Understanding Blade Steels: Best Metals for Your EDC Knife
Choosing the right everyday carry (EDC) knife isn’t just about blade shape or handle design. The type of metal used in your EDC knife is just as important. The blade’s metal impacts its sharpness, durability, corrosion resistance, and edge retention. At Blueprint EDC, we believe knowing your metals will help you make a more informed choice when selecting an EDC knife best suited to your needs. Here’s a breakdown of the most common metals used in EDC knives and what makes each one unique.
1. Stainless Steel: The Popular Choice
Stainless steel is widely used in EDC knives for its balance between durability, corrosion resistance, and affordability. Containing chromium, stainless steel resists rust, making it ideal for humid or outdoor environments. However, stainless steels may require more frequent sharpening than some premium steels.
Common Types:
- 420HC: Known for being easy to sharpen and highly resistant to corrosion, it’s used in budget-friendly EDC knives.
- 440C: Offers improved hardness and edge retention over 420HC, making it a popular choice for mid-range knives.
Top Pick: The Buck 110 Folding Hunter with 420HC stainless steel combines affordability and performance, ideal for beginner EDC.
2. High Carbon Steel: Tough and Reliable
High carbon steel (HCS) blades are loved by EDC enthusiasts for their toughness and superior edge retention. HCS’s contain minimal chromium, which means they aren’t as resistant to corrosion as stainless steels, but they offer excellent sharpness and strength. With proper care, carbon steel knives last a lifetime.
Common Types:
- 1095 Carbon Steel: Known for its durability and ease of sharpening, 1095 is a go-to choice for outdoor EDC knives.
- 52100 Steel: A bit harder than 1095, this steel is popular for its balance of toughness and sharpness, though it requires diligent maintenance.
Top Pick: The ESEE-4 with 1095 carbon steel offers excellent strength and is ideal for users who prioritize durability over rust resistance.
3. D2 Tool Steel: Semi-Stainless Performance
D2 steel is a high-carbon, high-chromium tool steel that bridges the gap between carbon and stainless steel. With more chromium than typical carbon steels (around 12%), D2 is highly resistant to corrosion for a non-stainless steel. It offers excellent edge retention, though it may be more challenging to sharpen than other metals.
Top Pick: The Ontario RAT Model 1 in D2 is a solid option for those looking for durability and performance, combining toughness with semi-stainless properties.
4. S30V and S35VN: Premium Stainless Steels
S30V and S35VN are premium stainless steels developed specifically for high-end knives offering some of the best metals when choosing an EDC knife. They offer excellent edge retention, toughness, and corrosion resistance, making them popular in premium EDC knives. S35VN, an upgrade to S30V, includes vanadium and niobium carbides, which enhance the steel’s toughness and ease of sharpening.
Top Pick: The Spyderco Para 3 in S30V is renowned for its superb balance of sharpness, edge retention, and corrosion resistance, making it a top choice for EDC enthusiasts.
5. VG-10: Japanese Stainless Steel with Versatility
VG-10 is a Japanese stainless steel known for its high corrosion resistance and ability to achieve a fine, razor-sharp edge. This steel offers a balance of edge retention, durability, and ease of sharpening, making it popular in both EDC and culinary knives. VG-10’s excellent sharpness retention makes it a great choice for lightweight, everyday use.
Top Pick: The Spyderco Endura IV in VG-10 is perfect for those seeking an EDC knife that’s both functional and easy to maintain.
6. M390: The Super Steel
For those wanting the best of the best, M390 is often regarded as a “super steel” in the knife world. Known for its high edge retention, superior corrosion resistance, and hardness, M390 is a premium choice for high-end EDC knives. However, these benefits come at a price—it’s more difficult to sharpen and typically costs more.
Top Pick: The Benchmade 940-1 Osborne in M390 steel offers exceptional performance and longevity, ideal for serious EDC enthusiasts who prioritize top-tier materials.
7. 8Cr13MoV: Affordable Stainless Steel for EDC
8Cr13MoV is an affordable, Chinese-made stainless steel that’s easy to sharpen and provides decent corrosion resistance. While it doesn’t offer the same durability as higher-end steels, it’s ideal for entry-level EDC knives due to its balance of affordability and functionality.
Top Pick: The Kershaw Cryo in 8Cr13MoV is an excellent budget-friendly option, providing good performance for users new to EDC.
8. Damascus Steel: Beautiful and Functional
Damascus steel is known for its distinctive, wavy pattern and combination of high and low-carbon steels. While often prized for its aesthetic, modern Damascus steel is also durable and sharp, depending on the quality of materials used. Damascus blades require regular maintenance but add a unique look to any EDC setup.
Top Pick: The Boker Damascus Gent is a stylish, functional knife with genuine Damascus steel, perfect for collectors and those who value aesthetics in their EDC.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Metal for Your EDC Knife
Selecting the best metals for your EDC knife is about balancing your needs, environment, and budget. Stainless steels like VG-10 and S30V are ideal for those needing corrosion resistance, while high-carbon and tool steels like 1095 and D2 provide superior durability. For those seeking the best of both worlds, M390 or S35VN offer exceptional performance for daily use.
At Blueprint EDC, we encourage you to consider how and where you’ll be using your knife. By understanding the properties of different blade steels, you can make an informed choice that aligns with your specific requirements, ensuring your EDC knife remains a reliable tool for years to come. For more help choosing the perfect EDC knife check out our comprehensive guide: here.
