A Beginner’s Guide to Steel Knife Blades

Finding the right knife doesn’t have to be a challenge. Understanding the various materials comprising a knife will help you determine which blade is best for you. Let’s take a closer look at steel knife blades by exploring our beginner’s guide.

Typical Steel Types

Three categories of steel are used to make knife blades: stainless steel, tool steel, and carbon steel. Read on to learn more about each blade type!

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is one of the most popular types of knife blades. It’s corrosion-resistant, thanks to the addition of chromium, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t clean it regularly. Stainless steel can rust after prolonged exposure to moisture and chemicals, among other things. It can also be more challenging to sharpen due to its composition.

Carbon Steel

Carbon steel is common in machetes and axes because carbon becomes very strong after hardening. High-carbon steel is also common for knife blades. You should know that choosing a knife made with carbon steel will require you to perform frequent maintenance, as they’re not rust-resistant like stainless steel. You’ll need to be meticulous about keeping it clean, and remember to oil it often.

Tool Steel

Wrenches, cutting tools, and pocket knives are made of tool steel. The different alloying elements, such as tungsten and molybdenum, provide the steel with strength, wear resistance, and hardness.

The Best Steel Option

After reading this beginner’s guide to steel knife blades, you should feel confident about buying a steel bladed knife of your own. However, avoid selecting a knife based on the steel blade type. Instead, choose a knife based on its intended use. Are you an avid camper or outdoor explorer? A tough knife blade is exactly what you need. Look for blades that can help you cut vegetation and prepare meals at your campsite.

Buy your knife from a trusted expert. They can help you find the best knife for your lifestyle. The Knife Connection is an experienced knife seller, and we offer various brands to ensure our customers find the right blade for them. Take a look at the Winkler knives for sale, and you’ll see why so many people prefer them.