The CPM Magnacut is currently considered to be one of the best steels in the world, just like its Japanese equivalent SG2. It is also considered slightly superior to CPMS35VN in terms of edge longevity and strength. This steel, manufactured by the American company Crucible, is made from sintered steel powder, and is therefore a product of powder metallurgy.. Sintering is a heat treatment whereby grains of a powder, previously cold-pressed in a metal mold, are then heated to a temperature below the melting point of the main constituent of the mixture, resulting in the grains being welded together to form a solid mass while retaining the shape given to the tablet (GDT). Powder-metallurgy steels enable us to manufacture top-quality knives with exceptional sharpness that will be maintained for a very long time.
CPM Magnacut can be hardened to 64 HRC (Rockwell rating), which is particularly high. This level of hardness gives an exceptional cutting edge, but can also be brittle. This is why the company North Arm (from whom we source our knives) does not harden it to a level higher than 61 HRC.. The resulting knives are a little less sharp, but extremely robust, and retain their sharpness for an impressive length of time. This steel generally sharpens well, especially if hardness does not exceed 61 HRC. Carbon content: 1.15%. See technical data

The CPM S35VN is currently regarded as a one of the best steels in the world, just like its Japanese equivalent SG2. This steel, manufactured by the American company Crucible, is made from sintered steel powder and is therefore a product of powder metallurgy.. Sintering is a heat treatment whereby grains of a powder, previously cold-pressed in a metal mold, are then heated to a temperature below the melting point of the main constituent of the mixture, resulting in the grains being welded together to form a solid mass while retaining the shape given to the tablet (GDT). Powder-metallurgy steels enable us to manufacture top-quality knives with exceptional sharpness that will be maintained for a very long time.
CPM S35VN can be hardened to 64 HRC (Rockwell indicator), which is particularly high. This level of hardness gives an exceptional cutting edge, but can also be brittle. This is why the company North Arm (from whom we keep our knives) does not harden them to more than 61 HRC. The resulting knives are a little less sharp, but extremely robust, and retain their sharpness for an impressive length of time. This steel generally sharpens well, especially if hardness does not exceed 61 HRC. Carbon content: 1.40%. See technical data

X50CrMoV15 is widely used by European kitchen knife manufacturers. It is particularly used in Germany in the manufacture of Zwilling and Whüstof brand knives. It is a relatively easy to produce and very robust. Depending on the heat treatment chosen, the hardness of this steel ranges from 55 and 58 HRC (Rockwell indicator). Containing less carbon than Japanese steels, it provides a higher but is much stronger and more resistant to oxidation. Carbon content: 0.50%. (hence the X50 in the name).

X55CrMo14 is used by European kitchen knife manufacturers. It is mainly used in Switzerland in the Victorinox brand knives. It is a steel relatively easy to produce and very robust. Depending on the heat treatment chosen, the hardness of this steel ranges from 54 and 57 HRC (Rockwell indicator). Containing less carbon than Japanese steels, it provides a higher but is much stronger and more resistant to oxidation.. Carbon content: 0.55 (hence the X55 in the name). Unlike the X50CrMoV15 steel used in German knives, X55CrMo14 contains no vanadium. It is of slightly lower quality than X50CrMoV15 steel.

The 14C28 from the Swedish company Sandvik is used by many European knife manufacturers. It is a high-strength steel. high quality. Depending on the heat treatment selected, the hardness of this steel ranges from 54 and 62 HRC (Rockwell indicator). Containing less carbon than Japanese steels, and depending on its heat treatment, it can provide a but is much stronger and more resistant to oxidation. Carbon content: 0.62. Although it contains a little more carbon and can be further hardened, it is generally comparable to X50CrMoV15 steel. steel used in the manufacture of German knives.

The 12C27MOD from the Swedish company Sandvik is used by several European knife manufacturers. It is a one-piece steel. high quality. Depending on the heat treatment chosen, the hardness of this steel ranges from 54 and 62 HRC (Rockwell indicator). Containing less carbon than Japanese steels, and depending on its heat treatment, it can provide a but is much stronger and more resistant to oxidation. Carbon content: 0.6%. Although it contains a little more carbon and can be further hardened, it is generally comparable to X50CrMoV15 steel. steel used in the manufacture of German knives.

The NCV50 is used by Fischer Bargoin for the production of economical blades. It is a high-strength steel. quality. The hardness of this steel is around 54 to 55 HRC (Rockwell indicator). Containing less carbon than Japanese steels, it provides but is much stronger and more resistant to oxidation. This is a good steel for occasional or light use, as it will require more frequent sharpening.