07/25/2021
PRO TIP AND DIFFERENCES
Pro tip: if the company or website claims it is " rust-resistant " then it's stainless, not true high carbon steel as they claim. it's considered high carbon stainless which just means it has an extra 2% iron in it.
To tell the difference is this.
1095 High carbon steel has a " patina " that develops over time as the outer layer oxidized, taking on a grey ish/black hue, this is not considered rust and is beneficial for the blade to have this as it protects it from the elements much like a skin. Rust is red/orange like a redheaded stepchild.
It is much, much harder then stainless and can go longer without maintenance (sharpening) periods of time.
It will rust if exposed to water then open air with more splotches of rust then a kid with acne, so dry it immediately after washing it. It is mostly used in enviroments such as kitchen to tools
High carbon stainless keeps shiny with no patina and is usually stamped with element acrynoms. Is prone to rust in splotches over period of time uncleaned.
To make up for lack of iron and carbon they use materials in an amalgam consisting of any of these elements chromium, vanadium, tungsten(coated), molybdenum, magnesium, nickel, titanium and some other exotic metal elements.
Usually has 5% iron to be considered this category.
Keeps an edge slightly better then your average stainless alloy.
Some of these are consider unworkable since they use these elements in a concentration that tries to mimic or higher, the hardness of 1095 high carbon steel. and as a result it is severely prone to chips and nicks since its an amalgamation of the elements it breaks off rather then wear down.(think of brushing smooth a side of a sand castle at the beach)
It is mostly used in kitchens and where it is cost effective to not have general maintenance done so often.
Used when rust is considered a hazard and/or cheaper to maintain rust free environment.
your average stainless will be stamped with " 220 " or " 440 " along with country of origin, or sometimes not all. Will keep shiny and not rust unless SEVERELY mistreated, and even then it's only a splotch or two that wipes off easily.
Stainless steel name is a misnomer as it contains none to only 1-2% iron, no carbon.
To be considered steel, it would need iron and carbon to their respective values of %.
This category has very weak edge and is prone to " roll over " on itself even when using a cutting board and requires constant strokes on the rolling steel(the rod that blocks come with) to straighten again.
It contains the above mentioned elements.
You will find these alloys in most low end stainless blades as it is cheap to manufacture.
This is mostly used in cheap or low end applications, where it is expected to be destroyed or lost.
Ceramics don't rust, ever. And has a matte finish or sometimes shiny if coated.
This category contains no metal as the name implies and can be the hardest material you'll ever find.
I can't list their elements as they are mostly a proprietary blend by manufacturer.
due to the said nature of the extreme hardness these are generally unworkable as it is harder then most instruments used to sharpen with. So expect to replace than maintaining.
Due to said nature of extreme hardness renders it very brittle and will potentially shatter if dropped
It is mostly used in enviroments when can not be expected to do maintenance for some time or cost ineffective to do so
Enviroments where acidic product is being used or an environment where inert materials must be used.
Sometimes used as marketing gimmick to households. I say this because it means to force you to buy a complete new blade rather then maintenance.
I don't intend this as a review of what is best. But a factually correct report on what they are, these all have their intended purpose and use. If I have something here infactual, please let me know in the comments section or have any questions deeper into the topics.
