Browse knife steels grouped by material category.
D2 is a high-carbon, high-chromium tool steel known for excellent wear resistance and good edge retention. It sits on the border between stainless and carbon steel and is a popular budget-premium option.
Modern Damascus steel is created by forge-welding multiple layers of steel together, then etching to reveal a distinctive wavy pattern. It is prized primarily for aesthetics but can also deliver excellent performance.
5160 is a chromium-vanadium spring steel prized for exceptional toughness. It is a top choice for large fixed blades, swords, and hard-use survival knives where flex and impact resistance matter more than edge retention.
1084 is a simple high-carbon steel that is a favorite of knifemakers and bladesmiths for its ease of heat treatment, excellent toughness, and ability to achieve a very sharp edge. A top choice for handmade blades.
1095 is one of the most classic and widely used high-carbon steels for knives. It is simple to sharpen, holds a good edge, and can be made very tough — Ka-Bar's legendary military knives are made from 1095.
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