Pocket Knife Blade Materials: Your Guide

Key Takeaways

• Most pocket knife blades are made from various types of knife steels, specifically stainless, carbon, or tool steel.
• The most common different knife steels for budget-friendly pocket knives are: 420HC, 8Cr13MoV, and AUS-8.
• The most common mid-range blade steels are: 14C28N, D2, and VG-10.
• The most common premium blade steels are: S30V, S35VN, and CPM 20CV.

Pocket knife blades are usually made from steel, but there are many different types available. In this guide, we’re highlighting the most prevalent steels used for budget-friendly, mid-range, and premium pocket knives. Let’s get started!

The Three Main Types Of Knife Steels Are:

• Stainless steel blades are made of at least 13% chromium and are valued for their exceptional corrosion resistance, low maintenance, and high shine.
• Carbon steel blades are made of an iron and carbon alloy and are valued for their ease of sharpening and toughness, although they’re less resistant to corrosion.
• Tool steel blades are made from an alloy of various metals and are typically valued for their superior edge retention and wear resistance, although alloy compositions vary.

Key Factors to Consider

When choosing knife blade materials, there are five main elements to keep in mind. Different types of knife steels have pros and cons based on the following:

• Toughness: The blade’s overall durability.
• Ease of Sharpening: How difficult and time-consuming it is to restore its edge.
• Edge Retention: The blade’s ability to resist dullness and how long it remains sharp.
• Corrosion Resistance: How well the blade resists rust, stains, and other environmental damage.
• Hardness: A harder blade has better edge retention but is more difficult to sharpen and more prone to chipping compared to a softer blade.

A Brief Overview of Different Knife Steels

Let’s take a look at the most widespread types of knife steels you’re likely to encounter when shopping for pocket knives. 

Please note that this is just a general guide to the core knife blade materials on the market. Many knife brands have their own signature steels and use proprietary manufacturing techniques, so it’s important to research each individual knife for a comprehensive overview. 

Budget-Friendly Knives

While prices and steels do vary, these are the types of steel most commonly used for knives, around $50 and below. With that said, there are plenty of top-quality folding knives that use these steels, too.

420HC

420HC (High Carbon) stainless steel is likely the most ubiquitous of all types of knife steels. It’s a great all-around steel that offers excellent ease of sharpening and corrosion resistance. Buck Knives and Victorinox are known for using their own proprietary versions of 420HC steel.

AUS-8

AUS-8 is a Japanese high-carbon stainless steel that’s known for its excellent ease of sharpening, corrosion resistance, and toughness. Its edge retention is average, so it may not be the best choice for demanding applications without frequent sharpening.

8Cr13MoV

Usually made in China, 8Cr13MoV is often compared to AUS-8 and has a similar performance. When choosing types of knife steels, consider the manufacturer. A Kershaw knife with an 8Cr13MoV steel blade will be of much higher quality than the same steel from a generic brand.

Mid-Range Knives

Mid-range knives typically cost $50 or more. As mentioned, many of the “budget-friendly” knife blade materials above are still used to make higher-end knives. 

For example, a well-made 420HC blade may offer superior performance over a poorly made “high-end” steel. When choosing different knife steels, don’t just look at the type of steel itself. Consider the brand’s reputation first and foremost.

14C28N

14C28N is a type of steel developed by Sandvik, a Swedish engineering company. Compared to other types of knife steels, 14C28N is known for being an exceptionally great value. Used by Kershaw and other top brands, this steel offers an optimal balance of hardness and toughness.

D2

D2 typically contains around 12% chromium, so it’s not quite stainless steel and is often referred to as a semi-stainless tool steel. D2 has superb wear resistance and edge retention, but it’s not as resistant to corrosion as true stainless steel.

VG-10

Commonly used for culinary knives, VG-10 is a high-end Japanese steel made with a high amount of cobalt and vanadium, which gives it outstanding sharpness and edge retention.

Premium Knives

Pocket knives that cost $100+ use many different types of knife steels. Again, not all high-end knives will use these steels, but they’re some of the fancier options available for those seeking the best of the best.

S30V

Developed by Crucible Industries, S30V is one of the more groundbreaking knife blade materials because it’s made with ceramic compounds called vanadium carbides that significantly improve corrosion resistance and edge retention.

S35VN

S35VN is the successor to S30V. Adding niobium to the composition improves upon S30V steel’s toughness and ease of sharpening.

CPM 20CV

CPM 20CV has high amounts of chromium and vanadium and famously offers top-tier edge retention compared to other different knife steels, as well as phenomenal corrosion resistance.

Customize the Perfect Pocket Knife

Now that you’re familiar with the types of knife steels, explore our pocket knives to find your ideal everyday carry. From tactical and multi-functional knives to hunting and fishing knives, we offer a wide selection and in-house engraving services. Shop now!