Case Cutlery Knife Steels Explained

1. TruSharp Stainless Steel:

   • Edge Retention:
     • TruSharp stainless steel strikes a balance between edge retention and ease of maintenance.
     • It can hold a sharp edge reasonably well, making it suitable for everyday tasks.
     • However, compared to some high-end steels, its edge retention might not be exceptional.
   • Toughness:
     • TruSharp is moderately tough, which means it can withstand normal wear and tear.
     • It won’t chip or break easily during regular use.
     • This toughness contributes to its reliability for everyday cutting chores.
   • Corrosion Resistance:
     • TruSharp stainless steel offers good corrosion resistance.
     • It won’t rust easily, even if exposed to moisture or acidic substances.
     • Regular cleaning and drying after use help maintain its corrosion-resistant properties.

2. Chrome Vanadium (CV) Steel:

   • Edge Retention:
     • CV steel excels in edge retention due to its high carbon content.
     • It can hold a razor-sharp edge for extended periods.
     • This makes it ideal for tasks where edge longevity matters, such as carving or woodworking.
   • Toughness:
     • CV steel is tough and resilient.
     • It can withstand heavy use, impacts, and lateral forces without chipping or breaking.
     • This toughness is especially valuable for hard-use knives.
   • Corrosion Resistance:
     • Here’s where CV steel differs significantly.
     • While it forms a patina over time (which some users appreciate for its character), it’s less corrosion-resistant than stainless steel.
     • Proper care, including wiping the blade dry after use, prevents rust.

In summary:

• TruSharp is user-friendly, versatile, and low-maintenance.
• CV steel excels in edge retention and toughness but requires a bit more attention to prevent rust.

Case does offer a few knives that come in more "exotic" types of steel:

1. CPM S35VN Steel:
   • Edge Retention: Excellent due to high carbon and vanadium content.
   • Toughness: Good, with added niobium for durability.
   • Corrosion Resistance: Solid, thanks to 14% chromium.
   • Sharpenability: Relatively easy to sharpen.
2. Damascus Steel:
   • Hardness and Edge Retention: Varies, because the types of steel that give it its "wavy" appearance can vary by manufacturer.
   • Appearance: Distinctive streaked patterns.
   • Quality: Judged by the intricacy of the watered design.

In my opinion, most of the steels that Case Cutlery uses in their knife blades are obsolete when compared to the more modern steels like CPM-Magnacut and CPM-D2. These steels are going to outperform Case TruSharp Stainless and CV in all categories (edge retention, toughness, and corrosion resistance).

Hope this helps, and always feel free to reach out if you need help making a decision on what knife to buy!