Are there knives that never dull? - let's find out
At the outset, it is worth noting that there are no knives that never dull. Every knife, even of the highest quality, loses its sharpness over time. However, on the market, there are models that maintain their sharpness much longer than others. What makes some knives dull more slowly and how to choose the most durable ones? In this article, we explain what determines a knife's resistance to dulling and present example knife models.
What determines a knife's resistance to dulling?
The resistance of a knife to dulling largely depends on the type and hardness of the steel from which the blade is made. Higher hardness on the HRC scale means that the knife maintains sharpness longer. Knives that remain sharp for a long time have a hardness of 58 HRC or higher. It's worth noting that the difference between a knife with a hardness of 58 HRC and one with a hardness of 59 HRC is significant, as even a one-degree difference on the scale can greatly impact the rate of the blade dulling.
It is also important to remember that knives with very high hardness on the HRC scale, although they maintain sharpness well over time, are also more brittle, which can lead to easier breaking or chipping of the blade, especially during intensive use.
Additionally, a knife's resistance to dulling can also depend on other factors, such as the chemical composition of the knife's steel. Below is a list of factors that can affect a knife's resistance to dulling:
- Type and chemical composition of the steel - this is one of the most crucial factors affecting the durability of a knife's sharpness. For instance, powdered steels like CPM S30V, S35VN, M390 or Elmax are characterized by high hardness and wear resistance. Thanks to these properties, they maintain sharpness for a long time, which is why they are often used in premium and EDC (Everyday Carry) knives. The presence of alloying elements like chromium significantly impacts the steel's structure and its ability to maintain sharpness over time.
- Proper steel treatment — the knife's resistance to dulling largely depends on proper thermal treatment of the steel, including hardening and tempering.
- Blade coating and finish — anti-corrosive coatings like DLC or Cerakote protect the steel from corrosion and reduce friction, which slows blade wear and helps maintain sharpness longer. A good finish (e.g., polished blade) additionally limits micro-damages, delaying the dulling process.
- Usage method — cutting on appropriate surfaces and using the knife according to its purpose prolongs the blade's life.
- Maintenance — hand washing instead of using a dishwasher, avoiding strong detergents, and proper storage greatly affect the blade's durability.
We encourage you to read our other article about how and with what to sharpen a knife!
Models of knives with high resistance to dulling - overview
For those looking for knives with significantly greater resistance to dulling than standard models, we have prepared a review of some selected products. Of course, at Militaria.pl, you will also find many other knives that are highly resistant to wear.
Knife Za-Pas WZ.25 Grom – Black
This knife is designed by Militaria.pl and manufactured by the Polish workshop Za-Pas. It stands out for its higher resistance to dulling than standard knives available in many stores. Its Clip-Point profile blade is hardened to a hardness of 59 +/-1 HRC and finished with a black textured coating that provides additional protection against corrosion. Such hardness guarantees long-lasting blade sharpness without making the knife too brittle — it retains sufficient strength and resistance to mechanical damage.
It's worth noting that the knife features a Full Tang construction, and its blade is made of Swedish Sleipner steel, subjected to professional thermal treatment. This steel is highly resistant to wear and exceptionally resistant to cracking. On the spine of the blade, at the thumb rest, there is jimping (serrations) which provides better control over the blade during cutting. The Za-Pas WZ.25 Grom knife is a tool that will perform exceptionally well during survival or bushcraft activities.
Folding Knife Benchmade Osborne CPM-S30V - Black G10
A folding knife that is ideal both for everyday use (EDC) and outdoor activities. The blade of this knife with a Reverse-Tanto profile is made of high-quality satin-finished stainless steel CPM-S30V with a hardness of 58-60 HRC, which ensures long-lasting sharpness. Such hardness makes the knife maintain its sharpness for a long time and shows high resistance to chipping.
The Benchmade Osborne CPM-S30V - Black G10 knife is equipped with a flexible clip that allows convenient attachment to a belt or pocket edge. The knife is easy to open thanks to the dual thumb stud. Safety is ensured by the Axis Lock, which prevents accidental knife opening.
Folding Knife Benchmade Mini Bugout CPM-S90V - Black Carbon Fiber
Another knife model that is also a great choice for everyday use (EDC). Its Drop-Point profile blade is made of high-quality CPM-S90V stainless steel. The blade is hardened to a hardness of 59-61 HRC, ensuring long-lasting sharpness and minimizing the need for frequent sharpening. The blade is finished with a satin technique, giving it a semi-matte effect. This kind of finish reduces unwanted light reflections.
The handle of the knife is made of carbon fiber, providing a secure grip, and the Axis Lock mechanism ensures user safety. Convenient carrying is ensured by the mini deep-carry spring clip, allowing the knife to be clipped to a belt or pocket edge. The clip is reversible, allowing it to be mounted in a tip-up position for both right and left-handed users.
Knife Boker Bronco Basic
This is a robust outdoor-survival type Full Tang knife, whose Drop-point profile blade is made of high-quality CPM-3V tool steel. Due to the blade being hardened to a hardness of 62-63 HRC, this knife maintains its sharpness for a very long time.
The handle of this knife is made of TPE material, which is a durable and flexible anti-slip material, ensuring a firm grip. The blade is finished with the Stonewash technique, giving it a semi-matte effect. One advantage of this processing is that traces of use are much less visible, making it a popular choice for knives that are used intensively.
Knife Morakniv Garberg Multi-Mount
This is a very durable knife model that is perfect for cutting, batoning, and prying. The blade, 109 mm long, is made of Sandvik 14C28N stainless steel, hardened to HRC 57–58 hardness. This valued steel, enriched with a nitrogen additive, is known for its increased corrosion resistance and high hardness.
Morakniv Garberg Multi-Mount is a knife with a full-tang construction. Its handle is made of durable nylon and fits well in hand and is characterized by high resistance to damage. The end of the knife handle protrudes a part of the tang, which can be used as a makeshift hammer, glass breaker, or magnesium scraper.
How to care for knives to keep them sharp longer?
If you want your knife to remain sharp for as long as possible, consider following a few tips:
- After each use, it's worth thoroughly cleaning the knife. Remove any dirt such as soil, sand, plant remains or meat juice, which can lead to blade corrosion.
- Use a soft cloth or sponge for cleaning the knife to avoid damaging the blade surface. Avoid scrubbing the blade with a sponge, as it may lead to damage.
- If your knife needs sharpening, remember to maintain the correct angle. This will ensure even sharpening, and the knife's sharpness will last longer.
- After finishing using the knife, store it in a dry place. Avoid keeping the knife in a moist environment.
- Knives made of carbon steel require special attention, as they are more prone to rusting. After each use, dry the blade thoroughly, and if necessary, apply a thin layer of oil (e.g., mineral oil) to prevent corrosion.
Offer of knives and sharpeners at Militaria.pl
In our store, you will find a wide selection of knives, including: tactical and military knives, folding, with fixed blade, butterfly knives, automatic, and many others. Some of them are EDC models, which can be carried daily to have them on hand when needed. Meanwhile, knives with stronger constructions will be perfect for various forest work. We offer knives from brands such as Glock, Cold Steel, Takumitak, Mil-Tec, or Sanremu.
Moreover, as mentioned in the article, every knife eventually dulls. Therefore, we offer sharpeners and whetstones that will quickly restore the blade to full functionality. We propose a wide range of sharpeners, including both manual and electric ones, available in various sizes — from compact models ideal for everyday use to larger, more advanced devices.
