- Steel is available in many varieties and grades to suit a variety of uses.three blades image by jimcox40 from Fotolia.com
Creating steel for blades is a process that began many centuries ago. The evolution of steel grades, from the development of stainless steels to artisan experiments with Damascus-like etching techniques, has led to a broad palate of available steel options for making all kinds of blades, and for almost any purpose. Some blades have greater resistance to corrosion and staining, while others hold their edge better but sacrifice durability. - This is a stainless steel developed in the United States. It was originally designed for use in turbine blades for jet engines, but it is also excellent for creating personal knives and other weapons. As a stainless steel, 154CM is corrosion resistant and holds its edge well throughout the life of the blade.
- Manufactured blades are often made from 440C, which is known for its stain resistant qualities and medium hardness grade (56--59 Rc). 440C steel maintains its blade edge as well as any other stainless steel and it's easier to sharpen than most, due to the fact that it's not too hard.
- This stainless steel is made primarily in Japan. It is similar to 154CM steel and rose to prominence as a higher quality alternative to 440C. However, ATS-34 is not as corrosion resistant as other steel grades. This steel holds a carbon content of 1.04 percent and cuts best when hardened to a grade between 59--61 Rc.
- A low carbon content characterizes AUS-8 blade steel. This steel is highly resistant to corrosion (more so than most other stainless steels) and breakage. Its chief disadvantage is its low carbon content, which prevents it from holding an edge for very long. It requires constant sharpening, which lends itself to a shorter blade life compared to other steel grades.
- This steel grade is among the easiest to create luster and shine with, due to its low resistance to grinding (metal working). This steel is used primarily for kitchen knives and other small blades, as it is difficult to fold for making larger, denser blades. It has also been used as a component in the making of Damascus style blades, and is known for its overall workability.
- D2 is a high carbon steel. The wear resistance of this steel grade is virtually unparalleled, as is its ability to maintain its blade edge and sharpness. Problems arise for D2 in the area of toughness---this steel is not as durable as others and falls short in chromium content (by 1%) to be considered a stainless steel. This means that it is more susceptible to corrosion and stain than other types of steel.
- Damascus steel is actually several steels folded into one. This technique of blade making is reserved for artisan works that require an acid etching process, which exposes the folds of the blade and reveals its various steel components. Its strengths include durability and sharpness, although blades made using this process are often quite expensive.
- Those in need of a blade that will never corrode or break need look no further than one made using H1 steel. This steel grade has made a name for itself due to its unparalleled durability. However, maintaining sharpness is an issue for H1 blades, which tend to lose their edge more rapidly than other steel grades.
- M2 is a machine or tool grade steel used in the making of industrial cutters and saws. M2 blades are known to be exceptionally sharp and resistant to damage through wear and tear. However, they tend to corrode very easily. M2 is not recommended for large knives or blade projects as it can become brittle if it is fanned out too thinly.
- S30V is a premium grade steel developed in the United States, and is used chiefly for blade making. This steel holds its edge well and maintains good resistance to corrosion. This is due to its high content of vanadium carbide, as opposed to the higher chromium content that's normally associated with stainless steel blades.
154CM
440C
ATS-34
AUS-8
AEBL
D2
Damascus
H1
M2
S30V
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