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Blade Steel: AEB-L
Published: July 14th, 2025
AEB-L is a stainless steel that has quietly earned a strong reputation among knife makers and enthusiasts. Originally developed in Sweden by Uddeholm in the mid-20th century, it was designed not for knives, but for razor blades. It may seem strange that a steel forged for shaving would go on to become a staple in custom and production knives, but once its full potential was realized, AEB-L quickly carved out its place in the modern blade world.
The history of AEB-L is often conflated with its predecessor, AEB. Patented in 1928, AEB was one of the earliest stainless steels on the market, developed during a time when companies were racing to get around the foundational patents held by Harry Brearley and Elwood Haynes on stainless compositions. AEB had a relatively high carbon content, typically around 1%, paired with about 13.5% chromium and a notable amount of manganese. This gave it decent hardness and corrosion resistance, but the resulting carbide structure was too large for fine edges. It was a serviceable steel for razors, but not yet optimized.
Composition
Carbon - 0.67%
Chromium - 13%
Manganese - 0.6%
Silicon - 0.4%
As the razor blade industry evolved, so did the steels used. Companies like Wilkinson Sword began using stainless blades in the 1950s and early 60s, disrupting the market so thoroughly that even giants like Gillette saw massive losses in market share. Although early stainless razors used variants like AEB and Uddeholm’s SS716, it wasn’t until the late 60s that AEB-L began to emerge as a superior solution. The “L” in AEB-L, standing for “low carbon,” represented a significant shift in composition; carbon was reduced to around 0.65-0.70%, which resulted in a much finer carbide structure. This change not only improved edge sharpness and toughness but also enhanced cold-rolling properties and allowed for better blanking performance during manufacturing.
AEB-L’s refined microstructure gives it one of the rarest and most desirable traits in knife steel: a fine, razor-sharp edge that is also easy to maintain. Its carbides are small and evenly distributed, which not only allows it to take a sharper edge than steels with coarser carbides but also makes it easier to resharpen. It can reach high hardness levels (up to around 63–65 HRC when properly heat-treated) without becoming overly brittle, and it resists corrosion well thanks to its chromium content. This unique blend of properties makes AEB-L particularly attractive for knives that need to balance extreme sharpness, stain resistance, and durability.
Knife makers from both the custom and production sectors have taken full advantage of AEB-L’s characteristics. Brands like Bark River, Bradford Knives, Kizer, and L.T. Wright Knives have all released models in AEB-L, frequently citing its high performance in kitchen and bushcraft applications. Even companies not traditionally associated with razor steels, such as Buck Knives and Boker, have experimented with it. In the custom realm, it’s widely praised for being easy to work with, highly polishable, and forgiving in heat treatment, an ideal steel for both new makers and seasoned metallurgists. Some chefs’ knives, especially Japanese-style blades, have also been made with AEB-L for its slicing precision and edge refinement.
Though it shares similarities with other steels like Sandvik 13C26 and 12C27, which emerged around the same time from Swedish competitor Sandvik, AEB-L is often considered the better choice for knife blades because of its ability to reach higher hardness without sacrificing toughness. The subtle differences in composition, such as AEB-L’s slightly higher carbon content compared to 12C27, contribute to its superior wear resistance while still being easier to sharpen than modern powdered steels.
Over the years, AEB-L has remained a sleeper hit, often overlooked in favor of flashy powdered metallurgy steels but consistently praised by those who value real-world cutting performance. Its origins in razor blades seem fitting, as few steels can match its ability to achieve surgical sharpness. Whether in the hands of a custom knifemaker in their garage or on the production floor of a major brand, AEB-L continues to prove that sometimes, evolution, not revolution, is what makes steel truly legendary.
What to Buy
The Kizer Evenki 3 is a bold fixed blade built for hard use and outdoor reliability. Its 4.48-inch AEB-L stainless steel blade offers outstanding sharpness, edge stability, and corrosion resistance, with a rugged stonewash finish to mask wear. The hidden tang construction keeps the profile sleek, while high-contrast 4.56-inch black and orange G-10 handle scales provide excellent grip and visibility. Measuring 9.05 inches overall, the Evenki 3 is balanced, durable, and easy to control. Whether carving at camp or tackling tough fieldwork, this knife is a dependable companion ready for real-world performance in any environment.
The L.T. Wright Wild Harvest Chef Paul's Boning Knife is a precision-crafted kitchen tool designed for chefs who demand performance and durability. Its 5.87-inch AEB-L stainless steel blade is chisel ground using L.T. Wright’s Grind Thru Cutlery method, offering excellent edge retention and cutting control. The full tang construction adds strength, while the Brown Burlap Micarta handle provides a secure, comfortable grip, even when wet. Thumb scallops enhance control during delicate work. With custom touches like Paul’s initials and the Wild Harvest logo, this 11-inch boning knife blends professional functionality with handcrafted quality for serious culinary tasks.
The Weatherford Knife Co. Signature Series is a handcrafted fixed blade that combines refined looks with everyday utility. Its 3-inch drop point blade is made from AEB-L stainless steel, offering excellent edge retention and corrosion resistance. A mirror-polished finish adds durability and elegance, while the full tang construction provides dependable strength. Rich walnut handle scales are secured with nickel silver rivets and a lanyard tube for function and style. Measuring 7.5 inches overall and weighing 4.64 ounces, it’s compact yet capable. Complete with a premium leather sheath, this USA-made knife is a fine choice for collectors and outdoorsmen alike.
Written By
Drew Clifton
Drew is the lead writer for SMKW's Knives 101, crafting informative and engaging content for the world’s largest knife store. With expertise in knife history, design, and functionality, Drew delivers articles and product descriptions that educate and inspire knife enthusiasts at all levels.
Expert Reviewed
T.C. Barnette
T.C. Barnette is a dynamic media personality and the esteemed spokesperson for SMKW (Smoky Mountain Knife Works), where his passion for knives intersects with his captivating on-screen presence. With a magnetic charisma and deep expertise in cutlery, T.C. has become a beloved figure in the knife community.