Known for its good balance of durability, sharpness, and corrosion resistance, 440 stainless steel has become a favorite among knife enthusiasts and manufacturers. 440 stainless steel is a family of alloy steels containing varying amounts of carbon, chromium, and other elements. The 440 series is typically composed of three main variants: 440A, 440B, and 440C. Each variant has slightly different compositions, resulting in varying hardness levels, corrosion resistance, and edge retention...

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The origins of 52100 steel trace back to around 1905 when it was first introduced for use in roller ball bearings. Originating from Germany and France, these early chromium alloy steels, initially known as 5295, marked a shift in the materials used for bearings. 52100 has gone by various names, such as 100cCr6, 1,3505, 14116, GCr15, and SUJ2. In 1919, it officially became known as 52100 under SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) International designations. Despite being a lesser-known steel, it has gained prominence in the realm of...

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AUS-8 is a stainless steel that has been a staple in the knife world for decades, offering a well-balanced combination of corrosion resistance, toughness, and ease of sharpening. Developed by Aichi Steel Corporation in Japan, AUS-8 belongs to a family of steels that also includes AUS-6 and AUS-10, each progressively increasing in carbon content and performance characteristics. AUS-8 sits in the middle, making it an ideal choice for knife users who want dependable performance without venturing into premium-priced territory. The composition of AUS-8 includes...

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8Cr13MoV is often considered the Chinese counterpart to AUS-8, with a nearly identical chemical composition. The naming convention for these steels is highly descriptive. The first number, in this case, “8,” refers to the approximate carbon content, around 0.8%, which influences hardness and strength. “Cr13” indicates the chromium content at 13%, which is responsible for the steel’s stainless properties. The "Mo" refers to a small amount of molybdenum added to enhance toughness, grain refinement, and corrosion resistance. Lastly...

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Bohler M390 is celebrated in the knife industry for its superior performance attributes, making it a top choice for high-end blades. This steel is known for its remarkable wear resistance, corrosion resistance, and edge retention. These qualities stem from its unique composition, which combines several elements in specific proportions to enhance its overall properties.

M390 is martensitic stainless steel, which means it has a high hardness level and offers excellent corrosion resistance...

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Cru-Wear occupies a unique niche in the realm of knife steels. It boasts a reputation for achieving a near-perfect harmony between two crucial properties – toughness and wear resistance. This delicate balance makes Cru-Wear a compelling choice for blades tasked with demanding applications.

Understanding Cru-Wear's effectiveness necessitates exploring its composition. Unlike some traditional steels, Cru-Wear is crafted through a process known as powder metallurgy. This technique offers several advantages, including the creation of a uniform and consistent grain...

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In the world of knives, the choice of blade steel is a critical factor that can significantly impact performance, durability, and overall functionality. The creation of Crucible Industries' CPM (Crucible Particle Metallurgy) technology has paved the way for a refined version of D2 tool steel, known as CPM-D2.

D2 tool steel, originally invented in the early 20th century, has long been recognized for its high carbon content (1.55%) and a substantial amount of chromium (12%). While offering remarkable...

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For centuries, knifemakers have tirelessly pursued the perfect blade steel, a material that offers an ideal balance of hardness, edge retention, toughness, and corrosion resistance. While numerous steel alloys have emerged throughout history, each often excels in one area at the expense of another. Enter MagnaCut, a revolutionary steel designed specifically for the knife industry, promising a near-mythical equilibrium of these crucial properties.

This article delves into the history of MagnaCut, explores its unique composition, and examines why it's quickly becoming a preferred steel among knife enthusiasts and professionals alike...

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CPM-M4 is a high-speed tool steel originally developed by Crucible Industries for demanding industrial applications such as punches, dies, and cutting tools. Produced using Crucible’s proprietary Crucible Particle Metallurgy (CPM) process, CPM-M4 exhibits a fine and uniform carbide distribution that enhances its toughness and grindability relative to traditional ingot metallurgy tool steels. Its composition includes high amounts of carbon, molybdenum, vanadium, and tungsten, which contribute to its exceptional wear resistance and ability to hold a fine edge...

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The inception of S30V dates back to the early 2000s. Crucible Industries, a leader in the production of high-grade steel, aimed to create a new type of steel that would meet the rigorous demands of knife users. Partnering with knife maker Chris Reeve, they embarked on developing a blade steel that could deliver exceptional performance in various conditions. S30V is a martensitic stainless steel, characterized by its hardness and ability to be heat-treated. Its composition includes elements like carbon, chromium, molybdenum, and vanadium...

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Nitro-V is a stainless steel specifically engineered for knife makers, first introduced in 2017 by New Jersey Steel Baron (NJSB), a steel distributor known for catering to the cutlery industry. Nitro-V is a modified version of AEB-L, a stainless steel that was originally developed by Uddeholm for use in razor blades. AEB-L gained popularity among custom knife makers due to its ultra-fine grain structure, ease of sharpening, and impressive edge stability. Recognizing the potential for a more refined, high-performance version of AEB-L, NJSB collaborated...

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Emerging in 2006, Vanax35 and Vanax75 served as early iterations, showcasing the immense potential of nitrogen-based steels with their unparalleled corrosion resistance. However, their focus remained firmly on industrial environments. 2017 marked a pivotal moment, with the unveiling of Vanax Super Clean (also known as Vanax 37) at the Blade Show. This marked a strategic shift for Böhler-Uddeholm, signifying their commitment to environmental sustainability and entry into the world of high-performance cutlery. This latest generation steel promised more than just impressive toughness; it embodied a dedicated pursuit of crafting exceptional blades...

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The story of Böhler-Uddeholm begins long before the two companies ever joined forces. In fact, their separate origins span centuries and reflect the metallurgical traditions of two European regions renowned for their steelmaking heritage: Austria and Sweden. In Austria, Böhler’s roots can be traced to the town of Kapfenberg, where iron production was documented as early as 1446. The modern history of the company, however, begins in 1870, when Emil and Albert Böhler established a steel trading firm in Vienna. Initially, they imported tool steels from Germany for distribution throughout...

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In the intricate world of blades and knives, Damascus steel often emerges as a subject shrouded in mystery and allure. Known for its distinctive patterns, resilience, and historical significance, Damascus steel continues to intrigue both enthusiasts and skeptics alike. With myths and facts intertwined, understanding the true essence and capabilities of Damascus steel is crucial for appreciating its modern applications and dispelling the misconceptions surrounding it.

One prevailing myth suggests that today's Damascus steel is fundamentally different...

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Damasteel AB, established in 1995, is a Swedish company known for producing high-performance patterned steel through a unique powder metallurgy process. The company originated from a partnership between Per Billgren, an Erasteel employee, and master blacksmith Kaj Embretsen, who sought to develop a modern alternative to traditional Damascus steel. Their collaboration resulted in a proprietary method for creating stainless patterned steel with exceptional durability and aesthetic appeal, revolutionizing the steel...

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Sandvik 14C28N is a high-performance stainless steel designed specifically for use in knife blades, offering a well-balanced mix of hardness, corrosion resistance, and edge retention. Manufactured by Sandvik Materials Technology in Sweden, this steel was developed as an improvement over Sandvik’s earlier 13C26, incorporating additional elements and refining the properties to better meet the needs of knife makers and users. Known for its exceptional sharpness and fine grain structure, 14C28N is a popular choice among both custom and production knife manufacturers.

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VG-10 is a stainless steel that has become a popular choice for knife blades, particularly in the cutlery industry. Originally developed in Japan by Takefu Special Steel Co., VG-10 was designed to meet the demanding performance needs of chefs and knife makers. The designation “VG” stands for “V Gold,” indicating its high quality, and the steel was intended from the outset to combine corrosion resistance, edge retention, and ease of sharpening, qualities highly valued in both culinary and outdoor applications. The composition of VG-10 includes approximately 0.95 to 1.05 percent...

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