Knife Steels Explained: From 440C to Elmax

Knife Steels Explained: From 440C to Elmax

One of the most confusing parts of buying a quality knife is understanding steel types. The blade steel determines how well the knife holds an edge, how easy it is to sharpen, and how resistant it is to rust. This guide breaks down the most common steels you will encounter.

Budget Steels

420HC

Used by Buck on many of their popular models. Affordable, easy to sharpen, and rust resistant. Not the best edge retention but a solid choice for everyday carry knives that will see rough use. Buck heat treats their 420HC exceptionally well which makes it perform above its class.

8Cr13MoV

A Chinese-made steel found in many budget knives including some Kershaw and older CRKT models. Good corrosion resistance and easy to sharpen. Edge retention is modest. A fine option for someone just starting out in the hobby who wants to practice sharpening.

Mid-Range Steels

440C

A classic stainless steel that was considered premium for decades. Good corrosion resistance and decent edge retention. Still used by many manufacturers including Benchmade on some models. Easy to sharpen and a reliable performer for everyday tasks.

AUS-8

Japanese stainless steel popular in the 1990s and still used today. Slightly better edge retention than 420HC with similar corrosion resistance. Cold Steel uses AUS-8 on many of their value-tier products. Very easy to touch up in the field.

VG-10

A premium Japanese stainless steel that has become the standard for mid-tier Japanese knives and many Spyderco models. Excellent edge retention, good corrosion resistance, and harder than most steels in this range. The Spyderco Endura and Delica both use VG-10 to great effect.

Premium Steels

S30V

Developed by Crucible Industries specifically for knife blades, S30V was a game-changer when it launched. Excellent edge retention, good toughness, and solid corrosion resistance. Used by Benchmade, Spyderco, and many custom makers. A benchmark steel that most serious collectors know well.

S35VN

An improvement on S30V with added niobium for better toughness and easier grinding. Slightly better performance in nearly every category. This is the steel used on the Chris Reeve Sebenza and many other premium folders. If S30V is the standard, S35VN is the upgrade.

M390 and 20CV

These are essentially the same steel from different mills. Extremely high carbide content delivers outstanding edge retention. The best stainless steel currently available for most buyers. Found on Benchmade Gold Class, Zero Tolerance, and many other premium production knives.

Elmax

A Swedish powder metallurgy steel with exceptional edge retention and very good corrosion resistance. Often compared to M390 but with slightly different properties that some users prefer. Used by top custom makers and premium production brands. Elmax requires more skill to sharpen but rewards patience with an exceptional edge.

Tool Steels for Non-Stainless Fans

D2

A semi-stainless tool steel that offers exceptional edge retention but requires more maintenance to prevent rust. Very popular with collectors who want a balance between performance and affordability. Benchmade, CRKT, and many custom makers use D2 to great effect.

CPM-3V

One of the toughest steels available, used primarily on fixed blades intended for hard use. Excellent edge retention for a tough steel. The go-to choice for hunters and outdoorsmen who put their knives to serious work in the field.

Which Steel Should You Choose?

For everyday carry on a budget, 8Cr13MoV or AUS-8 get the job done. For a premium folder, S35VN or M390 offer the best combination of performance and value. For a collectible custom knife, ask the maker what steel they prefer and why. The best steel is the one that fits your use case and your skill at sharpening.