What I prefer

I work with a handful of proven carbon steels. 80CrV2 is my go-to for most knives because it gives the best all-around performance for real-world use.

Steel Breakdowns

80CrV2 My primary steel for most builds. A modern high-performance carbon steel. Benefits: Excellent balance of edge retention, toughness, wear resistance, and ease of sharpening. It holds a working edge extremely well and forgives small heat-treat variations. Downsides: Like all carbon steels, it requires regular oiling to prevent rust. Best for: Hard-working utility, bushcraft, EDC, and tactical blades.

1084 A reliable, forgiving high-carbon steel. Benefits: Easy to work with, takes a keen edge, good toughness. Downsides: Needs consistent care to avoid rust. Best for: Everyday utility knives.

1095 Classic high-carbon steel. Benefits: Outstanding sharpness and edge retention. Downsides: More prone to rust and slightly more brittle if abused. Best for: Pure cutting performance.

5160 Spring steel with added chromium. Benefits: Exceptional toughness and flex — resists breaking under impact. Downsides: Slightly less wear-resistant than 80CrV2. Best for: Larger choppers and hard-use blades.

52100 Bearing steel with fine grain. Benefits: Great edge stability and wear resistance. Downsides: Trickier to forge consistently. Best for: Refined utility knives.

O1 Tool steel favored by many makers. Benefits: Excellent edge holding and grindability. Downsides: Low corrosion resistance. Best for: Precision work and collector pieces.

Every knife gets a proper heat treat tailored to the steel. Carbon steels like these deliver superior performance when you give them basic care, a light coat of oil after use makes a big difference.

Questions about steel choice for your project? Reach out through the Contact page.