There is nothing quite as handy, versatile, or reliable as a properly-made pocket knife when it comes to knives and other related tools. The best manufacturers nowadays are putting their efforts into producing a huge variant of pocket knives. They are not just limited to your kitchen; they are also used for many purposes, ranging from tactical to hunting, camping, or self-protection. To produce such knives, steel is the key ingredient that comes in a lot of variety. Therefore, if you are interested in purchasing the Best Pocket Knife, you must look at the material used to make its blade.
In this article, we are going to discuss the different types of steel used in pocket knives. So, continue reading it and get yourself informed to make a wise decision on what type of blade you should buy!
Pocket Knives - The Best Knives for Everyday Carry
They are typically designed to make your life easier as they can be used for scores of purposes, for carving, cutting, peeling, and even can be used as tools such as screwdriver and scissors. During many sorts of outdoor occasions such as camping, fishing, and hunting, a pocket knife is proved as a great help and, importantly, its feasibility to carry anywhere.
Furthermore, many people carry it as a means of self-defense due to its size. It can be carried discreetly without anyone being aware that you have it in your possession. You never know when you might need it for whatever reason and pocket knives, due to their versatility, are likely to best suit your needs.
Nevertheless, pocket knife technology is continually evolving in the market to provide consumers with efficient technology that they can use for numerous functions. The steel blades are probably one of the best to come out of this industry, and this is because many consider them to be a leader among all types of cool knives available today.
If you want to buy high-quality blades at affordable prices, you can explore KnifeImport.com for a collection of cheap knives. We have an extensive range of branded pocket knives for sale, so whatever your need is, you can find a knife according to your preferences.
Steel - The Quality Material Used in Pocket Knives
When looking for a folding knife, it helps understand the different metals used in the production of these blades. You may ask yourself why two knives that look the same are priced differently. Of course, it depends on the materials used to make them. High-quality steel is harder, tougher, more wear-resistant, corrosion-resistant, and holds an edge longer. Thus, the higher the steel and manufacturing process's quality, the more price it will have.
Steel Qualities for Knife Blades
Here's a brief overview of the steel qualities that affect the pocket knife performance:
- Grain Size: Steel is fabricated with grains, and it should be in small size. The reason is that when you reduce the grain size, the strength and toughness of the steel will be increased.
- Hardness: It is the ability to resist breakage or bending when stress or force is applied.
- Toughness: It is the ability to resist bending, chipping, and rolling.
- Wear Resistance: The steel should have the ability to withstand any damage from both adhesive and abrasive wear.
- Corrosion Resistance: It is the ability to resist rust triggered by external elements such as moisture and humidity.
- Edge Retention: It is the ability to hold an acute, sharp, and polished edge for a long time.
Have a Look at the Basic Ingredients of Steel
The steel used in pocket knives typically has a mixture of different alloys. In general, it is made of iron and carbon, while additional elements are added to fabricate steel that will be used for a specific application. Have a look at some basic ingredients of steel used in knife blades:
- Chromium: It is added to increase the durability and hardness of the knife and fight corrosion. But, if a large amount of chromium is added, it will decrease in toughness.
- Manganese: Adding manganese will increase the strength and wear resistance of steel. If added in good quantities, it helps with toughening the steel during the manufacturing process.
- Molybdenum: Under high temperatures, it will help prevent the steel from becoming brittle and maintain its strength.
- Copper: It ensures the blade's strength.
- Nickel: It helps with adding toughness.
- Silicon: It improves strength and eradicates oxygen from the steel in the manufacturing process.
- Vanadium: It will increase the steel's wear resistance and help it harden during manufacturing.
- Sulfur: It increases machinability, but if added in high quantity, it will affect the steel’s toughness.
- Cobalt: It provides strength to the blade.
- Tungsten: It boosts wear resistance.
- Phosphorus: It increases the blade’s strength.
- Carbon: It helps with the hardening of steel and increasing the strength as well. Hence, the carbon content should be more than 0.5%, maintaining a good edge on the knife.
List of Popular Steel Types Used in Cool Pocket Knives
Below is a list of some steel types used in the manufacturing of cool pocket knives. When reviewing them, take note of how the different elements impact the quality of the blade. This guide should help you while shopping for cheap pocket knives. It would help if you tried to find the best quality blade at an affordable price.
So, have a look at the popular steel blade types:
1. Carbon Steel Blades
These blades are usually made for some specific use where durability and hardness come at first. Such types of blades are commonly designed for survival knives and machetes. They feature a sharp-edge and also can be re-sharpened easily. However, keep in mind that carbon steel blades are more likely to corrosion because they have low chromium content.
2. Tool Steel Blades
They are made of hard steel alloys and are commonly used in cutting tools. There are many popular steel types included in this group, for instance, O1, D2, CPM 3V, and high-speed steels (M4) as well.
3. Stainless Steel Blades
Stainless steel is typically carbon steel with added chromium and some other elements. In this way, this type improves corrosion resistance and also increases the performance levels of the blades. Moreover, such blades can also be made with 400, AUS, VG, 154CM, MOV, CTS, Sandvik, and Crucible SxxV series of steels. They are nowadays commonly used for EDC tools. Well, remember that to produce authentic stainless steel, at least 13% chromium must be added.
Final Words
Thus, you have understood the steel types used in pocket knives. So, before you ever get a folding knife, make sure you decide what type of steel you will choose for your blade. It depends on your need for which you want to own it. Browse a quality range of pocket knives for sale at Knife Import and get the one that is perfect for you.
If you are willing to buy cool pocket knives for reselling purposes, you can buy wholesale knives at the lowest prices, which you never find anywhere else. So, visit Knife Import right now and place your order.
Read More: Important Things About Pocket Knives to Know