Extac Knife Steel Guide

Not all knife steels are created equal. When choosing the right knife steel you need to think beyond 'what blade steel is the sharpest'. Let's break down each steel into pros and cons...

 

Before you buy

Think about the following notes:

• Strength
• Edge retention
• Rust and/or corrosion resistance
• Maintenance
• Weight

When dealing with blade steel the last thing you want is a blunt, heavy and rusty blade requiring unnecessary force.

 

In a perfect world your knife should be:

• Strong
• Sharp while still able to maintain its edge
• Easy to sharpen
• Appropriate in weight
• Rust and corrosion resistant
• Affordable

Knife Steel Pros and Cons

If you have skipped ahead we recommend going back and dissecting the introductory paragraphs, trust me it's worth knowing what you're looking for.

 

 

1095 Carbon Steel

 

You will see large price variations on knives with 1095 carbon steel, this is based on how the steel was heat treated, the brand and the production quantity. 1095 carbon steel is medium in weight which is appropriate for this steels heavy duty purpose.

 

Examples: Popular knives with 1095 Carbon Steel

 

Pros:

• Affordable
• Strong when thick
• Sharpening is medium to easy
• Good for heavy use like chopping
• A long history in military applications
• Medium weight

Cons:

• Non-stainless steel will rust without basic maintenance or a powder coat
• Prone to breaking or chipping if the steel is too thin
• Medium edge retention

 

 

440C Stainless Steel

Although steel technology has changed 440c stainless steel is still considered a premium blade steel. 440c is extremely corrosion resistant, has incredible wear resistance and is known for holding an edge well. This steel is commonly used in bearings and kitchen cutlery.

 

Examples: Popular knives with 440c Stainless Steel

 

Pros:

• Strong
• Very resistant to rust and corrosion
• Sharpens easily
• Lightweight
• Great for fine edges

Cons:

• Often mirror polished so heavy use will affect the steels cosmetic appearance

 

 

D2 Tool Steel

Not all D2 steel is created equal although D2 tool steel is a premium material that still ranges from great to phenomenal and is widely used due to its strength. This steel is almost a stainless steel meaning it's not completely immune to rust and corrosion. D2 tool steel is often used for cutting softer steels.

 

Examples: Popular knives with D2 Tool Steel

 

Pros:

    Very Strong
    Absorbs huge lateral stress
    Great edge retention
    Sharpens easily

Cons:

    Can be expensive
    Requires maintenance

 

 

8Cr13 Stainless Steel
 

8Cr13 is a tough Chinese steel which is most notably used by Spyderco and SOG knives. Although low in cost to produce, its performance is notably similar to other premium steels and is widely used by popular manufacturers.

 

Examples: Popular knives with 8Cr13 Stainless Steel

 

Pros:

• Very Affordable
• Very Strong
• Resistant to rust and corrosion
• Great edge retention
• Sharpens easily
• Reliable

Cons:

• Often falling slightly short when compared to its counterpart AUS8 Japanese stainless steel in reputation

 

 

AUS8 Stainless Steel
 

AUS8 stainless steel is an upper-range steel that offers a mid-range performance with high rust and corrosion resistance. AUS8 Stainless steel is produced in Japan and is often compared to its Chinese counterpart 8Cr13 stainless steel. Fun fact - AUS8 Stainless steel often shows up in popular adventure channel Brave Wilderness in the form of a SOG Seal Pup knife.

 

Examples: Popular knives with AUS8 Stainless Steel

 

Pros:

• Strong
• Good wear
• Resistant to rust and corrosion
• Good edge retention
• Sharpens easily
• Good Reputation

Cons:

• Is considered a high-grade steel and not a premium-grade steel

 

 

S35VN Steel
 

S35VN Steel is a premium steel and is often used in high-end knives most notably Spyderco. S35VN's steel profile is specifically designed to avoid chipping and wearing. S35VN steel's ability to hold an edge is considered remarkably good. Due to the materials used and high performance of S35VN steel the resulting products are often more expensive.

 

Examples: Popular knives with S35VN Steel

 

Pros:

• Premium Steel
• Very Strong
• Very good wear
• Very good edge retention
• Sharpens easily

Cons:

• Expensive

 

 

A2 Tool Steel
 

A2 tool steel is stronger than D2 and is most often used in combat and high end folding knives due to its extremely tough steel. A2 steel is considered one of the best premium steels available although does have less wear resistance than other super steels. A2 is great at holding blade edges and is most notably used in Bark River Bowie Knives.

 

Examples: Popular knives with A2 Tool Steel

 

Pros:

• Premium Steel
• Very Strong
• Good wear
• Very good edge retention
• Sharpens easily

 

Cons:

• Expensive