All pocket knife blades are made of steels of various types; the primary difference being which element the steel has been alloyed with. On this page, we will address the types of alloy which blades may be made of, and what they mean.
Remember; the term ‘steel alloy’ refers to steel to which other elements have been added during manufacture. Different elements impart different benefits into the final alloy.
Carbon steel
Carbon steel is the most commonly used steel alloy, and is used in the vast majority of knife blades. Increasing a steel alloy’s carbon content hardens it considerably, making it less likely to bend, but more likely to snap.
Chromium steel
Chromium steel is alloyed with chrome. This improves hardness, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance. Chromium steel is most commonly used in stainless steel manufacture.
Molybdenum steel
Molybdenum steel is alloyed with the chemical element molybdenum. This is also commonly used in stainless steel manufacture, and improves corrosion resistance and tensile strength (the stress that the steel can withstand before failing).
Nickel steel
Nickel steel is often used in blades which are likely to be exposed to water for long periods, such as on pocket knives designed for diving, wilderness survival and outdoor sports. The addition of nickel to a steel alloy greatly improves resistance to rust and corrosion.
Vanadium steel
The addition of vanadium to a steel alloy results in a very fine grain structure. The finer the grain in a steel alloy, the greater its wear resistance. Vanadium steel is extremely durable, but will be more expensive than most other alloys.
