Different Knife Steels and Their Impact on Performance

Many of the different knife steels might look similar to the naked eye. This may lead you to believe they all offer the same characteristics when used to create knife blades. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth.

If you do a deeper knife steel comparison, you will find that these steels — including 1095 Carbon, CPM 3V, CPM S35VN, and CPM MagnaCut — bring something slightly different to the table. As a result, you must think long and hard about which one you utilize while building a knife.

So, what can you expect from these steels? Keep reading to compare them and make selecting the right one for your blade easier.

1095 Carbon

When it comes to the different knife steels, people often regard 1095 Carbon as the most basic of the bunch, but this doesn’t mean you should disregard it when considering your options. It’s one of the leading choices for knife blades that extend excellent edge sharpness. It’s a popular choice among those who appreciate the easy to sharpen 1095 Carbon blades, like this Architect® AK 3.5 Blade.

There are potential drawbacks to choosing 1095 carbon steel blades. Their high carbon content makes them less resistant than the other options. They’re also known to rust more than blades made of different types of steel. Thanks to their simplicity and affordability, they remain popular but may not be ideal for those who value low maintenance and longevity.

CPM 3V

If you’re interested in investing in a knife steel that is more tough than 1095 carbon, CPM 3V might be a better choice. It’s one of the toughest knife steels, providing incredible wear resistance. It won’t wear down like other options featured in our knife steel comparison, making it perfect for people who wish to use a knife blade, such as this Architect® AK 4.5 Blade, to perform batoning, chopping, and other more demanding tasks.

However, CPM 3V has its flaws. Like 1095 carbon, it is less corrosion-resistant than other types of steel. It also features an alloy combination that will cause it to become dull quicker than other knife blades, and it doesn’t hold an edge as well as its competitors. Still, it makes up for these imperfections by undergoing heat treatment, giving it unmatched toughness.

CPM S35VN

A lot of top-tier knives skip the usual knife steels and go with CPM S35VN – and it’s not hard to see why. This steel boasts excellent edge retention, like 1095 carbon, while offering above-average corrosion resistance. It makes CPM S35VN the go-to steel for those who value having the sharpest blade possible, such as this Architect® AK 6.5 Blade, on their knives. People also value how easy it is to sharpen blades constructed out of this steel and how long they hold their edges.

So, what stops people from purchasing this option, instead selecting other steels? The price has much to do with it, as this is premium-quality steel and one of the more expensive options. It also contains very little carbon — only about 1.4% in most cases — discouraging those who prefer knives with carbon steel blades.

CPM MagnaCut

You can’t create a knife steel comparison and leave CPM MagnaCut out of the mix. It’s arguably the most balanced option, as it offers a unique blend of toughness, durability, edge retention, strength, and corrosion resistance, making it a remarkably versatile knife steel. It has become a top selection for those searching for general-purpose knife blades, like this Architect® AK 8 Blade, that do a little bit of everything, even in less-than-ideal wet conditions.

However, even CPM MagnaCut has a couple of downsides you should consider. Like other high-hardness steels, knife blades made using this steel are more prone to chipping than other choices. It also presents sharpening challenges, especially for those without much experience. Still, neither of these factors stops it from being one of the most sought-after knife steels among knife connoisseurs.

Use This Knife Steel Comparison to Select the Right Blade

Pros and cons accompany each knife steel available through Architect Knives and affect their overall performances. Your job is to determine how you plan to use a knife and choose the appropriate steel blade to meet your needs.

Are you having trouble making a final decision? The experts at Architect Knives would be more than happy to help. Contact us with any questions or concerns about the blades we sell.