What is High Carbon Steel?

High carbon steel is a type of steel that contains a significantly higher carbon content compared to other types of steel. While the average carbon content in regular steel ranges from 0.1% to 0.3%, high carbon steel typically contains around 0.6% to 1.5% carbon.

The increased carbon content gives high carbon steel distinct properties that make it highly valued in various industries, including knife making. First and foremost, the higher carbon content provides exceptional hardness and strength. High carbon steel knives are renowned for their excellent cutting edge retention and durability.
Furthermore, high carbon steel exhibits good wear resistance, allowing it to withstand abrasion and friction over time. This feature makes it ideal for blades and cutting tools that frequently encounter tough materials.

It's worth noting that high carbon steel can also be sharpened to exceptionally fine edges. The increased carbon content enables the steel to achieve a greater degree of hardness, enabling precise and long-lasting cutting performance.

However, high carbon steel does have some drawbacks. Due to its heightened carbon content, it is more prone to corrosion and rust than other steel types. To mitigate this issue, proper care and maintenance, such as regular cleaning, drying, and oiling, are essential to prevent oxidation and preserve its quality.

Nonetheless, high carbon steel remains a popular choice among knife enthusiasts and professionals due to its exceptional hardness, edge retention, and ability to be sharpened to a fine edge.