Blade Metals | Pocket Knife Buyers Guide.com

Understanding blade steels is essential. This page covers 21 popular blade metals, including stainless steels like 420, 440C, AUS-8, and VG-10, as well as high-carbon steels such as 1095 and D2 tool steel. Dive into premium super steels like CPM S30V, CPM S35VN, M390, and Elmax, known for exceptional edge retention, wear resistance, and performance. Learn the chemical composition, main uses, date of invention, cost per pound, and manufacturing locations for each steel type.

Whether you’re looking for everyday carry (EDC) knives, survival knives, kitchen knives, or custom blades, this guide helps you choose the right steel. Explore corrosion-resistant options like H1 steel and LC200N for marine environments or tough steels like 5160 and 3V tool steel for heavy-duty tasks. Understand why blade materials matter when it comes to sharpness, edge retention, durability, and ease of sharpening. This comprehensive resource is your go-to for learning about knife steels, their properties, and the best uses for each metal. Perfect for anyone passionate about knives, blade metals, and quality craftsmanship.

1. 420 Stainless Steel

Chemical Composition: 0.15% Carbon, 12-14% Chromium, ≤1% Manganese, ≤1% Silicon.
Main Uses: Diving knives, budget-friendly cutlery, surgical tools.
Date of Introduction: Early 20th century.
Cost per Pound: ~$2 to $3.
Manufacturing Locations: USA, China, India.

2. 440A Stainless Steel

Chemical Composition: 0.6-0.75% Carbon, 16-18% Chromium, ≤1% Manganese.
Main Uses: Low-cost knives, tools.
Date of Introduction: Mid-20th century.
Cost per Pound: ~$4.
Manufacturing Locations: USA, China.

3. 440C Stainless Steel

Chemical Composition: 1.0-1.2% Carbon, 16-18% Chromium, ≤1% Manganese, ≤1% Silicon.
Main Uses: Premium cutlery, industrial tools.
Date of Introduction: Mid-20th century.
Cost per Pound: ~$5-$6.
Manufacturing Locations: USA, Japan, Germany.

4. AUS-8 Stainless Steel

Chemical Composition: 0.7-0.75% Carbon, 13-14.5% Chromium, 0.1-0.3% Vanadium.
Main Uses: EDC knives, tactical tools.
Date of Introduction: 1970s.
Cost per Pound: ~$8-$10.
Manufacturing Locations: Japan.

5. 8Cr13MoV

Chemical Composition: 0.8% Carbon, 13% Chromium, 0.3% Molybdenum, 0.25% Vanadium.
Main Uses: Budget-friendly knives, tools.
Date of Introduction: Early 2000s.
Cost per Pound: ~$3-$4.
Manufacturing Locations: China.

6. D2 Tool Steel

Chemical Composition: 1.5-1.6% Carbon, 11-13% Chromium, 1.1% Vanadium.
Main Uses: Heavy-duty knives, industrial tools.
Date of Introduction: 1930s.
Cost per Pound: ~$10-$12.
Manufacturing Locations: USA, Germany.

7. CPM S30V

Chemical Composition: 1.45% Carbon, 14% Chromium, 4% Vanadium, 2% Molybdenum.
Main Uses: Premium EDC, outdoor knives.
Date of Introduction: 2001.
Cost per Pound: ~$20-$25.
Manufacturing Locations: USA (Crucible Industries).

8. CPM S35VN

Chemical Composition: 1.4% Carbon, 14% Chromium, 3% Vanadium, 0.5% Niobium.
Main Uses: Tactical knives, high-end tools.
Date of Introduction: 2009.
Cost per Pound: ~$25-$30.
Manufacturing Locations: USA (Crucible Industries).

9. VG-10 Stainless Steel

Chemical Composition: 1% Carbon, 15% Chromium, 1.5% Cobalt.
Main Uses: Kitchen knives, folding knives.
Date of Introduction: 1980s.
Cost per Pound: ~$15-$20.
Manufacturing Locations: Japan.

10. M390 Steel

Chemical Composition: 1.9% Carbon, 20% Chromium, 4% Vanadium.
Main Uses: High-end folding knives, outdoor tools.
Date of Introduction: 2000s.
Cost per Pound: ~$30-$35.
Manufacturing Locations: Austria (Böhler).

11. Elmax Steel

Chemical Composition: 1.7% Carbon, 18% Chromium, 1% Molybdenum, 3% Vanadium.
Main Uses: High-end knives, EDC tools.
Date of Introduction: 2000s.
Cost per Pound: ~$25-$30.
Manufacturing Locations: Sweden.

12. 1095 Carbon Steel

Chemical Composition: 0.95% Carbon, ≤0.4% Manganese.
Main Uses: Survival knives, machetes.
Date of Introduction: Early 20th century.
Cost per Pound: ~$2-$3.
Manufacturing Locations: USA.

13. 5160 Spring Steel

Chemical Composition: 0.6% Carbon, ≤1% Manganese, 0.1% Chromium.
Main Uses: Large knives, kukris, swords.
Date of Introduction: 1930s.
Cost per Pound: ~$4-$5.
Manufacturing Locations: USA, Germany.

14. CPM 3V Steel

Chemical Composition: 0.8% Carbon, 7.5% Chromium, 2.75% Vanadium.
Main Uses: Survival knives, heavy-duty tools.
Date of Introduction: 1990s.
Cost per Pound: ~$20-$25.
Manufacturing Locations: USA.

15. H1 Steel

Chemical Composition: 0.15% Carbon, 15% Chromium, Nickel.
Main Uses: Diving and saltwater knives.
Date of Introduction: 1990s.
Cost per Pound: ~$20.
Manufacturing Locations: Japan.

16. 14C28N Steel

Chemical Composition: 0.62% Carbon, 14% Chromium, Nitrogen.
Main Uses: EDC knives, kitchen tools.
Date of Introduction: 2005.
Cost per Pound: ~$10-$12.
Manufacturing Locations: Sweden (Sandvik).

17. N690 Steel

Chemical Composition: 1.07% Carbon, 17% Chromium, Cobalt.
Main Uses: Outdoor knives, tactical tools.
Date of Introduction: 1990s.
Cost per Pound: ~$15-$18.
Manufacturing Locations: Austria.

18. X50CrMoV15

Chemical Composition: 0.5% Carbon, 15% Chromium, 1% Molybdenum, Vanadium.
Main Uses: German kitchen knives.
Date of Introduction: Mid-20th century.
Cost per Pound: ~$10.
Manufacturing Locations: Germany.

19. 154CM Steel

Chemical Composition: 1.05% Carbon, 14% Chromium, 4% Molybdenum.
Main Uses: Premium EDC knives.
Date of Introduction: 1970s.
Cost per Pound: ~$15-$20.
Manufacturing Locations: USA.

20. ZDP-189

Chemical Composition: 3% Carbon, 20% Chromium.
Main Uses: High-performance knives.
Date of Introduction: 1990s.
Cost per Pound: ~$40.
Manufacturing Locations: Japan.

21. Damascus Steel

Chemical Composition: Varies (layered high-carbon steels).
Main Uses: Custom knives, collector’s pieces.
Date of Introduction: Ancient times.
Cost per Pound: Varies ($30-$50).
Manufacturing Locations: Worldwide, primarily custom makers.