If you are considering buying a knife, you may wonder how hard it should be. This is a common question, and a very important one. Often times, people make a mistake by choosing a knife that is too hard. You should avoid this mistake, and instead choose a knife that is suited to your hand and your purpose.
VG-10
VG-10 knife steel is a hard, rust-resistant stainless steel that is favored for its high chromium content and excellent corrosion resistance. It also offers a good edge retention.
This steel is manufactured in Japan. Although a popular cutlery grade, it is also used in outdoor tools and work tools. Many utility knives, Damascus and other types of knives utilize VG-10.
Unlike other steels, VG10 is a non-magnetic material. However, this does not mean that it is immune to corrosion. As with any metal, a VG10 blade may chip if it is exposed to moisture.
154CM
154CM is a popular steel for knife makers. It offers a good balance of hardness, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance. However, it does have a few drawbacks.
Compared to 440C, 154CM has a slightly lower toughness. It is also less resistant to rust. A rusty blade can be easily chipped.
Another disadvantage is that a 154CM knife will lose 49 mg of mass after a pin abrasion test. Consequently, it is not as easy to sharpen as ZDP-189. But, if you do a little elbow grease, you can get a nice edge.
ATS-34
ATS-34 is one of the most popular knife steels in the market. It is a high-carbon stainless steel that has good corrosion resistance and excellent edge retention. ATS-34 is ideal for knives used by fishers and divers. This is because the blade is tough enough to withstand a fair amount of abuse.
ATS-34 is a Japanese steel that has been around for quite a while. The Japanese have a reputation for making great quality knives.
ATS-34 is a highly alloyed steel that is popular among many custom knife makers. Despite the reputation of its low toughness, it still offers adequate wear resistance in the higher hardness ranges.
440C
440C is one of the more popular high carbon steels. It has excellent edge retention and wear resistance. These features make it an excellent choice for outdoor knife users.
Whether you’re looking for a new kitchen knife or a tough hunting knife, 440C is a great choice. Unlike other stainless steels, it is a strong material that won’t chip easily. In addition to its strength, 440C has a great look and easy to clean surface.
Having a good edge is a crucial factor when you’re cutting fresh meat or cardboard boxes. Even cutting nylon ropes requires edge retention.
XHP
If you are planning on buying a knife, it is important to understand the different types of steels available. The names of the steels may be slightly different from manufacturer to manufacturer. However, there are some notable names used by manufacturers.
For the most part, steels have been around for decades. They have proven themselves to be extremely hard and resistant to abrasion and chipping. In addition, they are known for good edge retention. This makes them ideal for knives, particularly fixed blades.
However, there are some steels that are not as hard and are not as resistant to abrasion. These include the VG-10 and the ATS-34 steels.
M390
When you are looking to buy a knife that will last for a long time, the M390 steel is an excellent choice. It is an ultra-premium steel with high toughness levels and grindability. This type of steel is commonly used in high-end small fixed blades.
As a martensitic stainless steel, the M390 features a fine grain size that contributes to its high wear resistance. The carbon content is high and helps to maintain its edge retention for a long time.
The third generation Powder Metallurgy (PM) technology of this type of steel is responsible for its strength and sharpness. Chromium, Molybdenum, and Vanadium help to increase the strength and hardness of the material.
Nitro V
If you’re looking for a utility knife, then it’s important to find a steel that’s tough enough to resist wear, damage, and deformation while being sharp enough to hold an edge. There are a few different types of metals available for your utility knives.
Knifes that are made from stainless steel are known for being corrosion-resistant. They also help to increase the performance of your blade. However, it’s important to note that stainless steel does not provide the same level of toughness as some other metals.
A high-carbon steel can contain up to 22% nickel. Nickel improves toughness, ductility, and wear resistance. Some steels may also contain vanadium.