In the knife industry, steel is a critical element that determines how the blade performs. Different types of steel can have different characteristics and are usually formulated with additive elements that improve specific properties like toughness or corrosion resistance.
During the manufacturing process, steels are heat treated to bring out the best performance characteristics of their raw materials. This is a complex task and requires skill and expertise.
China
Real Steel is an established knife manufacturer with a long history. The company has a large team of expert artisans who use traditional manufacturing techniques and state-of-the-art technology to make the best products.
They specialize in practical knives that cater to individual needs. They make a wide range of folding and fixed blade knives that are ideal for hunters, fishermen, hikers, bushcrafters and survival enthusiasts.
Their framelock pocket knives are well-built and durable, featuring satin-finish blades made from Sandvik or stainless steel. They also feature ball bearing pivots that provide smooth opening/closing of the knife. Many of these models are available with a Beta-Plus safety that adds an additional level of operational safety to the frame lock mechanism.
USA
Real Steel Knives are a family-owned virtual market space, and it offers a wide range of knives, cutlery and accessories. They are known for their reliable and durable products that meet all the quality standards.
The company specializes in practical designed knife series and caters to hikers, knife enthusiasts, travelers, and outdoor professionals. They follow a three-aspect production process that involves innovation strategy, production procedure and comprehensive customer consideration.
Their knives are designed with high-grade blades and sturdy handlebars. They are available in various designs and patterns to suit different needs of users. These knives are made from strong material like stainless steel, G-10 and coyote tan. They come with a thumb ridge and pocket clip to facilitate comfortable carrying. Some of them also come with a Kydex sheath.
Europe
Fortunately, there are a number of companies in Europe who have made it their mission to make knives of the highest quality and precision. They use innovative technologies based on traditional engineering to produce excellent knives at a very reasonable price.
A large factor in how a blade performs is the heat treatment it receives. Generally speaking, a higher grade steel will require a bit more work in the heat treat process but each manufacturer will bring their own particular skills to the table when transforming ‘raw’ steel into the finished product. This is why you may find a CPM-S30V knife from one company perform very differently to a CPM-S30V blade from another company. The key is to understand the type of cutting tasks you will be carrying out with your knife and identifying which steel will best meet these requirements. This will help to narrow down your choices and ultimately save you time when looking for a new blade.
Australia
A new kid on the block in 2013, Real Steel is already a major force in the folding knife arena. They pride themselves on combining technological know-how, perfect production, and elaborate design to produce the best folding knives in their class. The Harrier, their latest offering, is a fine example of this, boasting some very innovative features including a sealed bearing pivot and double detent system, which should be of great interest to all bushcrafters who prefer not to waste time tinkering with the mechanism of their choice.
The quality of the actual blade is not to be discounted however. The real trick is in the finishing and assembly, which often rely on clever engineering to ensure the final product delivers what it promises. Several factors contribute to this, but a good heat treatment is the most important of these. The other main responsibilities are choosing the right tool for the job, selecting an appropriate sheath and maintaining proper sharpening techniques. With all of these elements in mind, you are well on your way to owning a quality survival or bushcraft knife that will last you for many years to come.