When it comes to custom knives, design, handle materials, and craftsmanship often get the spotlight. But the real heart of any blade is the steel it’s made from. A knife’s steel affects everything from sharpness and durability to corrosion resistance and ease of maintenance. In this article, we’re diving deep into the high-end steels commonly found in custom knives. Whether you're a collector, user, or bladesmith, understanding the differences between these steels will help you choose the right knife—or make one that truly performs.
Why Blade Steel Matters
Before we compare specific steels, it’s important to understand why blade steel matters. Each steel has its own “recipe” of elements like carbon, chromium, vanadium, molybdenum, and nitrogen. These elements affect key properties, including:
-
Hardness – resistance to deformation (measured in Rockwell Hardness, HRC)
-
Toughness – resistance to chipping and cracking
-
Edge retention – how long the knife stays sharp
-
Corrosion resistance – how well the blade resists rust and stains
-
Ease of sharpening – how difficult it is to restore the edge
The trick is, no single steel excels in all categories. The best steel for a knife depends on its intended use—and in the world of custom knives, makers often choose the perfect steel to match the blade’s purpose.
High-End Blade Steels: An Overview
Let’s take a look at some of the most respected high-performance steels in the custom knife world. We’ll cover both stainless and carbon steels, as each has its place in high-end knives.
1. CPM S90V – The Edge Retention King
Composition Highlights: High in vanadium and chromium
Typical HRC: 58–61
Used for: EDC knives, high-end folders, precision cutting tools
S90V is a powder metallurgy steel known for exceptional wear resistance and edge retention. It contains a significant amount of vanadium carbides, which make the edge extremely hard and long-lasting. The downside? It’s a nightmare to sharpen unless you’ve got diamond stones. And while it’s stainless, it’s not the most corrosion-resistant in the family.
Pros:
Cons:
2. CPM 20CV / M390 / CTS-204P – The Stainless Super Trio
Composition Highlights: High chromium and vanadium
Typical HRC: 59–61
Used for: High-end EDC, tactical knives, kitchen knives
These three steels—CPM 20CV (Crucible), M390 (Bohler-Uddeholm), and CTS-204P (Carpenter)—are nearly identical in composition and performance. All offer a high level of corrosion resistance while maintaining excellent edge retention and decent toughness.
Custom makers love these steels for premium knives, especially where rust resistance is a priority (think humid climates, sweaty pockets, or food prep).
Pros:
Cons:
3. Elmax – The All-Around Performer
Composition Highlights: Chromium, vanadium, molybdenum
Typical HRC: 58–61
Used for: Tactical knives, fixed blades, EDC
Elmax is another powdered stainless steel that offers a great balance of edge retention, corrosion resistance, and toughness. It’s easier to sharpen than S90V or M390, and many custom makers turn to it for blades that need to hold up to real-world use.
Pros:
Cons:
4. CPM S35VN – The Custom Knife Classic
Composition Highlights: Chromium, vanadium, niobium
Typical HRC: 58–61
Used for: EDC knives, custom folders, bushcraft blades
S35VN was developed by Crucible in collaboration with Chris Reeve Knives, and it's been a go-to for custom makers ever since. It strikes a near-perfect balance: it’s tough, easy to sharpen, resists corrosion, and holds an edge well. It’s often considered the gold standard for mid-to-high-end knives.
Pros:
Cons:
5. CPM MagnaCut – The New Benchmark
Composition Highlights: Chromium, nitrogen, vanadium
Typical HRC: 60–63
Used for: Premium custom knives, outdoor and survival blades
MagnaCut is a revolutionary steel created by metallurgist Dr. Larrin Thomas, designed to be stainless and tough—two qualities that usually conflict. It delivers a superb balance of corrosion resistance, toughness, and wear resistance. It’s a dream material for custom fixed blades and EDCs alike.
Pros:
-
Truly stainless with excellent toughness
-
Outstanding edge retention
-
Modern metallurgy at its best
Cons:
6. Carbon Steels: 1095, 52100, and CruForge V
Not every high-end knife needs to be stainless. In fact, many custom makers still choose carbon steels for their workability, edge qualities, and character.
1095 – Simple, tough, and time-tested. Easy to sharpen and very tough, making it perfect for bushcraft and combat knives. It rusts easily, though, so maintenance is key.
52100 – Originally a bearing steel, 52100 takes a scary-sharp edge and has great toughness. It’s a favorite for forging and high-performance users.
CruForge V – Developed with custom smiths in mind, this steel contains vanadium for wear resistance and fine grain. It excels in forged knives where edge retention and toughness are priorities.
Pros of Carbon Steels:
-
Easy to sharpen
-
Excellent toughness
-
Forge-friendly
Cons:
Matching Steel to Knife Type
Now that we've covered the steels, let’s talk about how to match them to the right kind of custom knife.
EDC and Folding Knives
Prioritize corrosion resistance and edge retention. Top choices:
Outdoor and Survival Knives
Toughness is king here. You want a blade that can baton, pry, and carve without failing.
Kitchen and Chef’s Knives
Edge retention and corrosion resistance are vital. These blades don’t take abuse, but they do require precision and long-term sharpness.
Forged Customs and Traditional Blades
If you’re forging your own blade or want an old-school aesthetic, go with carbon steels.
How Heat Treatment Affects Performance
Even the best steel can underperform with a poor heat treatment. Heat treatment determines how hard or tough the final blade will be, and it’s part science, part art. A well-done heat treat can make 1095 outperform poorly treated S90V.
Custom makers often do their own heat treat or outsource it to trusted professionals, tuning it precisely for the steel’s chemistry and the blade’s intended use.
Common Misconceptions About “Best” Steel
There’s a lot of debate online about which steel is “the best,” but in reality, it depends on your needs. Some key myths:
-
Myth: Higher HRC = Better Knife
Truth: Too hard, and the blade becomes brittle. Balance is key.
-
Myth: Stainless means maintenance-free
Truth: Even stainless steels can rust if neglected.
-
Myth: Exotic = Always Better
Truth: A well-done 1095 blade may outperform an S90V blade in real-world use.
Final Thoughts: Choose Steel That Matches Your Use
Whether you’re buying or making a custom knife, understanding the steel is essential. High-end steels each bring something different to the table—some hold an edge forever, some resist rust, and others take a wicked sharp edge with minimal effort.
Ultimately, the best steel is the one that’s right for your purpose and use case. A display knife, a camp tool, and a culinary blade all have different needs—and custom makers have the flexibility to choose the best steel for each.
So next time you’re eyeing a custom knife, ask not just how it looks—but what it’s made of. Because the steel makes the knife.
The Steel Makes the Knife: Comparing High-End Blade Steels in Custom Knives
When it comes to custom knives, design, handle materials, and craftsmanship often get the spotlight. But the real heart of any blade is the steel it’s made from. A knife’s steel affects everything from sharpness and durability to corrosion resistance and ease of maintenance. In this article, we’re diving deep into the high-end steels commonly found in custom knives. Whether you're a collector, user, or bladesmith, understanding the differences between these steels will help you choose the right knife—or make one that truly performs.
Why Blade Steel Matters
Before we compare specific steels, it’s important to understand why blade steel matters. Each steel has its own “recipe” of elements like carbon, chromium, vanadium, molybdenum, and nitrogen. These elements affect key properties, including:
Hardness – resistance to deformation (measured in Rockwell Hardness, HRC)
Toughness – resistance to chipping and cracking
Edge retention – how long the knife stays sharp
Corrosion resistance – how well the blade resists rust and stains
Ease of sharpening – how difficult it is to restore the edge
The trick is, no single steel excels in all categories. The best steel for a knife depends on its intended use—and in the world of custom knives, makers often choose the perfect steel to match the blade’s purpose.
High-End Blade Steels: An Overview
Let’s take a look at some of the most respected high-performance steels in the custom knife world. We’ll cover both stainless and carbon steels, as each has its place in high-end knives.
1. CPM S90V – The Edge Retention King
Composition Highlights: High in vanadium and chromium
Typical HRC: 58–61
Used for: EDC knives, high-end folders, precision cutting tools
S90V is a powder metallurgy steel known for exceptional wear resistance and edge retention. It contains a significant amount of vanadium carbides, which make the edge extremely hard and long-lasting. The downside? It’s a nightmare to sharpen unless you’ve got diamond stones. And while it’s stainless, it’s not the most corrosion-resistant in the family.
Pros:
Incredible edge retention
Excellent for light-duty, high-performance cutting
Cons:
Difficult to sharpen
Not ideal for heavy-duty or outdoor use
2. CPM 20CV / M390 / CTS-204P – The Stainless Super Trio
Composition Highlights: High chromium and vanadium
Typical HRC: 59–61
Used for: High-end EDC, tactical knives, kitchen knives
These three steels—CPM 20CV (Crucible), M390 (Bohler-Uddeholm), and CTS-204P (Carpenter)—are nearly identical in composition and performance. All offer a high level of corrosion resistance while maintaining excellent edge retention and decent toughness.
Custom makers love these steels for premium knives, especially where rust resistance is a priority (think humid climates, sweaty pockets, or food prep).
Pros:
Excellent corrosion resistance
Great edge retention
Balanced performance
Cons:
Sharpening is manageable but not beginner-friendly
Can be brittle under extreme stress
3. Elmax – The All-Around Performer
Composition Highlights: Chromium, vanadium, molybdenum
Typical HRC: 58–61
Used for: Tactical knives, fixed blades, EDC
Elmax is another powdered stainless steel that offers a great balance of edge retention, corrosion resistance, and toughness. It’s easier to sharpen than S90V or M390, and many custom makers turn to it for blades that need to hold up to real-world use.
Pros:
Good all-around performance
Stainless and relatively tough
Cons:
Not as elite in any one category compared to some others
4. CPM S35VN – The Custom Knife Classic
Composition Highlights: Chromium, vanadium, niobium
Typical HRC: 58–61
Used for: EDC knives, custom folders, bushcraft blades
S35VN was developed by Crucible in collaboration with Chris Reeve Knives, and it's been a go-to for custom makers ever since. It strikes a near-perfect balance: it’s tough, easy to sharpen, resists corrosion, and holds an edge well. It’s often considered the gold standard for mid-to-high-end knives.
Pros:
Easy to maintain
Good all-around performance
Affordable compared to ultra-premium steels
Cons:
Slightly less edge retention than more exotic steels
5. CPM MagnaCut – The New Benchmark
Composition Highlights: Chromium, nitrogen, vanadium
Typical HRC: 60–63
Used for: Premium custom knives, outdoor and survival blades
MagnaCut is a revolutionary steel created by metallurgist Dr. Larrin Thomas, designed to be stainless and tough—two qualities that usually conflict. It delivers a superb balance of corrosion resistance, toughness, and wear resistance. It’s a dream material for custom fixed blades and EDCs alike.
Pros:
Truly stainless with excellent toughness
Outstanding edge retention
Modern metallurgy at its best
Cons:
Still expensive and harder to source
Limited long-term data (but early performance is stellar)
6. Carbon Steels: 1095, 52100, and CruForge V
Not every high-end knife needs to be stainless. In fact, many custom makers still choose carbon steels for their workability, edge qualities, and character.
1095 – Simple, tough, and time-tested. Easy to sharpen and very tough, making it perfect for bushcraft and combat knives. It rusts easily, though, so maintenance is key.
52100 – Originally a bearing steel, 52100 takes a scary-sharp edge and has great toughness. It’s a favorite for forging and high-performance users.
CruForge V – Developed with custom smiths in mind, this steel contains vanadium for wear resistance and fine grain. It excels in forged knives where edge retention and toughness are priorities.
Pros of Carbon Steels:
Easy to sharpen
Excellent toughness
Forge-friendly
Cons:
Prone to rust
Requires oiling and maintenance
Matching Steel to Knife Type
Now that we've covered the steels, let’s talk about how to match them to the right kind of custom knife.
EDC and Folding Knives
Prioritize corrosion resistance and edge retention. Top choices:
CPM 20CV / M390 / CTS-204P
CPM S35VN
MagnaCut
Outdoor and Survival Knives
Toughness is king here. You want a blade that can baton, pry, and carve without failing.
CPM 3V (not stainless, but ultra-tough)
MagnaCut
1095 (budget-friendly and proven)
Kitchen and Chef’s Knives
Edge retention and corrosion resistance are vital. These blades don’t take abuse, but they do require precision and long-term sharpness.
AEB-L (a classic stainless steel)
CPM S35VN
M390
Forged Customs and Traditional Blades
If you’re forging your own blade or want an old-school aesthetic, go with carbon steels.
52100
CruForge V
W2 (excellent hamon patterns)
How Heat Treatment Affects Performance
Even the best steel can underperform with a poor heat treatment. Heat treatment determines how hard or tough the final blade will be, and it’s part science, part art. A well-done heat treat can make 1095 outperform poorly treated S90V.
Custom makers often do their own heat treat or outsource it to trusted professionals, tuning it precisely for the steel’s chemistry and the blade’s intended use.
Common Misconceptions About “Best” Steel
There’s a lot of debate online about which steel is “the best,” but in reality, it depends on your needs. Some key myths:
Myth: Higher HRC = Better Knife
Truth: Too hard, and the blade becomes brittle. Balance is key.
Myth: Stainless means maintenance-free
Truth: Even stainless steels can rust if neglected.
Myth: Exotic = Always Better
Truth: A well-done 1095 blade may outperform an S90V blade in real-world use.
Final Thoughts: Choose Steel That Matches Your Use
Whether you’re buying or making a custom knife, understanding the steel is essential. High-end steels each bring something different to the table—some hold an edge forever, some resist rust, and others take a wicked sharp edge with minimal effort.
Ultimately, the best steel is the one that’s right for your purpose and use case. A display knife, a camp tool, and a culinary blade all have different needs—and custom makers have the flexibility to choose the best steel for each.
So next time you’re eyeing a custom knife, ask not just how it looks—but what it’s made of. Because the steel makes the knife.