Carbon Steel Pocket Knife Buying Guide 2019
Are you looking for a good pocket knife that won't let you down in camping trip ? There are major differences in quality and durability from one brand and type to another. We recommend carbon steel pocket knives over other material types. We've prepared this guide to tell you why they outperform most others, and last longer. Here, you'll find the information that you need to make the best choice, along with a review of the ten top carbon steel knives on the market today. We've saved you the time and effort it takes to research by providing the important details in one convenient place.
What's The Best Steel for Pocket Knife Blades?
There has been an ongoing debate over which is the best material for pocket knives. It comes down to stainless steel versus carbon steel. Both are good choices, but which is the best? If you're looking for a knife that is easier to sharpen and holds its edge better, then carbon is the material that will perform the best. Stainless is a lot harder to sharpen and it doesn't hold an edge as well, but it's usually a bit cheaper. The best steel for pocket knife blades really depends on your personal preferences, and how much time you want to spend sharpening your knife.
Comparison Table of Carbon Steel Pocket knife
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Opinel Carbon Steel Folding Everyday Carry Locking Pocket Knife |
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ALPHA TEK Spring Assisted Knife |
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Schrade SCHF3N Extreme Survival Full Tang Clip Point Fixed Blade |
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Morakniv Bushcraft Carbon Fixed Blade Knife |
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KA-BAR Full Size US Marine Corps Fighting Knife, Straight |
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Victorinox 10 Inch Fibrox Pro Chef's Knife |
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Morakniv Bushcraft Carbon Steel Survival Knife with Fire Starter |
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Schrade SCHF9 Extreme Survival Full Tang Drop Point Fixed Blade |
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Zero Tolerance 0450 Pocketknife (0450); |
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Spyderco Dragonfly 2 Plain Edge Folding Knife |
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Carbon Steel Pocket Knife Reviews
The Opinel carbon steel folding is a locking pocket knife that is safe to carry in your pocket, because it won't open until you're ready to use. Exceptional quality with a choice of colors make this an essential for both amateur and pro handymen or those who enjoy the outdoors.
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Deploys with lightning speed and comes with a built-in bottle opener. Durable and razor sharp for the best possible performance.
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Solid performance with a high carbon stainless steel blade. Designed for easy carry for professional or recreational use.
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Morakniv Bushcraft for full control and easy maneuverability. Thick enough to be firm but thin for lightweight effectiveness in a fixed blade that is sharp as a razor.
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Ease of use and incredible comfort in a well balanced straight edge knife. It earned its reputation in WWII and continues with performance and quality that is equal to the examples first delivered to the military 70 years ago
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The essential for amateur and professional chefs. A multipurpose knife that is ideal for dicing, slicing, mincing or chopping . Holds a sharp edge for high performance in the kitchen .
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The essential tool for tactical, emergency, hunting and a variety of outdoor applications. Razor sharp edge that will help you tackle any cutting task.
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The ideal knife for professional or recreational level use that has become an essential for campers and those who spend time in the outdoors.
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The Zero Tolerance pocketknife is the essential for camping and other types of outdoor use. Built for durability and performance when you need it the most.
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Spyderco Dragonfly 2 Plain Edge is a folding knife that is made both right and left handed users. Durable and dependable to perform with reliability.
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Advantages of Carbon Steel Blade Knives
Carbon steel blade knives offer a few advantages over stainless steel. They are easier to sharpen to a razor sharp edge. This means that it takes less effort to achieve a sharp edge than with stainless steel blades. Also they are also less expensive in most cases. They are durable when grease and moisture are wiped off after each use. The addition of a non-corrosive coating makes them hold up for longer. Many chefs prefer carbon steel blade knives because of their superior ability to grind to sharpness more quickly. This feature allows for faster cutting , dicing, slicing and chopping of foods being prepared in the kitchen. Their sharpness also makes carbon steel a preferred option for many hunters and survivalist who rely upon high performance in emergency and tactical situations.
Disadvantages of Carbon Steel Blade Knives
The major disadvantage of carbon steel blade knives is that they tend to chip and corrode more easily than stainless steel blades. While they are easier to sharpen, they require more frequent sharpening than most of the stainless varieties do. Regarding which is the best, it is a matter of personal preference. For some users, less frequent sharpening is worth the sacrifice of razor sharpness, and for others, the preference is for the less expensive type that will be sharper for a shorter period of time.
So, is a Carbon Steel Blade Knife worth it?
There are many professional and amateurs who would rather spend more time sharpening a knife that will achieve the sharpest possible edge. It is more difficult to get this quality in a stainless steel blade. This is highly valued for chefs and other professionals who require precision cutting and a blade that will accomplish a large task in a shorter amount of time. Carbon blades are less expensive, and when the time spent attempting to achieve the same level of sharpness in a stainless steel blade is compared with the frequency of sharpening required for carbon steel, some believe that it is a good trade-off for the razor edge.
The Pros and Cons of Stainless vs. High Carbon Steel Pocket Knives
Stainless steel pocket knives are still considered to be the preferred choice for some survivalists, campers, chefs and outdoors people. They value the fact that the blade holds an edge longer than carbon steel. Another advantage is that they are less prone to rust, chipping and corrosion. On the downside, stainless blades are more difficult to sharpen and take longer. They are also more expensive which is a factor that does influence some users. The time spent sharpening a frequently used knife of either type is likely to be equal when you factor in the degree of difficulty versus frequency. High carbon steel pocket knives which are treated with an anti-corrosive coating rise in superiority over stainless.
Edge Retention
One of the biggest differences between stainless and high carbon steel blades is the length of time that they retain an edge. Stainless comes out ahead when it comes to retaining the sharp edge. This means that there will be fewer breaks in task completion on larger jobs. In general, the edge is not quite as sharp as with carbon steel, but it does last longer in between grindings and it's more difficult to obtain.
Are all blades from the same steel alike?
When you use a variety of different knife blades you will soon learn that not all blades from the same steel are alike. Some have special treatment that make them more durable and resistant to corrosion. The shape of the blade and the type of grind or edge that is applied also makes a difference in the way that the knife performs under use. There are even some people who prefer to use stainless steel blades for either tactical, hunting or other uses over carbon steel, but would rather use carbon steel in the kitchen. For others, this is reversed. It really does come down to a matter of personal preference and the intended use of the blade.
What are CPM steels?
CPM steels are a special type that is a premium grade of knife blade material. They are manufactured in a way that makes the steel harder than most other types. The grain of the knife is much more refined which allows it to achieve a sharper edge. It is more effective in cutting and this material is also much easier to sharpen than stainless steel. Because of its hardness, it goes through grinder belts faster than other steels. It is considered to be the ultimate material for creating high performance knives, but it is also the most expensive blade material on the market today.
Final Conclusion
Carbon steel pocket knives are among the most affordable knives on the market. Although there are blade steels that have advantages over the material, they also have drawbacks. Carbon steel blades which are treated to resist corrosion are easier to maintain than those which are not. Although they need more frequent sharpening, they are much easier to hone to a razor's edge. We've offered some of the best examples of the top ten carbon steel knives available. Our selections are highly rated by people who have purchased and used them.
Each is recommended as a good value for the cost. We've provided all the pros and cons of each knife for your careful consideration. Our carbon steel pocket knife guide and reviews are designed to make finding the best choice easier by giving you all the information that you need in one convenient place. Whether you need a folding knife, straight edge or kitchen knife, we've included examples of each type for your consideration.