Choosing the right steel for your custom knife is the most important decision you will make. We use only high carbon steel approved for use by the American Bladesmith Society. Some examples of steel we use are:
5160 spring steel. This is a very durable steel used in truck, car, and train springs. It has good durability qualities, but is not rust resistant, so you will need to dry your knife after getting it wet and should routinely clean and oil it. One downside is that it is a bit heavier than others.
1084. This high carbon steel is a good balance between weight and durability. It will hold a sharp edge under high stress and requires less frequent sharpening. This steel welds well with nickel alloys to make gorgeous Damascus patterns.
1095. Like 1084, this is a very strong and durable steel that will hold an edge for a long time. It is very impact friendly and will bend much sooner than it will break, making it ideal for fighting or hunting knives. It is also only mildly corrosion resistant, so frequent cleaning and oiling is needed when used daily.
15N20. An alloy containing a high amount of nickel, this steel is corrosion resistant and will even withstand acid baths. This makes it ideal to bond with other carbon steels to create stunning definition in Damascus knives. It has good durability and is relatively light compared to other steels.