What kind of blade material is the best performer?

[LostCause]

Let's say we have:
Modern powder steel
San Mai
Differentially heat treated carbon steel
Ingot steel
Pattern welded steel
Wootz steel (the original Damascus steel)

Which one of the above is in your opinion the best for overall performance when it comes to edge retention/toughness ratio?

 

[Arathol]

 

[Shorttime]

Okay. So, are we assuming that they are all hardened to an equivalent balance of toughness and edge retention?

Are they all the same stock thickness, same bevel profile, and sharpened to the same fineness of grit?

 

[Ikhnaton]

Okay. So, are we assuming that they are all hardened to an equivalent balance of toughness and edge retention?

Are they all the same stock thickness, same bevel profile, and sharpened to the same fineness of grit?

We really should assume that!

 

[jux t]

San Mai with copper core and 15V left side/CPM 3V right side. Built in compass/whistle.

 

[Shorttime]

We really should assume that!

I just wanna be sure. This is the internet.

Objective, scienticious comparisons of cutting performance are a subject I'm interested in.

 

[Cvrobinson]

I like a steel that preforms well in spine whacks

 

[scdub]

You’ve got some overlap here. I’m guessing a San Mai sando with a differentially treated ingot carbon steel core and wootz for the bread for an outdoor knife. Probably a powdered steel core for a kitchen knife.

 

[jux t]

I like a steel that preforms

That’s where the copper shines

 

[Alberta Ed]

Flint. Takes an insane edge.

 

[The True North]

All other factors being equal, modern powder steels are as good as it gets.

 

[Danke42]

Mike Tyson vs. Anti Lock brakes. What's better and why? Go!

 

[el gigantor]

San Mai sando..

On rye bread with mustard and swiss cheese. Maybe a little sauerkraut if you're feeling spicy. Delicious!

 

[Locutus D'Borg]

I vote for powder metallurgy and that includes Damasteel.

 

[Bob Denman]

How will you be using them?

 

[Bob Denman]

 

[jmh33]

Flint. Takes an insane edge.

John

 

[Blues]

To no one's great surprise...