15N20 is one of the most important steels in the custom knife world, though its most celebrated role is as a damascus component rather than a mono-steel blade. When alternated with 1084 or similar high-carbon steels in a damascus billet, 15N20's nickel content creates the bright, contrasting layers that give pattern-welded steel its visual drama after an acid etch. But 15N20 also works beautifully on its own — it's a tough, relatively fine-grained steel that takes a clean edge and performs well in light to medium duty work. You'll find it primarily in the hands of bladesmiths who heat their steel and shape it by hand, and the results speak for themselves.