Best Steel for Beginner Knife Making

Steel is the best metal and is widely used for knife making because it is strong and durable. But if you use any kind of ordinary Steel, will you get the desired result? No, that’s not possible. Now, if you wish to know which the best steel for beginner knife making is, then you are in the right place. We will discuss here the 10 best steel for beginner knife makers and their advantages/disadvantages.

A beginner will ever wish his knife to be hard, sharp, tough, and shiny at the same time. For this, he has to select perfectly the best steel, the prime element of knife making. Different types of Steel are available in retail with unique features. Sometimes it becomes somewhat challenging to understand which Steel might be best for a beginner. We hope you can easily choose the Steel according to your needs from what we are discussing here.

Rank	Image	Product	Score	Buy Now
1		RMP Knife Blade With 1074-75 Steel Billets	4.8 out of 5
2		RMP Knife Blade Steel With 1095 Billets	4.2 out of 5
3		Southland Wheeled String Trimmer	4.7 out of 5
4		Southland Wheeled String Trimmer	4.7 out of 5
5		Southland Wheeled String Trimmer	4.7 out of 5

1.RMP Knife Blade Steel With1074-75 Steel Billets

For beginners, RMP knife blade steel is one of the best choices for custom-made knife making according to customer requirements. These steels are used for making different varieties of knives, such as kitchen knives, hunting knives, and even cutleries.

It is a strong and durable Steel alloy because it comprises about 352 layers of Steel and has been folded five times. These steels are easy to forget; you can mold them to any shape and size when the Steel reaches the optimal temperature.

High carbon is used to make RMP knife blade steel, allowing the manufacturer to sharpen billets and easily hold a strong edge. It comprises annealing, which makes the material most viable and easy to adjust. But the use of a metal band ensures a smooth metal cut.

According to most experts, RPM high carbon steel is highly trusted, and it is one of the best steel for beginner knife making. It has an amazing customer review from 500 plus happy customers. 

2.RMP Knife Blade Steel With1095 Knife Making Billets

When you consider getting the best quality steel for making your custom-made knife, this high carbon RMP 1095 Knife Making Billets is perfect for you. These steels are durable and easy to use and the best steel for beginner knife maker.

The Rose metal products use quality material to make this blade steel. It can bend arbitrarily, making the knife easy and efficient. You can make a knife using this Steel and use it effortlessly for the rest of your life.

These steels include high carbon materials, which ensures they sharpen it easily and resists chipping. The edge holding capacity of this Steel is high. It is completely light; the weight is only 8.78 ounces. 1095 carbon steel provides added durability to this blade steel.

3.RMP Knife Blade Steel – 1095 Knife Making Billets, High Carbon Annealed, 12 x 12 x 0.125 Inches

This blade steel of RMP is usually best for beginners or hobbyists. Are you expecting to create a knife different from the traditional design? You can make this easily according to your preference by using RMP Knife Blade Steel 1095 knife-making steel billets.

Its 12 * 12 * 0.125 Inches shape will allow you the freedom to implement your design, especially when you prefer your knife blade to be relatively wider and have an exceptional design. It is thin and lightweight, so it is ideal for making any knife with a wide blade.

These high carbon steels ensure sharpen it easily and prevent chipping. It is durable due to 1095 carbon steel. The knife, which is made by using this Steel, is light and includes excellent edge holding capability. Moreover, it is available at a comparatively low price. Considering everything, it is one of the best Steel for beginner knife making.

 Specifications

• Brand: RMP
• Manufacturer: Rose Metal Products
• Blade Material: Carbon Steel
• Item Dimensions: 12 x 12 x 0.125 inches
• Weight: 5.38 Pounds

Pros

• Strong and durable,
• Best for beginners,
• Ideal for custom design,
• Thin and light,
• Comparatively low price.

Cons

• Some customers complain the edges are not annealed.

4.RMP Knife Blade Steel – 1095 Knife Making Billet, High Carbon, Annealed Steel, 1.5 x 12 x 0.187 Inches.

These blade steels are frequently accepted for the production of hunting knives or similar products. The edge retention capability of 1095 carbon steel is remarkable. So the use of this Steel can deliver excellent results in those types of knives which are generally prone to edge damage.

The RMP 1095 knife-making billet is annealed and highly recommended for beginners. These steels are projected to make products, including knives, blades, and other tools. It is made from high carbon steel and uses one billet sheet. It can brush up easily because of the use of a billet sheet. These Steel can be easily worked with an angle grinder, bench grinder, and 1 ‘’ belt sander.

RMP high carbon blade steel knife-making billets can be sharpened easily. Excellent edge retention capability and an anti-rust feature make these Steel last longer. Knives made using this Steel are also very effective in the work that destroys the edge of ordinary knives. Moreover, these styles are always available at affordable prices.

Specifications

• Brand: RMP
• Manufacturer: Rose Metal Products
• Blade Material: Carbon Steel
• Item Dimensions: 12 x 1.5 x 0.187 inches
• Weight: 7.37 Ounces

 Pros

• Excellent edge retention capability,
• Anti-rust feature,
• Longer lasting,
• High carbon annealed steel,
• Affordable price.

 Cons

• Some customer complains it is not annealed.

5.5RMP Knife Blade Steel – 1075 Knife Making Billets, High Carbon, Annealed Steel, 1.5 x 12 x 0.125 Inches.

RMP Knife Blade Steel 1075 billets are one of the best Steel for beginner knife making. This steel is easy to grind, and heat treatment is fairly easy. The hardness of knives made using it is outstanding. These steels are easy to get, and the delivery process of the company is extremely fast. This Steel is relatively flexible, which is why it is quite easy to sharpen. 

Although it is flexible, its edge retention capability is very nice. RMP high carbon 1075 steel is easy to use as it is annealed, and you can make knives of any shape. Using this Steel, you can easily make a kitchen knife, hunting knife, camping knife, or any kind of knife.

If you want to create your custom knife, this Steel is better for you. This high carbon annealed 1075 steel billet resists chipping and holds a great edge for a lifetime. This is a better choice, especially who are beginners. 

Specifications

• Brand: RMP
• Manufacturer: Rose Metal Products
• Blade Material: Carbon Steel
• Item Dimensions: 12 x 1.5 x 0.125 inches
• Weight: 10 Ounces

Pros

• High carbon 1075 steel,
• Easy to sharpen,
• Holds a great edge,
• A better choice for beginners,
• Cheap in price.

Cons

• Comparatively, harden in its class.

6.RMP Knife Blade Steel – 1095 Knife Making Billets High Carbon Annealed, 12 x 12 x 0.187 Inches (±1/16).

RMP 1095 Knife Making Billets is ideal for beginners and hobbyists who like to make their knives according to their choice. Wider steel sheets allow freedom for custom designed and for wider blades. It is the better choice for knives like hunting knives, camping knives, or survival in wild areas.

This high carbon annealed Steel is easier to use and sharpen. The quality of the product is much better, ensures hardship quite nicely, heat treats at home with no issues, and can make some pretty-looking blades. 11 to 12 knives can be made from one sheet, depending on your knife’s style. So, provide a good value for the price.

It is one of the best steel for beginner knifemaking because of its flexibility. These RMP 1095 knife-making billets are super flexible. You can make the knife of your choice. Knife users are satisfied because of its edge retention ability. This steel sheet has tremendous customer reviews. The company’s fast delivery process is also highly commendable. 

Specifications

• Brand: RMP
• Manufacturer: Rose Metal Products
• Blade Material: Carbon Steel
• Item Dimensions: 12 x 12 x 0.187 inches
• Weight: 7.91 Pounds

Pros

• The best for beginners,
• Easy to use,
• Better for custom design,
• Sharpen easily,
• Provide good value for the price.

Cons

• Some customers complain it hardens.

7.AbbottoKaylan Knife Blade Steel – 1095 Knife Making Billets High Carbon Annealed, 1.57 x 12 x 0.187 Inches.

1095 is often recommended and is suitable for beginner steel. AbbottoKaylan 1095 knife-making billet is made from high carbon steel. This billet sharpens easily, resists chipping, and keeps a great edge. If you make your custom knife by using this Steel, it will easily last for a lifetime”.

These high carbon steels have the peculiarities of heat resistance, low-temperature resistance, oxidation protection, corrosion resistance, etc. It is softer compared to separate Steel and slightly bent. AbbottoKaylan 1095 blade steel involves a carbon content of 1.03%. After heat therapy, it can lead to the hardness of hrc58-60. It is not rust-resistant, but the toughness is very good.

1095 carbon steel is applied in large-scale felling knives and military knives such as KA-BAR. This AbbottoKaylan Knife Blade Steel is 1.57 inches wide, 12 inches long, and 0.187 inches thick. Using this Steel, you can create all kinds of knives, such as kitchen knives, hunting knives, or any knives.

Specifications

• Brand: AbbottoKaylan
• Manufacturer: AbbottoKaylan
• Blade Material: High Carbon Annealed 1095 Steel
• Item Dimensions: 1.57 x 12 x 0.187 Inches,
• Weight: 2.7 Pounds.

Pros

• The best option for beginners,
• It can be used for all types of knives making,
• Holds a great edge,
• Sharpen easily,
• High carbon annealed 1095 billets.

Cons

• The Steel isn’t completely flat.

8.Patriot Steel – 1095 Knife Making & Forging Steel High Carbon, 12 x 1.5 x 0.125 Inches.

If you are searching for high-quality Steel, then Patriot Steel can supply you with your desired Steel. They produced custom-made Steel for knife makers and control quality standards strictly to ensure better quality. The high carbon 1095 steel they offer is the best Steel for beginner knife makers.

Patriot Steel 1095 Knife Making bar can be sand easily. This is a perfect bar, so making the blades saves a lot of time and labour. These blades are uniquely constructed for both professionals and hobbyists for making several tools. It is the softest Steel to heat treat and one of the best choices for creating high-quality chopping knives.

These steel blades have adequate toughness and can be made even bigger blades for chopping. Because it is flexible enough, you can make thin blades and swords using these steel bars. The high-quality Patriot knife-making steel provides a specific formal structure and maintains its size while undergoing heat management.

Specifications

• Brand: Patriot Steel
• Manufacturer: Patriot Steel
• Blade Material: High Carbon 1095 Steel
• Item Dimensions: 1.57 x 12 x 0.187 Inches,
• Weight: 2.54 Pounds.

Pros

• High carbon 1095 steel, super-soft,
• Easy forging,
• Best for high-quality chopping knives,
• Excellent edge holding capability,
• Saves time and labour.

Cons

• It is lightweight Steel.

9.Mr Volcano 1095 Knife Making Steel High Carbon Annealed 12 x 1.5 x 3/16 Inches.

Mr Volcano 1095 steel is produced from a great value of carbon and is commonly applied for making knives, blades, and other hand tools. The steel material is created with low phosphorus, low Sulphur, and calcium for elongated internal cleanness of the steel. This steel is molded on excessive heat to manufacture tools with perfection and is the best choice for bladesmiths and blacksmiths.

This high carbon 1095 steel can be forged into any shape well. Knives made using it are pretty strong and much more durable. It is widely accepted to create hunting knives and swords. This Steel has excellent edge holding capability and easily sharpens properties.

These steels are suitable for grinding and sharpening the edges of tools. It can satisfy the consumer’s easy demand considering the shapes of various tools. It is essential to obtain the material red hot and cool down naturally to bring it to be cotton soft before putting a single strike over it. A single acid wash is sufficient to get off even minor rust over this Steel.

Specifications

• Brand: Mr Volcano
• Manufacturer: Penko
• Blade Material: High Carbon Steel
• Item Dimensions: 12 x 1.5 x 3/16 Inches,
• Weight: 2.74 Pounds.

Pros

• One of the best Steel for beginner knife makers,
• Highly durable and better edge holding capability,
• Corrosion resistance property,
• Ready to use for making perfect knives, blades, and other tools,
• Easy to mold.

Cons

• Some customers complain all three pieces had a visible bow.

10.W2 Steel flat bar stock 12 x 1.5 x 5/16 Inches, Knifemaking blades.

The W2 is one of the leading manufacturers of Steel, produces excellent-quality Steel for years. This Steel is likewise one of the best Steel for knives and for creating knife blades. The high carbon steel is 12 x 1.5 and 5/16 inches in depth, which offers more advantages while preparing the blades.

The forged steel is cold-rolled and annealed with a shiny appearance that causes the Steel to be perfect for forging blades, tools, and separate parts. It includes about 0.95% of carbon substance which creates the Steel even stronger than before, and that reduces the volume of wear and tear that the blade will experience over time.

The Steel maintains an extreme edge, and also, it’s easy to sharpen. The Steel is ideal for producing thin blades, and it’s simple to work with the blade and make chopping knives and hunting knives, etc. The W2 forged Steel is a highly effective metal. Again the price of the blade is reasonable for such a magnificent quality steel bar.

Specifications

• Brand: W2 Steel
• Manufacturer: Arizona Knifemakers Supply
• Blade Material: High-carbon steel plus vanadium,
• Item Dimensions: 12 x 1.5 x 5/16 Inches,
• Weight: 1.55 Pounds.

Pros

• Durable and tough Steel,
• Great value for the money,
• Anti-corrosion property,
• Easily sharpen,
• Perfect for making the thin blade.

Cons

• Not too light.

Different Steel for Knife Making

We know the use of Steel in a range of appliances in everyday living. Steel is also used in heavy equipment of factories, starting from kitchen applications. But the question is, are all steels the same in structure? Or is any steel suitable for making knives?

The simple answer is- no. There is a wide variety of Steel needed for various purposes, and their basic component is different. There are four grades of Steel, but there are multiple subgroups, and they do particular purposes. Its property varies depending upon the components that blend with it. Below is a brief idea about these steels.

Carbon Steel: Carbon is included in Steel to make it strong and durable. Although it does not comprise an extensive amount of carbon, only 2% of carbon makes the Steel more durable because of structural variations. Carbon steel is considered being one of the best elements for making knives. High carbon steels have high carbon grades, and they enhance the quality of knives made from them by raising the power of the Steel.

Carbon steel is generally subdivided into three categories, low carbon, medium carbon, and high carbon. They are divided into three categories based on the level of carbon applied to the Steel. The only down set of excessive carbon steel is they are prone to corrosion, and you have to care for the metal from getting rust.

Stainless Steel: These steels generally consist of a small volume of carbon and about 10.5% of chromium resistance to corrosion. However, these ratios may vary for specific demands. This Steel is frequently applied in most kitchens to produce knives and corrosion-free blades. They are also widely accepted in manufacturing various types of medical equipment.

There are specific types of stainless steel needed for different purposes. This Steel is usually used in many activities in which the knife has to be exposed to water repeatedly. Stainless Steel is most frequently practiced for kitchen knives, cheese knives, etc. 

Alloy steel: These types of Steel are blended with different elements in total amounts between 1.0% and 50% by weight to expand their mechanical properties. Alloy steel is split into two groups: low alloy steel and high alloy steel. The difference between the two is controversial. Alloy steel normally includes magnesium, chromium, molybdenum, silicon, and many other materials. Usually, the alloy is included in the Steel to expand its strength, hardness, wear resistance, and persistence.

Hundreds of devices can be produced with alloy steels of differing compositions. These include alloy steel pipes and tubes, alloy steel plates, sheets and coils, alloy steel bars, rods and wires, alloy steel forged fittings, alloy steel bottled fittings, alloy steel rims, fasteners, and many more.

Factors you have to consider while purchasing Steel for knife making

Not all steels are suitable for making knives. So there are some factors to consider when buying Steel, such as-

• Durability: The durability of a knife is essential, and it depends on how long the Steel will last. Steel usually decays rapidly because of corrosion. Knives made of poor-quality steel break easily. So if you wish to make a great quality knife, you must be sure about the durability of Steel.
• Quality: The quality of Steel you must pay attention to because it is possible to make a decent knife only by applying appropriate quality Steel. You should always avoid poor-quality Steel, as the knives made from them are never durable and break easily. Better quality Steel can be forged well, and it has elastic properties and includes ground and polished lustre texture on the steel surface. 
• Anti-corrosion property: Steel is the most damaged because of corrosion, which gradually depletes the Steel. But not all steels have anti-corrosion properties. However, by following some methods, you can enhance its anti-corrosion properties. For example, when the blade is made, you can galvanize the Steel or apply zinc or stainless coating to protect it from rust. Although stainless steels are quite expensive, they are completely anti-corrosion. Use this if possible.
• Cost: You certainly don’t prefer all your knives to be extremely expensive. That’s why you have to keep in mind the cost. Most steel bars are generally available for between 30 or 40, sometimes up to 50. However, if the prices are higher than that, they may not be the appropriate purchase.

FAQ:

Question: What’s the best Steel for beginner knife making?

Answer: The right materials are very important for making any tools. With knife making, this is especially true! When you want your knife to look great, you also want it to be superior to its purpose. Not being able to choose the right materials is a waste of both time and labor.

High carbon 1095 and 1075 steel is generally considered the best Steel for beginner knife making. These steels have an excellent and simple heat treatment that a beginner wants. These are also cheap and often available, making them even more desirable. These types of Steel don’t require a lot of experience for making knives. Using these steels, a beginner can make almost all kinds of knives.

Question: What is the difference between 1075 and 1095 steel?

Answer: The major difference is 1075 steel is comparatively more flexible than 1095 steel. Therefore 1075 steel is a bit easier to sharpen, but its edge retention capability is relatively low. 1095 steel is relatively hard to sharpen, but its edge retention capability is much higher. However, both are ideal Steel for making knives.

Question: How to choose the best Steel for knife making?

Answer: Considering a few things, you can choose Steel for making the knife. First, 1075 and 1095 steel are good for knife making. You have to choose the Steel according to your needs, pay attention to the quality of Steel.

Check the durability of the Steel, as the durability of the knife depends on it. As well as considering the price, it is also important. While a lot of excellent quality high carbon steel is available at affordable prices, buying Steel at a higher price will also greatly increase the production cost of the knife.

Question: How can I prevent rust from carbon steel knives?

Answer: Here are some simple steps you can take to prevent rust on your carbon steel knives.

• Always keep your knife clean and dry. If you can maintain it in this way, the knife will not rust easily.
• Carbon steel reacts much faster to acid than stainless Steel.
• Please do not neglect the carbon steel knives but oil them before storing them. Here, it is better to use the oil prescribed for the knife instead of any ordinary oil.
• Even after taking care, rust can appear in the navel. We often saw these problems when left unused. So if rust occurs, clean it quickly.

Final words

There is no substitute for good Steel to make a great quality knife. We have described here some great steels that are the best steel for beginner knife making. Hopefully, you can identify the Steel you need from these. Thanks for staying with us.