Wear resistance refers to the blade’s ability to keep its edge through rigorous use in multiple applications. Sporting and combat knives with shorter, thicker blades typically have high ratings in the hardness and toughness departments. Elements that rank mid-range on the Mohs Scale of Mineral Hardness, like nickel, will add toughness to the steel. The blade’s toughness is its resistance to chipping, cracking, or breaking from impacts and torsion pressure. That’s why some rigid knives are also brittle and can chip and break easily. Very high-carbon steel combined with elements like manganese will make the steel very hard yet brittle. To understand hardness in steel, you should familiarize yourself with the Rockwell Hardness Scale, which is used to classify hardness in steel. Hardness and toughness may sound like the same thing, and though they are dependent on one another, they aren’t necessarily the same. A precise combination of strengthening elements, combined with naturally malleable iron, allows for excellent sharpness and edge retention. On the other hand, a knife that’s too hard is very tough to sharpen. A knife’s ability to retain its edge is dependent upon its hardness. After all, its primary purpose is to cut through materials quickly and effectively. The first thing that comes to mind when you think of a knife is its sharpness. ![]() For instance, when crafting stainless steel, some of the carbon needed for hardness must be given up for elements that contribute to non-corrosiveness, like chromium. So finding the “perfect” knife can be somewhat of a double-edged sword - pun intended. However, some qualities must be given up for others in their chemical composition when developing particular steel. Many of these factors are reliant upon one another. Now that we understand what goes into steel and what the main types are let’s cover what characteristics a good blade should have. What are the defining characteristics of quality knife steel? Tool steel is incredibly hard and heat resistant thanks to the inclusion of durable elements like tungsten, molybdenum, cobalt, and vanadium. Tool steel is used for precisely what it sounds like, tools. Stainless steel knives are typically a combination of high carbon and contain between 11% and 17% chromium. But, the main telltale sign of stainless steel is it’s shinier due to high levels of chromium, which make it highly resistant to corrosion. The term stainless steel is thrown around a lot, so it can often be hard to know if it’s actually stainless steel. Alloy steels are often used in electronics, pipes, or auto parts. Alloy steelĪlloy steel has a wide array of alloying elements, like nickel, chromium, or manganese mentioned above, which are manipulated depending on the steel’s practical use. Carbon steel, although very strong, is more dull and prone to corrosion. There are three levels of carbon steel low (0.30% or less), medium (between 0.30% and 0.60%), and high (between 0.60% and 1.5%). Carbon steelĬarbon steel makes up most of the steel production across the globe (90%) and is what most knives will be made from because of its high durability. Keep in mind there are many “types” of steel, but overall, it falls into one of four categories. According to the World Steel Association, over 1.8 million tons of steel was produced worldwide in 2020 with over 3,500 different grades. Steel is used in more than just knives it’s used to make the majority of things we come in contact with every day. Vanadium increases wear resistance and makes the blade harder. ![]() Molybdenum helps steel maintain strength at high temperatures.Manganese hardens the blade but also makes it brittle if added in high quantities.Technically all steel can rust, but types with more chromium (usually around 12% to 13%) are much less prone to it. Chromium is what makes stainless steel stainless.Medium carbon is typically between 0.4% to 0.7%, and high carbon is generally considered 0.8% and above. Low carbon means there is 0.3% or less carbon in the alloy. Every type of steel will have some amount of carbon, and often, the amount can be telling of the quality of a blade. Carbon is one of the most critical factors, as it functions as a hardening element and makes the iron stronger.It’s mostly iron and carbon, but there are many other elements added to the brew that give it other properties. That’s because it’s a man-made substance crafted out of many elements. ![]() You’re not going to find steel on the periodic table. What are the most common elements of steel? Why you should never buy shredded cheese at the store Your complete guide to the under-appreciated (but amazing) oyster mushroom Why does cilantro taste like soap to some people? Turns out, there’s a pretty good reason
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