Wiki-Blade metal

Blade metal refers to the material used to construct the blade of a knife. The main types and their characteristics are outlined below:

Carbon Steel

  • Definition: An alloy of iron containing 0.04–2.1% carbon.
  • Features:
    • Excellent sharpness.
    • Can be hardened through heat treatment.
    • Prone to rust.

Stainless Steel

  • Definition: Steel with at least 10.5% chromium and a maximum of 1.2% carbon.
  • Features:
    • High corrosion resistance.
    • Slightly less sharp compared to carbon steel.
    • Easy to maintain.

Composite Materials

  • Clad Steel (Two-layer):
    • Structure: A combination of hard steel and soft iron in two layers.
    • Usage: Commonly used in traditional Japanese knives (single-beveled knives).
  • Three-layer Steel (Warikomi):
    • Structure: Hard steel sandwiched between two layers of softer metal.
    • Usage: Commonly used in Western-style knives (double-beveled knives).

Special Alloy Steels

  • Molybdenum-Vanadium Steel: Enhanced wear resistance, corrosion resistance, and toughness.
  • Powdered High-Speed Steel: Exceptional hardness and wear resistance.

The choice of blade metal significantly affects a knife's sharpness, durability, and ease of maintenance. Selecting the right material based on your needs and preferences is essential for achieving the best performance.

Related websites
Japanese Knife Materials: Carbon Steel vs. Stainless Steel | KIREAJI