How to choose the right steel for your knife blade?

Posted by        août 7, 2025     Uncategories     0 Comments

How to choose the right steel for your knife blade?

The choice of steel directly influences the performance, durability, and maintenance of your knife. Here are the essential criteria to consider.

1. Selection criteria

? Hardness (HRC - Rockwell Hardness)

  • 50-55 HRC: Soft steel, easy to sharpen but dulls quickly.
  • 56-60 HRC: Good balance between sharpness and durability.
  • 60+ HRC: Very sharp and durable, but more brittle and difficult to sharpen.

Corrosion resistance

  • Stainless steel (Inox, VG10, N690, S35VN): Ideal for humid environments.
  • Carbon steel (1095, XC75): Very sharp but requires more maintenance against rust.

Wear and impact resistance

  • Hard steel (D2, M390, RWL34): Excellent edge retention, but more difficult to sharpen.
  • Resilient steel (5160, 80CrV2, 52100): Absorbs shocks better, perfect for outdoor use.

Ease of sharpening

  • Soft steels (420HC, 12C27) are easier to sharpen.
  • Very hard steels (ZDP-189, M390) require suitable stones.

2. The main types of steel

1. Stainless steels

  • 12C27 / 14C28N (Sandvik): Good balance between strength and ease of sharpening.
  • VG10: Very popular in cutlery, durable edge, good corrosion resistance.
  • M390 / S90V / S35VN: Premium steel, excellent edge retention and corrosion resistance.

2. Carbon steels

  • 1095 / XC75: Easy to sharpen, excellent edge but requires maintenance.
  • 52100: Good shock resistance, ideal for survival knives.
  • O1 / A2: Tool steel, compromise between toughness and ease of sharpening.

3. Sintered and innovative steels

  • Maraging steel: Very strong, used for 3D printed knives.
  • CPM MagnaCut: Excellent in all aspects (strength, edge, corrosion resistance).
  • Damascus: Fusion of several steels for a unique aesthetic and a good compromise between hardness and flexibility.

3. Which steel for which use?

  • Kitchen knives : VG10, X50CrMoV15, M390 (good edge retention, corrosion resistance).
  • Outdoor / survival knives : 1095, 5160, 52100 (shock resistance, toughness).
  • Tactical knives: D2, CPM3V, MagnaCut (edge retention, resistance).
  • EDC knives (everyday use) : S35VN, 14C28N (good compromise between sharpening and performance).
  • Collection knives : Damascus, rare or sintered steels for a unique look.

4. Conclusion: Find the right compromise

If you are looking for a knife that is easy to maintain → Optez pour un inox type VG10 ou M390.
If you want a razor-sharp edge that is easy to sharpen → Un carbone comme le 1095 est idéal.
If you are looking for an ultra-performing and durable blade → Un acier fritté maraging (Maralium) ou super-inox (Duracier), un MagnaCut, un SG2 sont d’excellent choix.

The right steel depends on your use, your budget, and your level of maintenance. Make your choice based on your needs!