"Super Steels" vs. Regular Steels

[Franco45]

"Super Steels" vs. Regular Steels

This, to me, isn't really a controversy, but it does highlight some things about knives and about attitudes towards knife steel.

To me, the new "super knife steels" may be a solution in search of a problem. In other words, "re-inventing the wheel" when there was no need to. I have used 1095 high-carbon steel for decades, with great results, and so I feel no need to switch to a "better" steel now. Besides, I like the patina of well-used 1095. (Full disclosure: I agree with a knife maker who said that "batoning" with a knife can actually damage the knife at the microscopic level, without the knife owner knowing it).

Yes, I do own a few "super steel" knives but that doesn't really change anything for me.

I wonder what other forum members here think about this topic ("super steels")?

Video about 1095 carbon steel, 23 minutes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8QV6FlSR3lc


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[kwackster]

Provided it has received a quality hardening protocol, a knife made from "old-fashioned" 1095 carbon steel can still perform very well in many different aspects.
But at the same time 1095 lacks stainlessness, wear resistance, and oftentimes hardness (at least in production knives)
A custom knife in 1095 (and other steel types) can be a completely different animal.

All steel types have different properties, and imo the trick is to best match the specific properties of certain knife steels with the specific tasks & circumstances at hand.
On top of this there are other important considerations, like weight distribution/balance, blade grinds, sharpening protocols, and overall maintenance.
And then there are personal taste and of course price.

[Malinka]

I totally get where you're coming from. I've been using 1095 carbon steel for years and it's never let me down. I love how it develops a unique patina over time and holds an edge really well. The whole "super steels" trend feels a bit overhyped to me. I do have a couple of knives with these new steels, but honestly, they haven’t outperformed my trusty 1095 blades in everyday use. Sometimes simpler is just better.

[wanderer2024]

What do you consider a "super steel"? I made knives for 45 yrs and the steels that produced the most superior blades in my opinion and that I used the most were 0-1 tool steel and A-2 tool steel. Edge holding, wear ability and toughness were excellent.

[sammy the blade]

Don't really use a knife much anymore sense I retired but I usually carry a cheapo for a user. I'd hate to bugger up one of my high end $20 Ganzos.

[boots]

I have a Buck 110/112 Elite with S30V steel; they recommend sending them to Buck for sharpening. I think carbon steel would be the way to go.

[Franco45]

What do you consider a "super steel"? I made knives for 45 yrs and the steels that produced the most superior blades in my opinion and that I used the most were 0-1 tool steel and A-2 tool steel. Edge holding, wear ability and toughness were excellent.

"Super steel" is usually "powdered steel" as far as I can tell.

I think "01" is basically 1095 with a little more chromium, right?

Regardless, I sometimes wonder if "super steels" simply amount to "trying to re-invent the wheel." Granted, technology cannot be stopped.


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