Steel Guide
15 articles in this category
Is 420 Stainless Steel Good for Knives?
420 stainless is the most common knife steel in the world. Is it actually good, or is it just cheap? We break down the honest truth.
Is 440C Steel Good for Knives?
440C was once the benchmark of premium knife steel. Does it still hold up in 2025 against modern super steels? An honest, detailed assessment.
Is D2 Steel Good for Knives?
D2 is a high-carbon tool steel that's polarizing in the knife community. Is its edge retention worth the extra care requirements? Full breakdown inside.
Is High Carbon Stainless Steel Good for Knives?
'High carbon stainless steel' is a marketing term that can mean many things. Here's how to decode it and what it actually tells you about a knife's quality.
Is S30V Steel Good for Knives?
CPM S30V is one of the most popular premium knife steels. Here's an honest breakdown of its strengths and weaknesses.
Is AUS-8 Steel Good for Knives?
AUS-8 is a Japanese mid-range stainless steel used by brands like CRKT and Cold Steel. Here's what it's actually like to use.
Is VG-10 Steel Good for Knives?
VG-10 is the favorite steel of Japanese kitchen knife makers. Here's why it's so popular and whether it's right for your knife.
What Is CPM Steel? Crucible Particle Metallurgy Explained
CPM steels show up on premium knives everywhere. Here's what the CPM process actually does and why it makes better knives.
Is Magnacut Steel Good for Knives?
Magnacut is the newest super steel taking the knife world by storm. Here's an honest assessment of whether it lives up to the hype.
Is S35VN Steel Good for Knives?
S35VN is the upgraded successor to S30V. Here's a detailed comparison and honest assessment of whether the upgrade is worth it.
Is M390 Steel Good for Knives?
Bohler M390 is one of the most respected premium knife steels. Here's an honest, comprehensive analysis of its performance, applications, and whether it justifies the premium.
Is 8Cr13MoV Steel Good for Knives?
8Cr13MoV is the most common steel in budget folding knives. Is it actually good, or are you better off saving up for premium steel? An honest assessment.
Buck 420HC: The BOS Heat Treatment Breakdown
Buck's 420HC steel with Paul Bos heat treatment is legendary for budget steel performance. We explain why this process matters.
CruWear vs 3V Steel: Which Tool Steel Wins for Knives?
CruWear and CPM 3V are both tool steels beloved by knife makers for toughness and edge retention. Here's how they compare on the key metrics that matter.
Stainless vs Carbon Steel: Chromium, Edge Retention, and Rust Risk
The stainless vs carbon steel debate is one of the most common questions in the knife world. Here's what chromium actually does and how it affects edge retention and rust risk.