5160 Steel

Carbon Steel

Hardness: 56–58 HRC

Typical Price Range: $30–$200

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.

Advantages

✓Outstanding toughness — excels at chopping and prying
✓Excellent impact and flex resistance
✓Relatively easy to sharpen

Disadvantages

✗Moderate edge retention only
✗Prone to rust — requires regular oiling

Best Use Cases

•Survival and camp blades
•Axes and choppers
•Hard-use bushcraft knives

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