Types of pocket knives: Materials, Uses & More
Pocket Knives are essential tools that have evolved significantly in design and function over the centuries. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a survivalist, or someone who appreciates well-crafted tools, understanding the different types of pocket knives, their shapes, materials, and uses can help you make informed decisions.
Pocket Knife Blade Shapes and Their Uses:
Blade shape is one of the most important factors in a knife's functionality. Here are some common blade shapes and their primary uses:
- Drop Point: Popular for hunting and general-purpose use. The convex curve on the spine enhances control and makes it ideal for precision work.
- Tanto Point: Known for its strong tip, perfect for piercing and tactical use. The angular shape is reminiscent of Japanese swords.
- Clip Point: A versatile shape often seen in Bowie knives, excellent for tasks requiring a sharp, controllable point.
- Spear Point: Symmetrical and balanced, making it ideal for thrusting and throwing.
Sheepsfoot: Designed for slicing while minimizing the risk of accidental punctures, often used in rescue knives.
Types of Knives
Different tasks require different knives. Here are some of the most common types:
- Fixed Blade Knives: Known for their strength and reliability, these are ideal for heavy-duty tasks.
- Folding Knives: Convenient and portable, perfect for everyday carry (EDC).
- Survival Knives: Built to endure harsh conditions, these knives often come with features like fire starters or built-in compasses.
- Tactical Knives: Designed for military or law enforcement use, these knives are rugged and versatile.
- Kitchen Knives: Essential for culinary tasks, including chef's knives, paring knives, and bread knives.
Materials Used in Knives
The material of the blade and handle significantly affects a knife’s performance. Below are some of the popular materials used:
Well Known Blade Materials:
- Stainless Steel: Corrosion-resistant and easy to maintain, making it popular for kitchen and EDC knives.
- Carbon Steel: Known for its toughness and edge retention, but requires regular maintenance to prevent rust.
- D2 Steel: A semi-stainless tool steel known for its excellent wear resistance and hardness.
- M390 Steel: A premium stainless steel offering exceptional edge retention and corrosion resistance, often used in high-end knives.
- 14C28N Steel: Known for its high hardness and corrosion resistance, making it a great choice for everyday carry knives.
There are several other high-quality steels often used in premium knives that you might want to consider incorporating into your collection. Here are some recommendations:
- CPM S30V: A popular high-end steel known for its excellent edge retention and corrosion resistance.
- CPM S35VN: An improved version of S30V, offering better toughness.
- VG-10: A Japanese stainless steel, popular for its good edge retention and ease of sharpening.
- 154CM: A well-balanced steel with good corrosion resistance and edge retention.
- Elmax: A powder metallurgy steel known for its toughness and wear resistance.
- CPM-20CV: Similar to M390, offering excellent corrosion resistance and edge retention.
- AUS-8: An Austrian steel that offers a good balance of toughness and ease of sharpening.
- N690: Italian stainless steel produced by Böhler-Uddeholm, which is now part of the voestalpine Group known for its corrosion resistance and edge retention.
- ZDP-189: A high-carbon stainless steel with excellent wear resistance and edge retention.
Handle Materials
- G10: A fiberglass laminate known for its durability, lightweight nature, and resistance to moisture.
- Titanium Alloy: Lightweight and corrosion-resistant, often used in high-end knives for its strength-to-weight ratio.
- Wood: Offers a traditional aesthetic and good grip but requires more maintenance than synthetic materials.
- Micarta: A composite material known for its strength and durability, often used in tactical and outdoor knives.
Here’s a comparison chart that includes the knife steels mentioned and a few other related types. The chart compares the key characteristics: Hardness (HRC), Edge Retention, Toughness, Corrosion Resistance, and Ease of Sharpening.
| Steel Type | Hardness (HRC) | Edge Retention | Toughness | Corrosion Resistance | Ease of Sharpening | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1095 Steel | 55-58 | Good | Excellent | Poor | Easy | Bushcraft, Survival knives, Machetes |
| 440C Steel | 58-60 | Very Good | Good | Very Good | Moderate | Folding knives, Fixed blades, High-end cutlery |
| A2 Steel | 57-62 | Good | Excellent | Moderate | Moderate | Custom knives, Tools |
| PSB27 Steel | 55-58 | Good | Very Good | Moderate | Moderate | Specialized knives, Tools |
| S35VN Steel | 58-61 | Excellent | Very Good | Very Good | Moderate | High-end knives, Outdoor blades |
| VG-10 (Japan) | 59-61 | Very Good | Good | Very Good | Moderate | High-quality kitchen knives, Outdoor knives |
| 420 Steel | 50-56 | Fair | Fair | Excellent | Easy | Budget knives, Diving knives, Applications needing corrosion resistance |
| 440A Steel | 55-58 | Fair | Fair | Very Good | Easy | Budget knives, Mass-produced knives |
| Maxamet Steel | 65-70 | Exceptional | Fair | Poor | Difficult | Premium cutting tools, High-end folding knives |
| CPM 154 | 58-60 | Very Good | Good | Very Good | Moderate | High-performance knives, Custom knives |
| D2 Steel | 59-62 | Very Good | Good | Moderate | Moderate | Semi-stainless knives, Tools, Hunting knives |
| M390 Steel | 60-62 | Exceptional | Very Good | Excellent | Moderate | Premium knives, Collectors’ items |
| 14C28N Steel | 55-62 | Good | Good | Very Good | Easy | Outdoor knives, EDC knives, Kitchen knives |
| S30V Steel | 58-61 | Very Good | Good | Very Good | Moderate | High-end folding knives, Tactical knives |
Here’s we discuss about different types of steels for knives:Â
1. 1095 Steel Knife
- Composition: 1095 steel is a high-carbon steel with approximately 0.95% carbon content.
- Characteristics: Known for its toughness and ability to hold a sharp edge. It’s relatively easy to sharpen, making it a favorite for bushcraft and survival knives.
- Uses: Often used in fixed blades and larger knives like machetes due to its durability and ease of maintenance.
- Care: Prone to rust due to its high carbon content, so regular oiling and cleaning are essential.
2. 440C Steel Knife
- Composition: 440C is a stainless steel with a high carbon content (0.95-1.20%) and chromium (16-18%).
- Characteristics: Offers an excellent balance of hardness, corrosion resistance, and wear resistance. It can be polished to a mirror finish.
- Uses: Popular in high-end folding knives and fixed blades. Also used in bearings and other applications requiring high wear resistance.
- Care: Relatively low maintenance due to its corrosion resistance, but regular cleaning is still recommended.
3. A2 Steel Knife
- Composition: A2 is an air-hardening tool steel with 5% chromium, known for its toughness and moderate corrosion resistance.
- Characteristics: Provides a good balance between toughness and wear resistance. It is less brittle than high-carbon steels like 1095.
- Uses: Commonly used in custom knives and tools where a tough steel is required.
- Care: Requires regular maintenance to prevent rust, as it is not as corrosion-resistant as stainless steel.
4. Carbon Steel Knife Care
- Maintenance Tips: Carbon steel knives are prone to rust and staining. Regular oiling, drying after use, and storing in a dry environment are crucial.
- Patina Formation: Over time, carbon steel develops a natural patina, which can help protect against rust but should not replace regular care.
5. Knife Stainless Steel
- General Overview: Stainless steels contain chromium, which provides corrosion resistance. Common types include 440C, S35VN, and AUS-8.
- Advantages: Resistant to rust, easy to maintain, and often used in kitchen knives and outdoor knives.
- Drawbacks: Some stainless steels can be harder to sharpen compared to high-carbon steels.
6. Knife Steels Ranked
- Factors for Ranking: Knife steels are often ranked based on hardness, toughness, corrosion resistance, and ease of sharpening.
-
Examples:
- S35VN: Known for balance between toughness, edge retention, and corrosion resistance.
- 1095: Favored for toughness and ease of sharpening, though less corrosion-resistant.
- 440C: Offers a good balance of edge retention and corrosion resistance.
7. PSB27 Knife Steel
- Composition and Use: A lesser-known tool steel with a focus on toughness and wear resistance.
- Characteristics: Often used in specialized knives where extreme toughness is required.
- Care: Similar to other high-carbon steels, requiring regular maintenance to prevent rust.
8. S35VN Knife Steel
- Composition: A powder metallurgy stainless steel with vanadium and niobium, offering excellent edge retention and toughness.
- Characteristics: S35VN is an upgrade from S30V, with improved toughness and easier sharpening.
- Uses: Common in high-end knives and outdoor blades.
- Care: Low maintenance due to its excellent corrosion resistance.
9. Stainless Steel Japan Knife
- Overview: Japanese stainless steels like VG-10 and AUS-8 are renowned for their sharpness and edge retention.
- Characteristics: Typically harder than Western stainless steels, providing a razor-sharp edge.
- Uses: Often used in high-quality kitchen knives and outdoor knives.
10. Strongest Knife Steel
- Considerations: Strength in knife steel is often a balance between hardness, toughness, and wear resistance.
-
Examples:
- S35VN: Strong in terms of overall performance, balancing strength and toughness.
- Maxamet: Known for extreme hardness and edge retention, though more brittle.
11. 420 Stainless Steel Knife
- Composition: 420 stainless steel contains less carbon (0.15-0.40%) and about 12-14% chromium.
- Characteristics: Offers excellent corrosion resistance but lower edge retention compared to higher-grade steels.
- Uses: Commonly used in budget knives and applications requiring high corrosion resistance.
- Care: Very low maintenance due to high corrosion resistance.
12. 440A Knife Steel
- Composition: Similar to 440C but with less carbon (0.6-0.75%), making it softer and more corrosion-resistant.
- Characteristics: Easier to sharpen but less edge retention compared to 440C.
- Uses: Often used in mass-produced knives where corrosion resistance is prioritized.
- Care: Easy to maintain with regular cleaning.
13. Blade HQ Knife Steel
- Overview: Blade HQ is a retailer known for selling a wide variety of knives, and they offer detailed information on different knife steels.
- Resource: They rank and review various knife steels based on user needs, providing a valuable resource for choosing the right steel.
14. High Carbon Stainless Steel Knife
- Overview: High carbon stainless steels combine the best of both worlds—carbon for hardness and stainless for corrosion resistance.
- Examples: VG-10 and CPM 154 are popular choices.
- Uses: Ideal for kitchen knives and high-performance outdoor knives.
15. Japanese Steel Knife
- Overview: Japanese knives often use steels like VG-10, White Steel, and Blue Steel, known for their sharpness and precision.
- Characteristics: Typically harder than Western knives, allowing for a very sharp edge but requiring careful maintenance.
- Uses: Widely used in kitchen cutlery and specialized tools.
16. Lion Steel Knife
- Overview: Lion Steel is an Italian knife manufacturer known for using premium materials like M390 and Sleipner steel.
- Characteristics: Their knives are known for high-quality construction, innovative design, and excellent performance.
- Uses: Popular among collectors and professionals who value top-tier materials and craftsmanship.
Well Known Knife Materials Comparison Chart:Â
| Material | Properties | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Stainless Steel | Corrosion-resistant, easy to sharpen | Everyday carry, kitchen use |
| Carbon Steel | High toughness, excellent edge retention | Heavy-duty tasks, survival knives |
| M390 Steel | Exceptional edge retention, high corrosion resistance | High-end EDC, tactical use |
| D2 Steel | Wear-resistant, semi-stainless | Tool and tactical knives |
| 14C28N Steel | High hardness, good corrosion resistance | Everyday carry, kitchen use |
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Comparison Chart: Other Blade Materials
| Material | Hardness (HRC) | Corrosion Resistance | Edge Retention | Ease of Sharpening | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stainless Steel | 56-60 | High | Moderate | Easy | Kitchen knives, EDC knives |
| High Carbon Steel | 58-62 | Low | High | Moderate | Tactical knives, survival knives |
| Powder Metallurgy Steel | 60-65 | High | Very High | Moderate | High-performance cutting tools |
| Titanium | 55-60 | Very High | Moderate | Moderate | Diving knives, EDC knives |
Choosing the Right Knife for Your Needs
Selecting the right knife depends on your specific needs. Whether you're looking for a reliable tool for outdoor adventures, a durable blade for survival situations, or a versatile knife for everyday carry, understanding the different options available will help you make the best choice.
Conclusion
Knives are more than just tools—they’re essential companions for a variety of tasks. By understanding the different shapes, types, and materials, you can find the perfect knife to suit your needs. Explore our comprehensive collection at DunVera and choose the ideal knife for your next adventure.