Knife steels explained

Knife steel determines how well your blade holds an edge, resists rust, and sharpens in the field. Here's how the most common hunting-knife steels compare.

Balance combines the three lab ratings. Well-rounded isn't always best: a skinning knife may favor edge holding, a camp knife toughness. Field sharpening is NOT part of the balance score.

These rate the steel, not the knife. Heat treatment and edge shape matter as much as the steel.

Ratings: Knife Steel Nerds. Its author, Larrin Thomas, co-designed MagnaCut.