SGTWORKMAN
BladeBenchGuide ↗← All Tools

🔪 Knife Steel Selector Quiz

4 questions → your perfect steel recommendation

Question 1 of 4

What's your primary use for this knife?

👖
EDC Pocket Knife
Everyday carry — opening boxes, cutting cord, general tasks
🍳
Kitchen / Chef Knife
Prep work, vegetables, meat, general cooking
🦌
Hunting / Field Knife
Skinning, gutting, camp food prep, field dressing
🌲
Bushcraft / Survival
Batoning, carving, fire starting, heavy use outdoors
Question 2 of 4

What matters most to you in a steel?

✂️
Edge Retention
Stays sharp as long as possible between sharpenings
🔨
Toughness
Resists chipping and breaking under hard use
🌊
Corrosion Resistance
Handles moisture, humidity, blood, saltwater — low rust risk
🪨
Easy to Sharpen
Restores a keen edge quickly with basic tools at home
Question 3 of 4

What's your budget for this knife?

💵
Under $50
Good value, workhorse steels — 1095, 8Cr13MoV, AUS-8
💵💵
$50–$150
Mid-range performance — S30V, VG-10, D2, AEB-L
💵💵💵
$150+
Premium steels — Magnacut, S90V, CPM-3V, ZDP-189
Question 4 of 4

How comfortable are you with knife maintenance?

🪨
I sharpen my own knives
I own stones, strops, or a sharpening system — I enjoy it
🔧
Simple touch-ups only
I'll use a pull-through sharpener or honing rod
😌
Minimal maintenance preferred
I want a knife that stays sharp and doesn't need much attention

Your Steel Recommendations