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CarryIndex Reference
EDC Knife Steel Reference Library
Every production EDC steel — broken down, compared, and indexed against the full catalog.
By CarryIndex · Updated continuously ·
8 steels covered
Premium / CPM Steels
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CPM-S35VN
The most widely deployed premium EDC steel. Better toughness than S30V, available $75–$600+. The default correct answer for most buyers.
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CPM-MagnaCut
The 2021 formula that broke the corrosion-toughness tradeoff. Outstanding across all metrics. The current performance benchmark.
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M390 / CPM-20CV / ELMAX
Maximum edge retention at high hardness. Rewards sharpening skill. The choice for serious users with a diamond stone.
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CPM-S30V
The steel that defined premium production in the 2000s. Still excellent, especially on the secondary market. Spyderco PM2 territory.
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Mid-Tier & Specialty Steels
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VG-10
Japan's answer to stainless performance. Outstanding corrosion resistance, superb out-of-box sharpness. The spine of Spyderco's lineup for two decades.
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154CM / ATS-34
The American classic. Easy to sharpen, genuinely tough, and the steel that built Benchmade's reputation. Still found in current production.
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Budget Steels
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D2 Tool Steel
Semi-stainless, high edge retention per dollar. The best budget steel for users who don't mind basic maintenance. Common under $75.
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Sandvik 14C28N
The Kershaw / Mora steel. Outstanding corrosion resistance, sharpens on anything, zero maintenance required. The best entry-level choice.
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