Knife Steel Types Explained

Discover the best knives organized by their steel type in this specialized collection. Whether you’re looking for premium edge retention, corrosion resistance, toughness, or ease of sharpening, the steel in your knife’s blade is a critical factor.

This collection features knives made with the most popular and trusted steels, including CPM-S30V, D2, M390, 154CM, 14C28N, Elmax, and MagnaCut. Each steel has unique properties that make it suited for different uses — from outdoor survival and hunting to everyday carry and kitchen work.

Browse our selection to compare steels and find the perfect knife that meets your needs and preferences. Whether you’re a steel enthusiast, a collector, or simply want the best performance for your budget, you’ll find a wide variety of high-quality blades here.

14C28N Steel

Sandvik’s 14C28N steel is a premium stainless steel known for excellent corrosion resistance and superb sharpness. It’s a favorite for EDC knives thanks to its balance of edge retention, toughness, and ease of sharpening—ideal for everyday use in all conditions.

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154CM Steel

154CM is a high-carbon stainless steel celebrated for its impressive balance of hardness, edge retention, and corrosion resistance. Often found in premium tactical and EDC knives, it delivers reliable performance with minimal maintenance.

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CPM-20CV Steel

CPM-20CV is a premium stainless steel known for exceptional edge retention, excellent corrosion resistance, and wear resistance. Its high chromium and vanadium content make it one of the best steels for high-end folding knives, perfect for those who demand peak performance.

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CPM-S35VN Steel

CPM-S35VN is a high-performance stainless steel that improves on S30V with added toughness and ease of sharpening. It’s highly corrosion-resistant, durable, and perfect for professionals and enthusiasts who want dependable performance every time.

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Damascus Steel

Damascus steel is famous for its striking wavy patterns and superb cutting ability. Blending layers of steel creates not just beauty but durability and edge performance, making Damascus steel pocket knives a collector’s dream and a functional EDC choice.

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Elmax Steel

Elmax steel is a premium stainless steel produced with powder metallurgy. It offers excellent edge retention, high wear resistance, and superior corrosion resistance, making it a favorite for high-end EDC and tactical knives that need to perform in tough conditions.

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M390 Steel

M390 steel is often called a “super steel” because of its incredible wear resistance, excellent corrosion resistance, and unmatched edge retention. It’s one of the best choices for premium knives that need to stay razor-sharp through demanding use.

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Magnacut Steel

Developed specifically for knives, CPM Magnacut offers a rare balance of toughness, edge retention, and corrosion resistance—without sacrificing performance. It’s a modern marvel that’s rapidly becoming a favorite among serious users and custom makers alike.

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Nitro-V Steel

Nitro-V is a nitrogen-enriched stainless steel that delivers excellent corrosion resistance, impressive toughness, and good edge retention. Its balance of performance and affordability makes it a fantastic choice for both everyday carry and outdoor knives.

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S35VN Steel

S35VN is an enhanced stainless steel that builds on the success of S30V by adding toughness and improving ease of sharpening. It’s highly corrosion-resistant and perfect for high-end tactical and EDC knives that see serious use.

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Ready to shop knives with your favorite steel?