Properties of knife steel – different types under the microscope

When you head to the gym, you take the appropriate clothes out of your closet beforehand so that you can perform better and be more comfortable there.

This is no different in the world of knives.

The choice of material is also a crucial point here, as the associated properties do not automatically suit every application. Not all knife steel is the same.

The search for a new cutting utensil should therefore be carried out with care, so that you can carry a tool with you that fits your individual requirements in every respect.

To help you get a better overview of the vast and confusing steel jungle, we have taken a closer look at a few popular types in the following text. This will help you better understand the special features of knife steels and ultimately make a decision more quickly.

Which steels are often used in knives?

The world of knives, knife blades and tools is huge. It is therefore not possible for us to provide an insight into all the options in this text.

Instead, we focus on those types that are widely used and are symbols of quality and reliability among knife enthusiasts, including:

• 420 steel
• 440 steel
• D2 steel
• carbon steel
• Damascus steel
• Damasteel
• carbon steel
• chromium-molybdenum steel

Many of the types listed are used in manufacturing as both tool steel and blade steel.

After processing or forging, products are ultimately created that all have different advantages. Knife enthusiasts today can therefore find a variety of outstanding options for every terrain.

What properties do 420 and 440 knife steel have?

Both 420 and 440 knife steel are commonly used to make blades.

The 420 shines with its high corrosion resistance. Its breaking strength is also impressive. In addition, this type can be easily resharpened once the cutting edge has become blunt.

The 440 knife steel, on the other hand, boasts a rust-proof quality, which is why it is also extremely frequently used in knife production.

It is split into the subcategories 440A, 440B and 440C. The last one has the highest carbon content. This also makes it a steel that is extremely hard. This explains why it is so popular within the knife industry.

Our all-rounder, the W1 outdoor knife , was also made from this reliable knife steel.

How good is a blade made of D2 steel?

D2 steel is an impressive steel in every respect.

Knife enthusiasts all over the world enjoy the tool steel that originally comes from America because it offers an excellent overall package.

The mix of hardness, edge retention and stability is a real eye-catcher. Depending on the heat treatment, D2 can reach a maximum hardness of 62 HRC.

The steel is not rustproof, but it is extremely rust-resistant. As discussed in more detail in one of our previous blog posts , the lifespan is fantastic with regular care.

It is not without reason that we chose this material for our absolute classic, the AMBULO . The outdoor knife, equipped with G10 handles and a Kydex sheath, is a faithful companion on every tour.

What exactly is carbon steel?

Carbon steels generally require very few alloying elements.

Knives that are supposed to be extremely hard are often made using this method. The edge retention is also impressive. However, since no chrome is used, this variant is not rust-proof either.

From knives to swords, everything can be made with this option. Tools can also be made very well with carbon steel.

How does Damascus steel differ from Damascus steel?

Damascus steel, also known as Damascus steel, is increasingly used in the manufacture of knives and weapons.

High-carbon steel, which is also hardened, is combined with a softer, lower-carbon variant. The two compositions are alternated layer by layer.

The material is then folded. The hundreds of layers created by this process are then forged to ultimately produce steel.

It is characterized by great hardness, durability and flexibility. Particularly noteworthy is the appearance, which is one of the greatest distinguishing features of a Damascus knife.

Damascus steel can be briefly described as a further development of the previously discussed Damascus steel.

The “ Damasteel ” was designed in Sweden and has roughly the same properties as its older brother. Only the approach during the manufacturing process is different.

The attractive pattern and appearance are of course also retained in this variant.