Exploring Popular Steel Types for EDC and Hunting Knives

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on the most popular steel types used in Everyday Carry (EDC) and hunting knives. When it comes to selecting the perfect knife, understanding the properties and benefits of different steel types is crucial. This guide will delve into the intricacies of various knife steels, explaining why they are chosen, their benefits, hardness, cutting ability, and durability. Whether you're a seasoned outdoorsman, a knife enthusiast, or someone new to the world of knives, this guide will provide valuable insights to help you make an informed decision.

Understanding Knife Steel Basics

Before we dive into specific steel types, it’s important to understand the fundamental aspects that determine the quality and performance of knife steel:

Hardness

Hardness, typically measured on the Rockwell Hardness Scale (HRC), indicates how resistant the steel is to deformation. A higher HRC rating means the steel is harder, which usually translates to better edge retention but can also make the steel more brittle.

Toughness

Toughness refers to the steel's ability to withstand impact and resist chipping or breaking. This is crucial for hunting knives that are subjected to heavy use and rough conditions.

Corrosion Resistance

Corrosion resistance determines how well the steel withstands rust and corrosion. This is especially important for knives used in wet or humid environments.

Edge Retention

Edge retention is the steel's ability to hold a sharp edge over time and through extensive use. Higher edge retention means less frequent sharpening is required.

Ease of Sharpening

Some steels are easier to sharpen than others. While high-hardness steels hold their edge longer, they can be more challenging to sharpen. Softer steels may dull faster but are easier to hone back to sharpness.

Popular Steel Types for EDC and Hunting Knives

1. 1095 Carbon Steel

Overview

1095 carbon steel is a popular choice for both EDC and hunting knives due to its excellent toughness, ease of sharpening, and affordability. It's a high-carbon steel with around 0.95% carbon content, making it hard and durable.

Benefits

- Toughness: 1095 steel is known for its toughness, making it ideal for hunting knives that are subjected to heavy-duty tasks.
- Ease of Sharpening: It can be sharpened easily, even in the field, using basic sharpening tools.
- Affordability: 1095 is relatively inexpensive, making it a cost-effective choice for high-quality knives.

Hardness

1095 steel typically has a Rockwell hardness of around 55-58 HRC. This hardness level provides a good balance between edge retention and toughness.

Cutting Ability and Durability

1095 carbon steel offers excellent cutting performance and is highly durable. However, it lacks corrosion resistance, so proper maintenance and regular oiling are necessary to prevent rust.

2. VG-10 Stainless Steel

Overview

VG-10 is a high-end stainless steel produced in Japan, known for its exceptional edge retention and corrosion resistance. It's a popular choice for premium EDC and hunting knives.

Benefits

- Edge Retention: VG-10 holds an edge exceptionally well, reducing the frequency of sharpening.
- Corrosion Resistance: It has high chromium content, making it highly resistant to rust and corrosion.
- Sharpness: VG-10 can achieve and maintain a razor-sharp edge.

Hardness

VG-10 steel typically has a Rockwell hardness of 60-62 HRC. This high hardness ensures superior edge retention but requires careful handling to avoid chipping.

Cutting Ability and Durability

VG-10 provides outstanding cutting performance and durability, making it a top choice for high-performance knives. Its excellent corrosion resistance makes it suitable for use in various environments.

3. AUS-8 Stainless Steel

Overview

AUS-8 is a Japanese stainless steel that offers a good balance of hardness, toughness, and corrosion resistance. It's a versatile steel often used in mid-range EDC and hunting knives.

Benefits

- Balance: AUS-8 provides a balanced combination of edge retention, toughness, and corrosion resistance.
- Affordability: It is more affordable than high-end steels like VG-10.
- Ease of Sharpening: AUS-8 is relatively easy to sharpen, even for beginners.

Hardness

AUS-8 steel typically has a Rockwell hardness of around 57-59 HRC. This provides a good balance between hardness and toughness, making it suitable for various cutting tasks.

Cutting Ability and Durability

AUS-8 offers good cutting performance and durability. Its corrosion resistance makes it suitable for use in wet or humid conditions, though it may require more frequent sharpening compared to harder steels.

4. S30V Stainless Steel

Overview

S30V, developed by Crucible Industries, is a premium stainless steel known for its excellent edge retention, toughness, and corrosion resistance. It's a popular choice for high-end EDC and hunting knives.

Benefits

- Edge Retention: S30V holds an edge exceptionally well, making it ideal for heavy use.
- Corrosion Resistance: Its high chromium content provides excellent resistance to rust and corrosion.
- Toughness: S30V is tough and resistant to chipping, even under heavy use.

Hardness

S30V steel typically has a Rockwell hardness of 58-61 HRC. This hardness level offers a good balance between edge retention and toughness.

Cutting Ability and Durability

S30V provides superior cutting performance and durability. Its combination of edge retention, toughness, and corrosion resistance makes it one of the best choices for premium knives.

5. 440C Stainless Steel

Overview

440C is a high-carbon stainless steel known for its excellent hardness and corrosion resistance. It's commonly used in EDC and hunting knives due to its affordability and performance.

Benefits

- Hardness: 440C offers excellent hardness, ensuring good edge retention.
- Corrosion Resistance: It has high chromium content, providing excellent resistance to rust and corrosion.
- Affordability: 440C is relatively inexpensive, making it a cost-effective choice for quality knives.

Hardness

440C steel typically has a Rockwell hardness of 58-60 HRC. This high hardness ensures good edge retention while maintaining toughness.

Cutting Ability and Durability

440C provides good cutting performance and durability. Its excellent corrosion resistance makes it suitable for use in various environments, though it may require more frequent sharpening compared to premium steels like S30V.

6. D2 Tool Steel

Overview

D2 tool steel is a high-carbon, high-chromium steel known for its excellent hardness and wear resistance. It's often used in heavy-duty EDC and hunting knives.

Benefits

- Edge Retention: D2 offers excellent edge retention, reducing the frequency of sharpening.
- Wear Resistance: Its high chromium content provides excellent wear resistance, making it suitable for tough cutting tasks.
- Toughness: D2 is tough and resistant to chipping, even under heavy use.

Hardness

D2 steel typically has a Rockwell hardness of 60-62 HRC. This high hardness ensures superior edge retention and wear resistance.

Cutting Ability and Durability

D2 provides outstanding cutting performance and durability. While it offers good corrosion resistance, it is not stainless and can develop surface rust if not properly maintained. Regular oiling and cleaning are recommended.

7. CPM-3V Tool Steel

Overview

CPM-3V is a high-performance tool steel developed by Crucible Industries. It's known for its exceptional toughness, wear resistance, and edge retention, making it ideal for heavy-duty EDC and hunting knives.

Benefits

- Toughness: CPM-3V is extremely tough, making it resistant to chipping and breaking.
- Edge Retention: It holds an edge exceptionally well, even under heavy use.
- Wear Resistance: CPM-3V offers excellent wear resistance, ensuring long-lasting performance.

Hardness

CPM-3V steel typically has a Rockwell hardness of 58-60 HRC. This provides a good balance between hardness and toughness.

Cutting Ability and Durability

CPM-3V offers superior cutting performance and durability. While it is not stainless, its wear resistance and toughness make it a top choice for demanding applications. Proper maintenance, including regular oiling, is essential to prevent rust.

8. 154CM Stainless Steel

Overview

154CM is a high-carbon stainless steel developed by Crucible Industries. It’s known for its excellent edge retention, corrosion resistance, and toughness, making it a popular choice for EDC and hunting knives.

Benefits

- Edge Retention: 154CM holds an edge exceptionally well, reducing the need for frequent sharpening.
- Corrosion Resistance: Its high chromium content provides excellent resistance to rust and corrosion.
- Toughness: 154CM is tough and resistant to chipping, making it suitable for heavy use.

 Hardness

154CM steel typically has a Rockwell hardness of 58-61 HRC. This high hardness ensures good edge retention while maintaining toughness.

Cutting Ability and Durability

154CM provides superior cutting performance and durability. Its combination of edge retention, toughness, and corrosion resistance makes it one of the best choices for high-performance knives.

9. M390 Stainless Steel

Overview

M390 is a premium stainless steel produced by Bohler-Uddeholm. It's known for its exceptional edge retention, corrosion resistance, and toughness, making it one of the top choices for high-end EDC and hunting knives.

Benefits

- Edge Retention: M390 holds an edge exceptionally well, making it ideal for heavy use.
- Corrosion Resistance: It has high chromium and vanadium content, providing excellent resistance to rust and corrosion.
- Toughness: M390 is tough and resistant to chipping, even under heavy use.

Hardness

M390 steel typically has a Rockwell hardness of 60-62 HRC. This high hardness ensures superior edge retention and wear resistance.

Cutting Ability and Durability

M390 provides outstanding cutting performance and durability. Its combination of edge retention, toughness, and corrosion resistance makes it one of the best choices for premium knives.

10. Elmax Stainless Steel

Overview

Elmax is a high-performance stainless steel produced by Bohler-Uddeholm. It's known for its excellent edge retention, corrosion resistance, and toughness, making it ideal for high-end EDC and hunting knives.

Benefits

- Edge Retention: Elmax holds an edge exceptionally well, reducing the need for frequent sharpening.
- Corrosion Resistance: Its high chromium content provides excellent resistance to rust and corrosion.
- Toughness: Elmax is tough and resistant to chipping, even under heavy use.

Hardness

Elmax steel typically has a Rockwell hardness of 60-62 HRC. This high hardness ensures superior edge retention and wear resistance.

Cutting Ability and Durability

Elmax provides outstanding cutting performance and durability. Its combination of edge retention, toughness, and corrosion resistance makes it one of the best choices for premium knives.

11. N690 Stainless Steel

Overview

N690 is a high-performance stainless steel produced by Bohler-Uddeholm. It's known for its excellent edge retention, corrosion resistance, and toughness, making it a popular choice for EDC and hunting knives.

Benefits

- Edge Retention: N690 holds an edge exceptionally well, making it ideal for heavy use.
- Corrosion Resistance: It has high chromium content, providing excellent resistance to rust and corrosion.
- Toughness: N690 is tough and resistant to chipping, even under heavy use.

Hardness

N690 steel typically has a Rockwell hardness of 58-60 HRC. This provides a good balance between hardness and toughness.

Cutting Ability and Durability

N690 provides superior cutting performance and durability. Its combination of edge retention, toughness, and corrosion resistance makes it a top choice for high-performance knives.

12. 5160 Spring Steel

Overview

5160 spring steel is a high-carbon, chromium steel known for its excellent toughness and flexibility. It's commonly used in heavy-duty EDC and hunting knives, as well as in large blades like machetes and swords.

Benefits

- Toughness: 5160 is extremely tough, making it resistant to chipping and breaking.
- Flexibility: Its spring-like properties provide excellent flexibility, allowing it to withstand heavy use.
- Ease of Sharpening: 5160 is relatively easy to sharpen, even in the field.

Hardness

5160 steel typically has a Rockwell hardness of 57-60 HRC. This provides a good balance between hardness and toughness.

Cutting Ability and Durability

5160 provides excellent cutting performance and durability. While it offers good wear resistance, it is not stainless and can develop surface rust if not properly maintained. Regular oiling and cleaning are recommended.

13. 52100 Carbon Steel

Overview

52100 carbon steel is a high-carbon, chromium steel known for its excellent edge retention, toughness, and wear resistance. It's often used in high-end EDC and hunting knives.

Benefits

- Edge Retention: 52100 holds an edge exceptionally well, reducing the need for frequent sharpening.
- Toughness: 52100 is tough and resistant to chipping, making it suitable for heavy use.
- Wear Resistance: Its high chromium content provides excellent wear resistance.

Hardness

52100 steel typically has a Rockwell hardness of 58-62 HRC. This high hardness ensures superior edge retention and wear resistance.

Cutting Ability and Durability

52100 provides outstanding cutting performance and durability. While it offers good wear resistance, it is not stainless and can develop surface rust if not properly maintained. Regular oiling and cleaning are recommended.

14. 420HC Stainless Steel

Overview

420HC is a high-carbon stainless steel known for its good balance of hardness, toughness, and corrosion resistance. It's a popular choice for affordable EDC and hunting knives.

Benefits

- Balance: 420HC provides a balanced combination of edge retention, toughness, and corrosion resistance.
- Affordability: It is more affordable than high-end steels like VG-10 and S30V.
- Ease of Sharpening: 420HC is relatively easy to sharpen, even for beginners.

Hardness

420HC steel typically has a Rockwell hardness of 56-59 HRC. This provides a good balance between hardness and toughness.

Cutting Ability and Durability

420HC offers good cutting performance and durability. Its corrosion resistance makes it suitable for use in various environments, though it may require more frequent sharpening compared to harder steels.

15. Sandvik 12C27 Stainless Steel

Overview

Sandvik 12C27 is a high-quality stainless steel produced by Sandvik. It's known for its excellent edge retention, corrosion resistance, and toughness, making it a popular choice for EDC and hunting knives.

Benefits

- Edge Retention: Sandvik 12C27 holds an edge exceptionally well, reducing the need for frequent sharpening.
- Corrosion Resistance: It has high chromium content, providing excellent resistance to rust and corrosion.
- Toughness: Sandvik 12C27 is tough and resistant to chipping, even under heavy use.

Hardness

Sandvik 12C27 steel typically has a Rockwell hardness of 56-59 HRC. This provides a good balance between hardness and toughness.

Cutting Ability and Durability

Sandvik 12C27 provides superior cutting performance and durability. Its combination of edge retention, toughness, and corrosion resistance makes it a top choice for high-performance knives.

16. CPM-S35VN Stainless Steel

Overview

CPM-S35VN is a high-end stainless steel developed by Crucible Industries. It's known for its exceptional edge retention, corrosion resistance, and toughness, making it ideal for high-performance EDC and hunting knives.

Benefits

- Edge Retention: CPM-S35VN holds an edge exceptionally well, making it ideal for heavy use.
- Corrosion Resistance: It has high chromium and vanadium content, providing excellent resistance to rust and corrosion.
- Toughness: CPM-S35VN is tough and resistant to chipping, even under heavy use.

Hardness

CPM-S35VN steel typically has a Rockwell hardness of 58-61 HRC. This high hardness ensures superior edge retention and wear resistance.

Cutting Ability and Durability

CPM-S35VN provides outstanding cutting performance and durability. Its combination of edge retention, toughness, and corrosion resistance makes it one of the best choices for premium knives.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Steel for Your EDC and Hunting Knives

Selecting the right steel for your EDC and hunting knives depends on your specific needs and preferences. Each steel type offers unique benefits, from exceptional edge retention and toughness to excellent corrosion resistance and ease of sharpening. By understanding the properties and advantages of each steel, you can choose the perfect knife to enhance your outdoor adventures, everyday tasks, and culinary pursuits.

At our store, we offer a wide range of knives made from these popular steel types, ensuring you can find the ideal knife for any application. Explore our collection today and experience the unparalleled quality and performance of our expertly crafted knives. Whether you're a seasoned outdoorsman, a knife enthusiast, or someone new to the world of knives, our selection is sure to meet your needs and exceed your expectations.