Choosing the right knife is not as easy as it seems. There are many factors in a knife that affect this choice, such as the grip, handle type, handle material, blade length, blade material, and many more. 

A key deciding feature in a knife, based on your needs, is the blade material. The knife blade is typically made of different types of steel, and the steel determines which knife is best suited for a particular activity. It also affects how long your knife stays sharp and how easily it can get rusted or handle tough tasks.

So, today, we will discuss various knife steels that are available on CajunKnife.com to suit your distinct needs. Let’s begin by understanding what you should look for in the knife steel. 

What to look for in Knife steel 

The material in your knife blade decides how easy the knife is to use and how long it will last. There are many areas you need to look for while choosing the right knife. Let’s explore those factors. 

      1. Edge Retention 

This is the time for how long your blade maintains a sharp edge under normal use. High edge retention refers to sharpening less often, which is crucial for heavy tasks or long outdoor excursions.

      2. Toughness 

Toughness is the capacity of a blade to endure impact and withstand cracking, chipping, or breaking. It's particularly crucial for survival or bushcraft knives that will be subjected to batoning or prying. 

      3. Corrosion Resistance 

A knife with good corrosion resistance will be able to handle moisture, humidity, or acidic conditions without rusting or staining. This is most important for kitchen knives, EDC blades, and those that will be exposed to coastal or wet conditions.

      4. Ease of Sharpening 

Some steels are so hard that they're difficult to sharpen without investing in specialized tools. An easily sharpenable steel is perfect for beginners or people who need to keep their knife sharp quickly out in the field.

      5. Use Case Suitability 

Not all steel is appropriate for all uses. For example, a steel perfectly suited for food preparation might not be suitable for tactical or survival. Properly matching the properties of the steel to your intended use guarantees the knife does its job as desired.

Quick Comparison of Blade Steels 

There are various types of blade material available on CajunKnife.com that one might get overwhelmed by. The following table will help you quickly decide which blade is most suitable for your distinct needs. 

Steel Type	Best For	Key Traits
Magnacut	Everyday carry (EDC), tactical	Balanced, tough, corrosion resistant
AEB-L	Kitchen, razor sharpness	Easy to sharp, fine edge
M390	Premium EDC	High corrosion resistance, excellent edge
M390MK	Outdoor/Tactical	Modified M390, optimized hardness
CPM 3V	Outdoors, hard use	Super tough, not completely stainless
CPM S45VN	EDC, tactical	Balanced upgrade from S35VN
S35VN	General-purpose	Corrosion resistant, easy to sharp
154CM	Budget premium	Older premium steel, good corrosion resistance

In-depth Blade Steel Breakdown 

      1. Magnacut

Magnacut is a contemporary "super steel" that perfectly combines stainless performance with superior toughness and edge retention. It is specifically developed for knife use and eliminates the compromise between strength and resistance to corrosion. It performs well in almost all areas and thus is one of the most well-balanced steels available today.

Best for: Tactical, outdoor, and everyday carry knives.

     2. AEB-L

Initially created for use in razor blades, AEB-L provides an extremely fine grain structure that supports an ultra-sharp, delicate edge. It is simple to sharpen and maintains a good edge, particularly at lower hardness. It is not as hard or durable as premium steels, but it is well suited for precision cutting operations due to its simplicity of maintenance and cutting ability.

Best for: Precision slicing tools, kitchen knives, and razors. 

      3. Bohler M390

M390 is a high-end powdered stainless steel. It has excellent wear resistance, edge holding, and corrosion resistance capability. Since it's harder to sharpen, it is preferred by experienced users or collectors who focus more on performance.

Best for: High-end tactical blades, premium EDC knives, and folding knives.

      4. Bohler M390MK

This is an adapted version of M390 with slight variations, often optimized by individual knife companies. It can provide a little enhanced toughness without sacrificing the edge retention and stainless characteristics M390 offers.

Best for: Tactical folders, high-performance everyday carry tools.

       5. CPM 3V

CPM 3V is a tool steel that emphasizes extreme toughness over stainless characteristics. It is highly break-resistant and perfect for applications subject to heavy impact. It requires regular maintenance as it has no corrosion resistance. 

Best for: Bushcraft knives, survival blades, heavy-duty outdoor use.

      6. CPM S45VN

CPM S45VN offers enhanced corrosion resistance and edge retention without compromising toughness. It is an excellent all-around steel for those who are seeking reliability without significant compromises.

Best for: Tactical EDC knives, users who want low maintenance and durability.

      7. S35VN

S35VN is loved by knife users for its balanced performance. It is simpler to sharpen compared to M390 and has very good corrosion resistance and edge retention for most users.

Best for: First-time premium knife buyers, general EDC, outdoor, and tactical use.

      8. 154CM

154CM is an American classic stainless steel. It has good corrosion resistance and moderate edge retention with relatively easy sharpening, making it a great mid-range material.

Best for: Budget-friendly premium knives, kitchen knives, and beginner-level EDC.

Right Steel for Your Needs 

Here is a quick and easy summarization of the right types of steel based on your specific needs.

Need	Recommended Steel
All-purpose	Magnacut, S45VN, M390
Chef / Kitchen use	AEB-L, 154CM
Survival / Bushcraft	CPM 3V, Magnacut
Military / Tactical	M390MK, S45VN
Beginner Premium	S35VN, 154CM
Precision / Utility	Razor, AEB-L

Bottom Line 

Selecting the ideal knife steel is not always going with the most high-tech or the most expensive option. It is about what best suits your needs. Whether you're creating a survival kit, enhancing your EDC, or investing your precious money in a trusted kitchen knife, knowing the pros and cons of each steel allows you to make a wiser choice. 

If you have understood these different types of steel blades and want to get one for your specific needs, visit our store. Explore great steel blades to identify the right knife for your needs and lifestyle at CajunKnife.

FAQs 

What’s the best all-around knife steel?

Magnacut is considered the best all-around knife steel among various types. It offers excellent toughness, corrosion resistance, and edge retention. It has everything a knife enthusiast can ask for. 

Is the M390 better than the S35VN?

Yes, M390 is usually considered better than S35VN in terms of edge retention and corrosion resistance. However, it is more difficult to sharpen an M390 than an S35VN. 

Which steel is best for beginners?

S35VN and 154CM are typically made for beginners. They are good to start with due to their ease of sharpening and decent edge holding capacities. 

Does higher hardness mean better performance?

Higher hardness does not always mean better performance. Higher hardness offers better edge retention but can reduce toughness. This makes the blade more prone to chipping under stress. 

Why do some premium knives use older steels like 154CM?

154CM is time-tested, cost-effective, and easy to sharpen. It is highly preferred in specific applications that require high-end edge retention as its top priority.