Steel Guide

7Cr17MoV is a budget stainless steel favored for its strong rust resistance and ease of maintenance. It’s a common choice for entry-level folders and kitchen knives. Choose 7Cr17MoV if corrosion resistance matters most and maximum edge retention isn’t required. Avoid it if you need a long-lasting edge in abrasive or heavy-duty tasks. I’ve built OEM […]

8Cr13MoV is one of the most common budget-to-midrange stainless steels in folding knives. It balances hardness, toughness, and corrosion resistance at a price point most buyers accept. Pick 8Cr13MoV if you need a well-rounded stainless steel for EDC that’s easy to sharpen, offers decent edge retention, and works across urban and light outdoor tasks. Avoid […]

Choosing the right steel makes a pocket knife useful and reliable—or frustrating and short-lived. 4116 stainless steel divides opinion, especially among EDC and kitchen knife buyers. 4116 is a German stainless steel similar to X50CrMoV15, known for high corrosion resistance, easy sharpening, and toughness. It trades long edge life for safety, stain resistance, and affordability. […]

Knife owners in Virginia face both simple statewide rules and complex local variations. Understanding the legal basics helps you carry and use your pocket or folding knife without trouble. Virginia allows most pocket and folding knives to be owned and carried openly, but concealed carry rules, location restrictions, and intent can change what’s legal in […]

Many people use the words “penknife” and “pocket knife” interchangeably, but they describe two distinct concepts with different histories, designs, and uses. A penknife is typically a small, non-locking slipjoint folder from its quill-cutting origins, while a pocket knife can include locking mechanisms, multiple blade types, and broader EDC utility designs. I often help brand […]

Steel choice shapes how a knife feels, performs, and lasts. 3Cr13 often appears in budget knives—some praise it for easy use, others dismiss it as “cheap steel.” 3Cr13 is a Chinese stainless steel similar to 420J2, known for affordability, high corrosion resistance, and ease of sharpening. It sacrifices edge retention for toughness and user-friendly maintenance. […]