newbie question

[lightfootdog59]

In my research and perusing of ebay and websites selling knives I come across knives with blades described as "surgical steel'. Is this a specific type of steel or a generic term for stainless?

 

[PURPLEDC]

Generic term for garbage steel that wont rust easily but probably wont hold an edge. Put it this way, they say that only when the steel its made out of is so bad they would rather not tell you what it is.

 

[TheGearGuy]

Generic term for garbage steel that wont rust easily but probably wont hold an edge. Put it this way, they say that only when the steel its made out of is so bad they would rather not tell you what it is.

EXACTLY. Usually one step above disposable razor blade steel. And just like a razor, it will take an edge....for about a minute.

 

[Jastab]

Think of this, "surgical steel" is used one time and thrown away. It's not good stuff.

 

[RevDevil]

EXACTLY. Usually one step above disposable razor blade steel. And just like a razor, it will take an edge....for about a minute.

Actually, the steel used in most disposable razors is 13C26N (you could do a lot worse). Surgical Steel is usually 420 or 300 series, maybe even lesser than that.

 

[Rookie82]

When I was younger I carried a Frost Cutlery stockman with surgical steel blades. Boy they sure did look shiny, but I do believe the blades dulled just from riding around in my pocket, and never cutting anything.

 

[lightfootdog59]

Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions, your info has been very helpful indeed!