Methodology & sources
Composition facts from datasheets; relative properties from published testing; nothing invented.
Sources
- Steel category, powder-metallurgy status and typical hardness (HRC) come from manufacturer datasheets (Crucible, Böhler-Uddeholm, Hitachi, Sandvik, etc.).
- Relative edge retention, corrosion resistance and toughness are expressed as consensus tiers reflecting published testing — CATRA edge-retention data and the toughness/edge charts compiled by Larrin Thomas (Knife Steel Nerds) — plus broad community consensus.
- We store a coarse price tier, never a live price.
What we never do
- No invented numeric "scores" — tiers reflect documented testing, not opinion.
- No claim that a tier is a lab guarantee: real performance depends heavily on heat treat, blade geometry and use.
- No sponsored placements. Dated "last verified" on every page.