The Pros and Cons of Different Blade Steels


The Pros and Cons of Different Blade Steels



When it comes to choosing the right knife, blade steel is one of the most important factors. The type of steel determines how well your knife holds an edge, how tough it is under stress, and how easy it is to maintain. At Onward Blades, we believe every steel has its place depending on how you plan to use your knife. Here’s a breakdown of some popular blade steels and their pros and cons:





Carbon Steels (1095, 1075, etc.)



Pros:


  • Easy to sharpen in the field
  • Tough and durable, great for heavy use
  • Takes a razor-sharp edge



Cons:


  • Prone to rust and patina if not cared for
  • Requires regular maintenance and oiling



Best for: Bushcraft, outdoor knives, and users who don’t mind maintaining their tools.





Stainless Steels (440C, AUS-8, 8Cr13MoV, etc.)



Pros:


  • Resists rust and corrosion
  • Good balance between sharpness and durability
  • Widely available and affordable



Cons:


  • Edge retention isn’t the best compared to premium steels
  • Some stainless steels can be harder to sharpen



Best for: Everyday carry knives that need low maintenance.





Tool Steels (D2, O1, CPM-M4, etc.)



Pros:


  • Great edge retention
  • Very tough and durable
  • Popular among custom knife makers



Cons:


  • Some grades are semi-stainless and can still rust
  • Can be harder to sharpen without the right stones



Best for: Work knives, outdoor knives, and blades that see a lot of use.





Powder Metallurgy Steels (S30V, S35VN, Magnacut, etc.)



Pros:


  • Excellent edge retention
  • Corrosion-resistant (especially Magnacut)
  • Great balance of toughness and sharpness



Cons:


  • More expensive
  • Can be harder to sharpen for beginners



Best for: High-performance EDC and premium knives where you want the best mix of qualities.





Damascus Steel



Pros:


  • Unique, beautiful patterns
  • Good mix of hardness and toughness when made well
  • Adds character to a knife



Cons:


  • Performance depends on the maker’s skill
  • Typically more expensive
  • Needs the same care as carbon steel in many cases



Best for: Collectors, special pieces, or anyone who appreciates function and artistry combined.





Final Thoughts



No steel is truly “the best” — it all comes down to what you value most. Do you want easy maintenance? Go stainless. Do you want raw toughness and field performance? Carbon steel might be your friend. If you want cutting-edge technology, powder steels like Magnacut deliver incredible performance.


At Onward Blades, we design and build knives with steels chosen for real-world use — whether that’s bushcraft, everyday carry, or hard work in the field.

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