What is the most important blade steel attribute?

What is the most important blade steel attribute?

  • Total voters
    59
I didn't vote. My choice would be the control interface. That's the handle, the ability to control the edge while finding out if you think toughness, or edgeholding, or corrosion resistance is the most important attribute....
 
Last edited:
I thought it would be interesting to ask ChatGPT:

Me> What is the most important attribute of steel for knife blades? (1) Edge Retention (2) Toughness (3) Corrosion Resistance

ChatGPT> It is difficult to say which attribute of steel is the most important for knife blades, as different attributes may be more important depending on the intended use of the knife and the specific requirements of the application. Here are some possible considerations for each attribute:
  1. Edge retention: Edge retention refers to the ability of a knife blade to maintain its sharp edge over time. This is an important attribute for many applications, as a sharp blade is generally more effective and efficient than a dull blade. However, edge retention may be less important for certain types of knives, such as those that are used infrequently or for softer materials.
  2. Toughness: Toughness refers to the ability of a knife blade to resist breaking, chipping, or deforming under stress. This is an important attribute for many applications, as a tough blade is less likely to fail or become damaged during use. However, toughness may be less important for certain types of knives, such as those that are used for precision cutting or for softer materials.
  3. Corrosion resistance: Corrosion resistance refers to the ability of a knife blade to resist rusting or corroding over time. This is an important attribute for many applications, as a knife that is prone to corrosion may become less effective or unsafe to use. However, corrosion resistance may be less important for certain types of knives, such as those that are used infrequently or for dry materials.
Overall, the most important attribute of steel for knife blades may depend on the intended use and requirements of the knife, and may involve a balance of multiple attributes.

----

See https://oneusefulthing.substack.com/p/four-paths-to-the-revelation
 
Depends on what the knife is going to be used for. Some require tough steel. Others require superior edge retention. Still others require a focus on corrosion resistance.

There is no "best steel". There is only "steel appropriate for the intended use."
 
knarfeng said:
Depends on what the knife is going to be used for. Some require tough steel. Others require superior edge retention. Still others require a focus on corrosion resistance.

There is no "best steel". There is only "steel appropriate for the intended use."
Click to expand...
Add to that whether cost is a factor, what sharpening tools are available, etc, etc.
 
This is too subjective.
Does a fisherman need a super strong tough knife? Or a knife with excellent corrosion resistance?
People will cast their vote depending upon their needs
For example I require corrosion resistance because my body chemistry (sweat, oils) is more acidic than other people
So I always consider a knife's corrosion resistance when buying
 
There are many different reasons for using a knife, Knives are specifically made for those different reasons. A folder for use in the field is much different than a chef knife used in a restaurant or kitchen which is much different than a scuba diving knife which is much different than a knife used to dress out game. We have all seen the huge assortment of knife styles, shapes, grinds, etc. etc. etc. There is not one perfect knife for every cutting task. I like my Spydie Gayle Bradley 1 for use around the shop, yard, and camping, but that's just me.
 
Geometry, hardness and toughness. Give me thin-behind-the-edge, low edge angle, hard-as-possible, low % and small sized carbide, fine grained steels that have good toughness (AEB-L, 52100, etc.) and I am happy.
 
I voted for toughness , but really a good balance of attributes , appropriate to your actual environment and use, is most important .

Cost is a limiting factor, for me ,for a carry knife .
 
Thanks for the answers everyone. I know this is an impossible question, but I more wanted to see which attribute fell behind. I expected the results to be more even but it seems like most people don’t need much corrosion resistance over the other two.
 
Not really a "steel attribute" but I've found the most important blade/knife attribute to be ease of carry/use. How it feels in hand.

I have plenty of "uncomfy" expensive super knives that I have to find an excuse to use-

-and plenty crap steel knives that stick around because they feel good.
 
Jack of All Blades said:
Not really a "steel attribute" but I've found the most important blade/knife attribute to be ease of carry/use. How it feels in hand.

I have plenty of "uncomfy" expensive super knives that I have to find an excuse to use-

-and plenty crap steel knives that stick around because they feel good.
Click to expand...

There are a lot of attributes that go into why we carry our knives. My TRM Atom in my opinion looks like trash and is really super ugly. Although, in terms of actual usage and cutting ability it is almost unmatched. It's basically the knife equivalent of that super ugly fat girl that gives really good head.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top