless names that are frequently grouped together in the knife market, especially in kitchen knives. Primary manufacturer documentation does not clearly establish that every product labeled SG2 and R2 is chemically identical, so they are best treated here as closely related high-hardness PM stainless steels rather than assumed to be universally interchangeable.
In finished kitchen knives they are commonly used at relatively high hardness with thin slicing geometry. Their strengths are fine-edge performance and good wear resistance; the trade-off is less forgiveness under twisting, impact, bones, frozen food, or poor cutting boards.
154CM is a classic American stainless steel that was once considered a premium knife steel and remains useful today. It offers good edge retention, reasonable corrosion resistance, and straightforward sharpening compared with many modern high-wear PM steels. In older custom knives and quality production folders, 154CM earned its reputation as a reliable stainless blade steel.
Modern steels such as CPM S35VN, S45VN, MagnaCut, M390, and 20CV outperform 154CM in specific areas, but that does not make 154CM obsolete. A well-treated 154CM blade can still be an excellent working knife. It is especially relevant in traditional folders, custom knives, and users who prefer a proven stainless steel that sharpens more easily than many newer super steels.
ATS-34 is a Japanese stainless steel closely associated with the same historical performance class as 154CM. It was widely used in custom and production knives before modern powder metallurgy stainless steels became common. In its time, ATS-34 was valued for edge retention, polishability, and premium status among serious knife users.
Today, ATS-34 is less common in new knives, but it still deserves a place in a knife steel chart because of its historical importance. It is not the steel to choose if you want the newest corrosion resistance, toughness, or PM consistency. However, in a well-made older custom knife or traditional premium folder, ATS-34 can still perform well. Treat it as a classic premium stainless steel, not a modern super steel.
Corrosion-resistant knife steels are chosen when moisture is part of the knife’s normal working environment. Fishing knives, diving knives, kayaking knives, kitchen knives, hunting knives, sweat-exposed EDC folders, and blades carried in humid or coastal climates all benefit from steels that resist staining and rust better than ordinary carbon or tool steels.
No knife steel should be treated as maintenance-free. Saltwater, blood, sweat, food acids, and long-term moisture exposure can still damage a blade, especially around the edge, pivot, plunge line, handle junction, or scratches in the finish. The steels in this section reduce corrosion risk, but they still should be rinsed, dried, and maintained after hard use.
Vanax SuperClean is a nitrogen-rich powder metallurgy stainless steel from Uddeholm. It is one of the strongest choices for corrosion resistance in modern knife steels, especially where wet use, salt exposure, or low-maintenance carry matters. Unlike many high-carbon stainless steels, Vanax uses nitrogen as part of its corrosion-resistant design, which helps it perform well in environments that would quickly stain or rust ordinary tool steels.
In knives, Vanax is most useful for fishing knives, coastal EDC, humid-climate carry, and premium folders where corrosion resistance is a major selling point. It does not have the extreme edge retention of S90V, S110V, M398, K390, or Maxamet, but it offers a much more practical corrosion profile. For users who prioritize rust resistance and still want a modern premium steel, Vanax is one of the most relevant options.
LC200N is a nitrogen-alloyed stainless steel known for very high corrosion resistance and good toughness. It became popular in saltwater and outdoor knives because it can handle moisture, sweat, fishing use, and marine environments better than most conventional stainless steels. It is especially useful for users who carry a knife around water and do not want constant rust concerns.
The trade-off is edge retention. LC200N is not a maximum-wear-resistance steel, and it will not hold an edge as long as M390, CPM 20CV, S90V, S110V, or MagnaMax in abrasive cutting. Its value is corrosion resistance, toughness, and easy maintenance. For fishing, kayaking, boating, food prep near water, and humid climates, LC200N can be more useful than a higher-edge-retention steel that requires more care.
H1 and H2 are austenitic, nitrogen-bearing stainless blade materials associated with Spyderco’s Salt Series and very high corrosion resistance. H2 was introduced as the successor to H1 after changes in Japanese steel supply. These steels are most relevant for fishing, boating, rescue work, diving, and other environments where corrosion resistance is a primary requirement.
Plain-edge wear resistance is modest compared with high-carbide PM steels. Spyderco reports strong cutting performance from serrated H1/H2, but serration geometry and the way these austenitic steels are work-hardened during manufacture make simple HRC comparisons misleading. Do not treat a single hardness number for H1/H2 as directly comparable with conventional martensitic steels.
N680 is a nitrogen-bearing stainless steel used in knives that need better corrosion resistance than ordinary mid-range stainless steels. It is often seen in rescue knives, outdoor knives, diving-related tools, and work knives exposed to moisture. Compared with simple budget stainless steels, N680 offers a more corrosion-focused profile while still being manageable to sharpen.
N680 is not a high-edge-retention super steel. It should be chosen for wet-use practicality, not for maximum wear resistance. For users who need a blade around sweat, rain, water, or humid working conditions, N680 can be a sensible choice. For long abrasive cutting, steels such as M390, CPM 20CV, S90V, S110V, or MagnaMax will hold an edge longer, but they may not be as forgiving in corrosive environments.
N690 is a cobalt-alloyed stainless steel from Böhler that is widely used in European hunting knives, outdoor knives, fixed blades, and folding knives. It offers good corrosion resistance, decent edge retention, and practical all-around stainless performance. In many production and custom knives, N690 works as a reliable outdoor stainless steel rather than a specialist saltwater steel.
N690 should not be confused with Vanax, LC200N, or H1/H2. It is corrosion-resistant enough for normal outdoor use, hunting, and general carry, but it is not the first choice for constant saltwater exposure. Its strength is balance and availability. A well-heat-treated N690 blade can make a dependable hunting or field knife, especially for users who want easier maintenance than carbon steel without paying for the newest PM stainless alloys.
Mid-range stainless steels are often more practical than their reputation suggests. They may not have the edge retention of M390, S90V, M398, or K390, but many of them sharpen more easily, resist corrosion well, and perform reliably in real knives. For users who actually maintain their blades and value easy touch-ups, these steels can be better everyday choices than more expensive alloys.
Fine-grained stainless steels deserve special attention. Steels such as AEB-L, 13C26, 14C28N, and Nitro-V can take very keen edges and support thin geometry. They are especially useful in kitchen knives, slicers, practical EDC folders, and lightweight fixed blades where edge stability, toughness, and ease of sharpening matter more than maximum wear resistance.
AEB-L is a fine-grained stainless steel originally associated with razor-blade applications. It is highly respected among knife makers because it can take a very fine edge, sharpen easily, and offer excellent toughness for a stainless steel. It is not built for extreme wear resistance, but it excels in thin, precise cutting tools.
AEB-L is especially useful in kitchen knives, slicers, fillet knives, and EDC blades where fine geometry matters. It can be sharpened to a very keen edge and restored quickly when dull. For users who value clean cutting feel, edge stability, and easy maintenance more than long abrasive edge retention, AEB-L remains a strong stainless choice.
14C28N is a strong value stainless steel in modern knives. Developed from the Sandvik razor-steel family, it offers a fine grain structure, good corrosion resistance, useful toughness, and easy sharpening. It is not a super steel in edge retention, but it is an excellent practical steel for users who want a stainless blade that cuts well and is easy to maintain.
In EDC knives, thin fixed blades, outdoor utility knives, and budget-friendly production folders, 14C28N often performs better than its price suggests. It can take a crisp edge, handle reasonable impact better than many high-carbide steels, and sharpen quickly with ordinary stones. For many buyers, 14C28N is a better working choice than a poorly heat-treated premium steel.
Nitro-V is a stainless steel based on the AEB-L family, modified with nitrogen and vanadium. It was developed to keep the fine-edge behavior and sharpening ease of AEB-L while improving corrosion resistance and overall performance. In knives, Nitro-V is commonly used in EDC blades, kitchen knives, small fixed blades, and practical working knives.
The appeal of Nitro-V is balance at a reasonable cost. It will not match S90V, M390, 20CV, or M398 in long abrasive cutting, but it is easier to sharpen and more forgiving. For users who want a thin, stainless, easy-to-maintain blade, Nitro-V makes sense. It is especially strong when paired with good heat treatment and efficient blade geometry.
13C26 is a fine-grained stainless steel closely related in concept to AEB-L. It was developed from razor-blade steel logic and is capable of taking a very fine edge. In knives, it is best suited to thin blades, slicers, light EDC knives, kitchen knives, and tools where edge keenness and sharpening ease matter more than high carbide wear resistance.
13C26 should not be dismissed as entry-level just because it is not a modern PM super steel. Its strength is refinement, not brute edge retention. It sharpens easily, cuts cleanly, and works well in thin geometry. The limitation is that it does not have the same corrosion resistance as some newer stainless steels or the same edge retention as high-wear powder metallurgy steels.
AUS-10 is a Japanese stainless steel that sits above AUS-8 in edge retention while still remaining relatively easy to sharpen. It is often used in mid-range folding knives, outdoor knives, kitchen knives, and budget-premium EDC blades. AUS-10 offers a useful mix of corrosion resistance, cutting performance, and maintenance convenience.
Compared with VG-10, AUS-10 is usually discussed in the same broad performance class, though real results depend heavily on heat treatment and geometry. It is not as wear-resistant as M390, S35VN, or S45VN, but it is practical, affordable, and easier to maintain. For more detail, see our dedicated guide to AUS-10 steel.
VG-10 is a Japanese stainless steel widely used in kitchen knives, folding knives, and mid-to-high-range production blades. It offers good corrosion resistance, respectable edge retention, and the ability to take a sharp edge. VG-10 became especially popular in Japanese kitchen knives because it performs well in thin slicing geometry when heat treated correctly.
The weakness of VG-10 is that it can be less forgiving if pushed too hard at thin edges or high hardness. It is not a chopping steel, and it is not a modern PM super steel. Used properly, VG-10 remains a solid choice for kitchen work, light EDC, and general cutting. It rewards sensible geometry and regular sharpening.
440C is a classic high-carbon stainless steel that was once considered a premium knife steel. Today it is more often treated as a mid-range or traditional stainless option, but it can still perform well when heat treated correctly. It offers decent edge retention, reasonable corrosion resistance, and straightforward sharpening compared with many high-wear modern steels.
In older folders, traditional knives, outdoor knives, and budget-to-mid-range fixed blades, 440C remains useful. It does not match M390, 20CV, S45VN, or MagnaCut in modern performance balance, but it is not obsolete. A well-made 440C blade is still a capable working knife, especially for users who prefer predictable sharpening and familiar stainless behavior.
Böhler N695 is a European stainless steel often compared with 440C. It is used in hunting knives, outdoor knives, fixed blades, and general-purpose production knives. N695 offers practical corrosion resistance, decent edge retention, and straightforward maintenance, making it suitable for working blades rather than extreme-performance knives.
N695 is not a super steel, but it does not need to be. Its value is reliability and availability. In a well-heat-treated hunting or outdoor knife, it can give good service without the sharpening difficulty of high-carbide PM steels. For users who want a practical stainless fixed blade and do not need maximum edge retention, N695 remains a sensible choice.
AUS-8 is a Japanese stainless steel known for easy sharpening, good toughness for its class, and modest edge retention. It was widely used in affordable and mid-range production knives for many years. While it is no longer exciting compared with modern steels, it remains practical in budget EDC folders, outdoor knives, and utility blades.
The main advantage of AUS-8 is maintenance. It sharpens quickly, takes a good working edge, and is forgiving for users who are still learning knife care. The limitation is edge retention. AUS-8 will not hold an edge as long as D2, 14C28N, S30V, M390, or 20CV. For a low-cost knife that is easy to restore, however, AUS-8 still has a place.
CTS-BD1 is a stainless steel from Carpenter used in lightweight folders, EDC knives, and practical production blades. It is a user-friendly steel with decent corrosion resistance, easy sharpening, and moderate edge retention. CTS-BD1N is the nitrogen-enhanced version, offering improved performance while keeping the same easy-maintenance character.
These steels are not designed to compete with M390, S90V, or MagnaCut in premium steel charts. Their strength is everyday usability. A CTS-BD1 or BD1N blade can be a good choice for people who want a stainless EDC knife that sharpens easily and does not require specialized equipment. They are practical steels for real use, not collector-grade selling points.
8Cr13MoV is a Chinese budget stainless steel commonly used in affordable folding knives and utility blades. It offers modest edge retention, decent corrosion resistance, and very easy sharpening. Its performance depends heavily on heat treatment, but in a well-made budget knife it can be perfectly usable for light daily cutting.
The appeal of 8Cr13MoV is cost and simplicity. It is not a premium steel, and it should not be expected to perform like 14C28N, D2, S30V, or M390. However, it can take a sharp edge quickly and is forgiving for beginners. For users who want an inexpensive knife for basic tasks, 8Cr13MoV remains one of the common budget stainless options.
Budget steels are often judged too harshly because they are compared against modern powder metallurgy alloys. That is not always fair. A low-cost steel will not match MagnaCut, M390, CPM 20CV, S90V, or CPM 3V in advanced performance, but it can still make a useful knife when heat treated properly and used within its limits.
The main advantages of budget steels are low cost, easy sharpening, and forgiving maintenance. Their weaknesses are usually lower edge retention, lower hardness potential, and less refined performance under demanding use. They are suitable for light-duty folders, inexpensive outdoor knives, backup blades, decorative knives, and users who prefer simple sharpening over long edge life.
440A is a budget stainless steel with modest edge retention, decent corrosion resistance, and easy sharpening. It is softer and less wear-resistant than 440C, but it can still be useful in low-cost knives intended for light cutting tasks. Its main advantage is simplicity: it sharpens quickly and resists rust better than many carbon steels.
440A is not a steel for premium EDC knives, heavy outdoor work, or long abrasive cutting. It will need sharpening more often than 14C28N, D2, VG-10, S30V, M390, or CPM 20CV. However, for inexpensive folders, beginner knives, display pieces, and light utility blades, 440A can be acceptable if the maker uses proper heat treatment and sensible geometry.
420HC is a budget/workhorse stainless steel that performs better than many people expect when heat treated well. It offers strong corrosion resistance, excellent ease of sharpening, good toughness for its class, and enough edge retention for light-to-medium cutting. It is widely used in traditional folders, outdoor knives, multi-tools, and working knives where easy maintenance is more important than super-steel edge life.
The key phrase is “when heat treated well.” Poorly treated 420HC can feel soft and lose its edge quickly. Properly treated 420HC, however, can be a dependable user steel. It is not a premium alloy, but it is practical, stainless, easy to restore, and forgiving. For users who sharpen often and want a simple working blade, 420HC remains relevant.
420J is a low-carbon stainless steel with very high corrosion resistance and low edge retention. It is often used in decorative knives, inexpensive blades, liners, dive-knife components, and applications where rust resistance matters more than cutting performance. It is easy to sharpen, but it does not keep a sharp working edge for long under demanding use.
As a blade steel, 420J should be understood as entry-level. It is not suitable for users who expect strong edge retention, high hardness, or serious cutting performance. Its value is low cost, stain resistance, and toughness at low hardness. For a display knife, light-duty tool, or corrosion-focused part, it can make sense. For a serious EDC or outdoor knife, better steels are available.
AUS-6 is an older Japanese budget stainless steel with easy sharpening, moderate corrosion resistance, and limited edge retention. It is softer and less wear-resistant than AUS-8 or AUS-10, but it can still work in low-cost knives used for light daily tasks. Like many simple stainless steels, its best feature is that it can be restored quickly with basic sharpening tools.
AUS-6 is not a good choice for users who want long edge life or premium performance. It will dull faster than 8Cr13MoV, AUS-8, 14C28N, D2, or VG-10 in abrasive use. It is best viewed as a basic stainless steel for inexpensive knives, older production models, or light-use tools where price and easy sharpening matter more than advanced steel performance.
Damascus steel needs a separate section because it is often misunderstood. In modern knife making, “Damascus” usually means pattern-welded steel: layers of different steels are forge-welded, manipulated, ground, polished, and etched to reveal a visible pattern. That pattern can be simple, bold, random, laddered, twisted, mosaic, feathered, or highly complex depending on the billet construction and the maker’s control.
Damascus is not one single steel grade. A Damascus knife can be made from many different combinations of carbon steels, tool steels, or stainless steels. Its cutting performance depends on the steels used, weld quality, heat treatment, blade geometry, and edge finish. The pattern itself does not automatically make the knife stronger, sharper, or better than a modern powder metallurgy steel.
If visual pattern, handwork, and collector value matter as much as measured steel performance, browse our Damascus knives and engraved knives.
Modern pattern-welded Damascus is valued for both craftsmanship and visual character. In a well-made blade, the layers are properly welded, the heat treatment is matched to the steel combination, and the final grind supports the intended use. In a poorly made blade, the pattern may look attractive while the steel, welds, or heat treatment remain ordinary or even weak.
Most carbon Damascus blades need the same care as other carbon steels. They can stain, patina, or rust if exposed to water, sweat, blood, food acids, or salt without cleaning. This does not make Damascus impractical. It means the owner should treat it like a real knife steel, not just a decorative surface. After use, the blade should be wiped, dried, and lightly protected if it will be stored for a long time.
Damasteel is different from traditional carbon pattern-welded Damascus. It is a powder metallurgy patterned stainless steel, produced from stainless steel grades that are combined to create a visible pattern while retaining stainless properties. In premium knives, Damasteel is often used when the maker wants modern stainless performance, a clean polish, and a distinctive pattern in one material.
Damasteel is common in high-end folding knives, collector knives, custom kitchen knives, and presentation-grade blades. It is usually easier to maintain than carbon Damascus, but it should still be cleaned and dried after use. Stainless does not mean immune to corrosion, especially around saltwater, acidic foods, fingerprints, or long storage in damp conditions.
Damascus is not automatically better than modern super steel. A powder metallurgy steel such as CPM MagnaCut, M390, CPM 20CV, S90V, Vanax, or CPM 3V is engineered for predictable performance in a specific direction: corrosion resistance, wear resistance, toughness, or balance. Damascus is more variable because its performance depends on the materials and workmanship behind the pattern.
A high-quality Damascus blade can be an excellent working knife. A high-quality PM steel blade can be an excellent working knife. The better choice depends on what the buyer values. For maximum measurable wear resistance, steels such as S90V, S110V, M398, K390, or Maxamet may be stronger. For balanced stainless performance, MagnaCut is usually easier to justify. For collector value, handwork, and visual identity, Damascus and Damasteel remain hard to replace.
When judging a Damascus knife, do not stop at the pattern. Ask what steels were used in the billet, how the blade was heat treated, what hardness range it was finished to, and whether the geometry matches the knife’s purpose. A hunting knife, chef’s knife, dagger, art knife, and EDC folder should not all be judged by the same steel priorities.
Look for clean welds, an even pattern, good symmetry where appropriate, a properly finished edge, and a maker or seller who can explain the material honestly. Claims such as “ancient Damascus,” “cuts anything,” or “stronger than all modern steels” should be treated cautiously unless they are backed by real material information. For a deeper breakdown of patterns, construction methods, and terminology, read our guide to types of Damascus steel.
Damascus still makes sense when the knife is meant to combine performance with identity. A plain PM steel blade may be more efficient on a spreadsheet, but Damascus gives the blade a visible signature. For custom knives, presentation pieces, engraved knives, collectible daggers, and one-of-a-kind folders, the visual language of Damascus is part of the knife’s value.
The best Damascus knives are not just patterned steel. They combine sound metallurgy, proper heat treatment, strong geometry, clean finishing, and coherent design. That is why Damascus belongs in a knife steel chart, but it should be treated as a construction and material category rather than a single rating next to M390, 1095, or CPM S35VN.
For related reading, see our guides to how much Damascus knives cost and coffee etching Damascus steel.
There is no single best knife steel for every knife. CPM MagnaCut is one of the best modern all-around choices because it balances corrosion resistance, toughness, and edge retention. For maximum edge retention, steels such as S90V, S110V, M398, K390, Maxamet, and MagnaMax can perform better. For toughness, CPM 3V, CruWear, 80CrV2, 5160, and AEB-L may be stronger choices.
For EDC knives, the best steel depends on how you use the knife. CPM MagnaCut, CPM S45VN, CPM S35VN, M390, CPM 20CV, 14C28N, and Elmax are all strong choices. MagnaCut is excellent for balanced daily carry. M390 and 20CV favor edge retention. 14C28N is easier to sharpen and offers very good practical value.
Knife steels with very high wear resistance usually hold an edge the longest. CPM S110V, CPM S90V, M398, Maxamet, K390, CPM 10V, and MagnaMax are among the strongest choices for long abrasive cutting. The trade-off is sharpening difficulty and, in some cases, lower toughness or lower corrosion resistance. Long edge life is not the only measure of a good knife steel.
CPM 3V is one of the benchmark modern steels for toughness in hard-use knives. CPM CruWear, CPM 4V, 80CrV2, 5160, 1095, AEB-L, and 14C28N are also known for useful toughness when heat treated correctly. Toughness matters most in fixed blades, bushcraft knives, survival knives, camp knives, and blades that may face impact or lateral stress.
CPM MagnaCut is one of the strongest all-around stainless knife steels because it combines corrosion resistance, toughness, and good edge retention. M390 and CPM 20CV are excellent when edge retention is the main priority. Vanax, LC200N, and H1/H2 are better for saltwater or wet use. S45VN and S35VN remain strong balanced stainless choices.
MagnaCut is usually the better balanced steel, while M390 usually offers higher wear resistance. MagnaCut has stronger toughness and corrosion balance, making it excellent for EDC, hunting, kitchen, and outdoor knives. M390 is better when the buyer values long edge retention in controlled cutting. Neither steel is automatically better; the right choice depends on knife design and use.
MagnaCut generally offers better corrosion resistance and toughness balance than S35VN while keeping useful edge retention. S35VN is still a very good premium stainless steel and is easier to understand for many users because it has a long track record. MagnaCut is the more modern choice, especially when the knife may face moisture, thin edges, or harder use.
MagnaMax is not simply “better” than MagnaCut. It is designed for higher wear resistance and longer edge retention while keeping strong corrosion resistance. The trade-off is lower toughness and slower sharpening compared with MagnaCut. Choose MagnaMax when edge retention is the priority. Choose MagnaCut when you want a more balanced all-around stainless knife steel.
No inherent performance advantage comes simply from choosing M390 over CPM 20CV. Böhler M390 and Crucible CPM 20CV are compositionally equivalent powder-metallurgy stainless steels with the same nominal levels of carbon, chromium, molybdenum, vanadium, and tungsten. Carpenter CTS-204P is another equivalent grade in the same alloy family.
M390 is produced by Böhler using its Microclean powder-metallurgy route, while CPM 20CV is produced using Crucible’s CPM process. Both are powder-metallurgy technologies. In a finished knife, heat treatment, final hardness, blade geometry, edge thickness, and sharpening usually create more meaningful performance differences than whether the blade is labeled M390 or CPM 20CV.
S90V and S110V are both high-wear stainless steels. S110V usually pushes edge retention and corrosion resistance higher, but it is harder to sharpen and less tough. S90V is still difficult to sharpen but may be a more practical high-edge-retention option for some users. Both are best for controlled slicing, not rough impact work.
D2 is often called semi-stainless, not fully stainless. It contains a high amount of chromium, but much of that chromium is tied up in carbides rather than available for corrosion resistance. D2 resists staining better than simple carbon steel, but it can rust if neglected. It should be cleaned and dried after moisture, sweat, rain, or acidic exposure.
D2 usually offers better edge retention than 14C28N, especially in abrasive cutting. 14C28N is tougher, more corrosion-resistant, and easier to sharpen. For dry-use budget folders, D2 can be a good choice. For outdoor use, wet conditions, thin blades, or easy maintenance, 14C28N is often the more practical steel.
420HC is not a bad knife steel when heat treated well. It is a budget/workhorse stainless steel with good toughness, strong corrosion resistance, and excellent ease of sharpening. It does not hold an edge as long as modern premium steels, but it is practical for multi-tools, outdoor knives, traditional folders, and users who prefer easy maintenance.
1095 is a good simple carbon steel for fixed blades, survival knives, bushcraft knives, and traditional working knives. It sharpens easily, takes a keen edge, and can be tough with proper heat treatment and geometry. Its main weakness is corrosion resistance. 1095 will rust if neglected, so it needs cleaning, drying, and occasional oiling.
Simple carbon steels and lower-wear stainless steels are usually easiest to sharpen. 1095, 420HC, AUS-8, 8Cr13MoV, AEB-L, 14C28N, Nitro-V, 13C26, 440A, and AUS-6 are all relatively easy to maintain. High-wear steels such as S90V, S110V, M398, Maxamet, K390, M390, and 20CV sharpen more slowly and benefit from diamond abrasives.
There is no single best HRC for every knife. Many EDC and hunting knives work well around 58–62 HRC. Thin kitchen knives and high-edge-retention folders may run harder. Large fixed blades and chopping knives may need slightly lower hardness for toughness. The right HRC depends on steel type, heat treatment, geometry, and intended use.
Higher HRC can improve edge retention and edge stability, but only within the steel’s proper heat-treatment range. If hardness is pushed too far, the blade may become more prone to chipping. Edge retention also depends on carbide structure, wear resistance, edge angle, and geometry. A higher HRC number alone does not guarantee a better knife.
Damascus is not automatically better than modern powder steel. Modern pattern-welded Damascus is a construction method, not one fixed alloy. Its performance depends on the steels used, weld quality, heat treatment, and blade geometry. Powder steels such as MagnaCut, M390, S90V, and CPM 3V are more predictable for measured performance, while Damascus offers craftsmanship and visual identity.
Good hunting knife steels include CPM MagnaCut, CPM S35VN, CPM S45VN, Elmax, 154CM, 14C28N, AEB-L, 80CrV2, 1095, and CPM 3V. Stainless steels are useful around blood, rain, and field moisture. Tougher carbon or tool steels work well in fixed blades. Geometry, edge angle, and ease of field sharpening matter as much as the steel name.
Good kitchen knife steels include AEB-L, 14C28N, Nitro-V, VG-10, SG2/R2, CPM MagnaCut, and some well-treated carbon steels such as 52100. Kitchen knives benefit from fine grain, thin geometry, corrosion resistance, and easy sharpening. Extreme high-wear steels are not always best in the kitchen because thin edges and controlled cutting matter more than brute wear resistance.
For saltwater knives, Vanax SuperClean, LC200N, H1/H2, N680, and CPM MagnaCut are among the strongest choices. These steels resist corrosion better than ordinary stainless, carbon, and tool steels. They should still be rinsed and dried after saltwater use. For fishing, boating, kayaking, and coastal carry, corrosion resistance may matter more than maximum edge retention.
Survival knives usually benefit from toughness, edge stability, and easy field sharpening. CPM 3V, CPM CruWear, 80CrV2, 5160, 1095, and properly heat-treated MagnaCut are strong candidates. Very high-wear steels such as S110V, M398, Maxamet, or K390 are usually less suitable because they are harder to sharpen and less forgiving under rough use.
Heat treatment determines how a steel behaves in the finished blade. The same alloy can be tough, brittle, soft, or high-performing depending on austenitizing, quenching, cryogenic treatment, tempering, and final hardness. A premium steel with poor heat treatment can perform worse than a mid-range steel treated correctly. Steel name alone is not enough.
Yes, in the right situation. A well-heat-treated budget or mid-range steel with excellent geometry can outperform a poorly treated premium steel in real cutting. For example, 14C28N, AEB-L, 420HC, or AUS-8 can be very effective when properly made and sharpened. Premium steel helps, but heat treatment, edge geometry, and knife design often matter more.
Knife Talks Video: Noblie Custom Knives
Use the chart to compare steel potential, then judge the finished knife. Heat treatment, final hardness, grind, behind-the-edge thickness, edge angle, blade shape, surface finish, and the maker’s execution can outweigh small differences between neighboring alloys.
If two steels score similarly, choose based on the property that matters most for the knife rather than the prestige of the alloy name. For use-case recommendations rather than steel-by-steel ratings, continue with our best knife steel guide.
The steel ratings and explanations in this guide are based on a mix of manufacturer datasheets, steelmaker technical references, independent knife-steel testing, and practical knife-making experience. Manufacturer datasheets are useful for chemistry, heat-treatment windows, and stated material properties. Independent testing is useful because knife performance depends on heat treatment, geometry, hardness, and real cutting behavior.
Knife Steel Databases and Reference Tools
Crucible / Niagara Specialty Metals References
Böhler / Voestalpine References
Uddeholm References
Alleima / Sandvik Knife Steel References
Carpenter Technology References
Be careful when comparing standardized steel grades with proprietary steel grades from manufacturers.
N695 is Böhler’s brand name for its version of D2. Therefore, N695 is also a D2 steel. However, not every D2 steel is N695.
So what does it mean when the toughness values reported for D2 and N695 are completely different?
I’m a kitchen knife enthusiast, and your article is incredibly useful. Thank you so much!
How would SG2/R2 steel be classified?
SG2/R2 is a high-end powdered stainless steel known for its excellent edge retention, corrosion resistance, and fine grain structure—ideal for premium kitchen knives.
We’ll be updating the article soon and will include a full description of this steel.
Thank you, very interesting.
Nice documentary.
Maybe the passion for artistic blacksmithing will catch on more in Romania, and then we’ll have access to true masterpieces of this kind — a joy for any display collection.
Considering how much work goes into it, the price is justified.
I support the responsible use of knives — in camping, hunting, hiking, fishing, or collections — where they will be rightly appreciated. But I firmly believe that irresponsible and aggressive individuals should not have access to these weapons.
All the best!
What hrc it have 5160?
5160 steel is a chromium alloy spring steel whose Rockwell C hardness can vary depending on the heat treatment. Generally, when properly heat-treated, it reaches about 55–60 HRC. However, the exact value may differ slightly based on the specific process and application.
I’m looking for two different types of knives: one for personal defense and one for survival in nature. Actually, a single knife that can be used for both personal defense and camping would be even better. Do you have any recommendations on which type of steel I should choose and which brand I should go for? Sharpness and long-term durability are my top priorities. I’d appreciate any help you can provide.
Hello, I am currently looking for a premium pocket knife, but I don’t plan to use it solely as a shelf ornament. I’ve been eyeing products from Kansept and WE Knife made with CPM 20CV steel, but they also have more attractive versions made with Damascus steel. This got me thinking: which is better? Damascus steel or CPM 20CV powdered steel? I’m also wondering if modern Damascus steels are just «decorative» or if they really are «super steels.»
Hello, first of all, thank you very much for your explanations. I am a professional fisherman. I throw a longline. I often go to the sea by boat. I also bait longlines before I go. These baits are octopus, cuttlefish, and sometimes fish. Can you recommend a narrow-barreled pocket knife or knife that I can use that will not rust me? Blade length 8 8.5 9.0 9.5
Maybe, of course, it would be better if it doesn’t shake my economy, I asked for a lot, but I’m sorry, I respectfully wish you good luck.
For professional fishermen requiring a durable, rust-resistant pocket knife, consider a model with a blade length between 8-9.5. Ideal choices include stainless steel or high carbon stainless steel blades, both known for their corrosion resistance and ease of maintenance. High carbon stainless steel offers superior edge retention. Look for handles crafted from synthetic materials, providing a firm grip even in wet conditions. Budget-friendly options exist without compromising on quality or functionality. Brands like Spyderco, Benchmade, and Victorinox offer models meeting these criteria, balancing cost and performance effectively.
5 other
Dear,
I am a passionate knife enthusiast with a collection of over a hundred pieces. I also own a “Tormek T8” knife sharpener. I’ve noticed that while I can sharpen some knives to what is said to be ‘shaving sharp without soap,’ others, despite my efforts, cannot be honed to such a fine edge. Before experiencing this myself, I believed all could be equally sharpened, with the only difference being the blade’s durability.
My question is, am I mistaken, or is it true that knives made from inferior steel quality cannot be perfectly sharpened? Your response would be greatly appreciated, so I don’t persistently struggle expecting the same sharp edges from all types of steel.
Best regards.
Dear Boza,
The ability to sharpen a knife to a ‘shaving sharp’ edge depends significantly on the quality of the steel. Not all steels are equal; they vary in carbon content, alloying elements, heat treatment, and grain structure, all of which influence a knife’s hardness, toughness, and wear resistance.
Inferior quality steel may lack the necessary hardness or have an uneven grain structure, preventing it from attaining or maintaining a fine edge. On the other hand, high-quality steel with proper heat treatment can achieve a much finer, durable edge. It’s not just your sharpening technique; the steel’s inherent properties are pivotal.
Therefore, you’re correct in assuming that not all knives, especially those crafted from lower-quality steel, can achieve the same level of sharpness as their higher-quality counterparts. Adjusting your expectations and sharpening your approach to different types of steel will provide better results and less frustration.
Best regards, Noblie Custom Knives.
They do not comment on Cpm 45 steel vs. please provide information.
VERY INTERESTING, CLEAR AND VERY COMPLETE TECHNICAL SITE. THE BEST I HAVE EVER READ.
Fantastic breakdown of knife steels! As a long-time knife enthusiast, I’ve had the chance to handle knives made from various types of steel, and I can attest to the differences in performance. For those just starting out in the knife world, this is a valuable resource. Do have you had any experience with the newer super steels hitting the market? How do they compare in your opinion?
The goal is flexibility and high hardness, with as little carbon content as possible.
For example, can carbon be replaced with tungsten?
Why is carbon important? Carbon makes steel brittle. Molybdenum is recommended, it increases toughness.
Thank you for your information.
What is the best steel to use for knife making? That’s a lot of details. Can you just answer the question directly?
The best steel for knife making often depends on the purpose. Stainless steel, such as 440C, is prized for its corrosion resistance. Meanwhile, high carbon steels like 1095 are favored for their sharpness and edge retention, though they can rust if not cared for. The «best» choice really depends on individual needs and preferences.