Confused By Knife Steels? First, Focus On Blade Geometry

When discussing knife performance, it’s common for EDC enthusiasts to obsess over blade steel (or even heat treatment)—after all, different steels offer various benefits, such as edge retention, corrosion resistance, and toughness. However, blade geometry—meaning, the shape, thickness, and grind of the blade—often plays a more important role in how a knife performs in real-world tasks. Here is why blade geometry should be considered the primary factor when choosing a knife, with steel taking a secondary role.

Cutting Performance

Blade geometry directly affects how a knife cuts. A well-designed edge geometry, such as a thin, finely honed bevel, will cut through materials effortlessly, regardless of the specific steel used. A thick, obtuse edge, on the other hand, will create more drag and make cutting harder. Even a high-end steel won’t compensate for poor geometry. In short, the sharper and more refined the edge geometry, the better the knife will perform in everyday cutting tasks.

Task-Specific Design

Different cutting tasks demand specific geometries. For example, a flat grind is ideal for fine, precise slicing, while a thicker convex or hollow grind is better suited for chopping or heavy-duty tasks. Blade geometry allows for optimization based on the intended use of the knife. Whether you need a blade for skinning, carving, or even food prep, the geometry will dictate how well the knife adapts to the task at hand. Steel plays a supporting role, but geometry is what makes the knife versatile and efficient.

Ease of Maintenance

Another crucial factor is how easy it is to maintain an edge. Blades with a finer, thinner geometry are easier to sharpen, and a proper grind allows the edge to stay sharp for longer, even with less premium steel. Conversely, a thick edge, especially one made of harder steel, can be much more difficult to sharpen and maintain. Geometry, therefore, influences the knife’s overall longevity and user-friendliness, regardless of the steel type.

Strength and Durability

While steel contributes to a blade’s toughness, geometry determines how well it handles stress. A knife with a well-designed taper, sufficient thickness behind the edge, and a thoughtful grind will stand up to heavy use and resist damage like chipping or bending. This is crucial, as a knife with great steel but poor geometry is more likely to fail under tough conditions.

Here is a clip from YouTube, with an interview by Zac in the Wild along with the famous creator of Magnacut steel, Larrin Thomas.  He admits that he works hard at his science, trying to perfect the best combination of heat treat and steel characteristics, and at the end of the day blade and edge bevel geometry matters the most.  The below video is also an amazing reference in understanding some of the best knife steels in each general category.

Blade Steels Come and Go

Ultimately, blade geometry is what determines how a knife performs, feels, and lasts in the real world. Steel may offer certain advantages, but it’s the geometry that truly dictates a blade’s effectiveness.  The "fashion industry" of the EDC knife world is constantly trying to come up with the latest and greatest material to keep you whipping out your wallet.  The fact of the matter is, that there are a lot of really decent blade steels that won't cost you as much as the latest Magnacut, S30, S35VN or M390 model that the hottest knife brand just put out.  

We offer a wide variety of blade steels here at Arena Accessories.  Some peeps scoff at the lower-end budget steels, but if you want to restrict the purchase of a super-affordable blade because the steel it has is not up to what an EDC snob on you YouTube taught you was "garbage", then you may be missing out on a fun piece for your collection.  Knives aren't just all about the steel, anyway. They're about how they look, and how they make you feel when they're in hand.  The ergonomics, the action, and the handle materials also matter.  If you're extra particular about blade steels, that is your prerogative as an enthusiast! I myself have my own personal favorite steels. Below are some nice quick search links to some of our most commonly carried knife steels.  You will find even more in our Premium Steel Blades knife category. 

3CR13

440 Stainless Steel (440A)

8Cr13MoV

9CR14MoV / 9CR18MoV

440C

D2 Tool Steel

Nitro V

Sandvik 12C27 

Sandvik 14C28N (staff favorite)

1.4116 stainless-steel

AUS-8

AUS-10

VG10 (Japanese) & 10Cr15CoMoV (Chinese VG-10 equivalent)

154CM

S35VN

Stay tuned, because this post is just a brief example of the type of content you will find in our upcoming Knife Education series of articles.  Thanks again for stopping by, and we hope you have a great rest of your day!

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