How Blade SteelAffects a Knife'sApplication

Everyday Carry (EDC)

Designed to be versatile and reliable for daily use, an EDC knife is perfect for general-purpose tasks like opening packages, cutting ropes, or preparing food. The steel should balance edge retention, ease of sharpening, and corrosion resistance.

General Use

Like an EDC, a knife suitable for general use is ideal for various household or workplace tasks, including light cutting, slicing, and utility work. General-use knives are robust and designed for a wide range of jobs. They’re usually more durable than EDC knives and can handle tougher jobs, but they may be less compact or convenient to carry.

Hard Use 

Hard-use knives are made for heavy-duty work, including scraping and cutting through tough materials. The blade needs to be durable and capable of withstanding repeated use in challenging environments.

Hunting

Edge retention is one of the biggest factors to look for in a knife used for skinning, field dressing, and processing game. A hunting knife blade needs to stay sharp through multiple uses and resist corrosion even after repeated exposure to blood and moisture.

Water

Whether fishing or white water rafting, a quality water knife needs to be easily accessible and have a good grip in wet conditions. Look for steel that’s highly resistant to rust and corrosion.

Tactical

A tactical knife used for self-defense, military, and law enforcement applications should have a strong, sharp blade with good corrosion resistance and enough durability to perform reliably in high-stress situations.

Outdoor

Camping, hiking, and survival situations call for a purpose-built knife with a blade that’s tough and versatile, capable of handling tasks like chopping wood, building shelters, and preparing food.

Bushcraft and Survival

Extreme toughness and durability are the top qualities to look for in a blade used for wilderness survival tasks like firemaking and shelter building. You’ll need a blade you can count on to hold an edge and resist chipping or breaking.

Axes and Swords

Whether chopping wood or clearing brush, the basic requirements of the steel used in axes and machetes are the same: The blade is made from steel that’s tough enough to handle impact and maintains sharpness through heavy use.

Collector

Knifemaking is an art form. Collector knives prioritize form over function, featuring premium materials and craftsmanship, with a focus on aesthetic appeal and unique designs.