The 3 Best Knife Steels According To Science! || THE Knife Steel Nerd Guide To Knife Steels. 

Thanks to bring him for this short masterclass. The moment he talked about geometry was a "FINALLY!" moment. Less material hype and more info about geometry applied to everyday life task, that's the only way to get what's truly worth

I'm embarrassed to say, but hopefully he's proud to hear, that I was under the assumption Dr. Thomas was a man in his 60s or 70s based on the 3rd party descriptions I've heard and read about his expertise, dedication to his craft and accomplishments. It's exciting to know he's a young man in the prime of his career and not some guy who finally completed Magnacut as the crowning achievement of his career.

As a degreed metallurgist, Larrin Thomas absolutely knows what he’s talking about, has done the study, has done the work characterizing knife steels, knows how to get performance out of them and explains it all in simple terms. His book will become the bible for knife makers and manufacturers. It is jam packed with knowledge. Magnacut is a superior knife steel. It is balanced to provide good edge retention, wear resistance,and corrosion resistance. Once you try it, it will be difficult to turn back to other steels. The addition of extremely hard niobium carbides makes it somewhat difficult to sharpen, but investment in a good set of diamond hones in a variety of grits overcomes much of the problem. You will need to sharpen far less frequently and for knives, a quick tuneup on a steel will restore the edge to factory sharpness.

My Dad was a carver/fisherman/tree man/ all around handy Guy. He walked me through the various edge geometries and uses for them as he trained me in the same fields of study... I have adopted his "Transitional edge" grind for most everything except my razor and my fillet knife. .It starts off Acute at the hilt, good for fine work, stripping wire, ect, and more obtuse as it heads to the point for good chopping and gouging without suffering much damage. I do touch it up nearly every day though. A few of my coworkers have been shocked at how well I can sharpen their knives.. I hook them up with a traditional working edge with a slight taper to the hilt. Not as acute aas my edc..They will say stuff like "I have had this knife for years and its never worked this well" or "I had no idea an edge could last so long.". Its true, geometry makes the knife usable.. I mean, When you can make a dollar store knife slice side walls out of car tires for two hours between stropping's, you know you are onto something. XD

Oh man, anything doctor Thomas does is just pure gold. The man is a font of knowledge, and as a former scientist, I love that he'll get down and dirty with all the details of what's going on in steel. It's such an awesome material, and until recently I had no idea how much it can be played with.

Fun interview! It was great we had time to talk while visiting Buck.

Doc Thomas is SUCH a huge asset to the knife community! Thanks for bringing him on. Such a lot of knowledge and wisdom packed onto such a short video.

This man has turned me into a knife genius. I’m insufferable now.

And just like that Larrin dumps on 98% of knife reviewers and knife makers marketing hype bs with facts. Absolutely savage and on the money. Larrin is a national treasure.

Thanks for bringing Dr. Thomas into view. These are the kinds of guys who move the state of the art forward. Test, understand theory, re-test, do the homework, repeat.

Man I'd do anything to get to talk to this man and learn from him. His wealth of knowledge is so immense. Absolutely love this kind of technical videos. Well done!

Larrin Thomas is at another level .. he explains in an easy to understand manner for the regular user✅

Thank you Dr. Thomas for all your diligent work to bring this knowledge to all who are interested.

I came out of this really appreciating CPM-154 and 154CM

Geometry matters! Truth from knife knerds!

I rarely encounter a RU-vid video that is this enlightening. Thank you for making it, Zac and Larrin. It’s truly appreciated.

Larrin! Stoked for this one. Y’all never miss

I love how honest he is. Never would have thought edge geometry matters more than the steel being used. Good stuff. Learn something new every day! 💚

Hello Zac. Thanks for this video. Many years ago, back in the late 1960's, I decided to make my own knife and went to a local Steel merchant. I told him what I was planning on making and he gave me a piece of steel that was the correct size for my intended knife; however, I was planning on making it on a workbench with just a hacksaw, files and grinding wheel, which is when I discovered that it was extremely difficult to file. As it was, I was able to cut it to size and shape easily enough, but after that, I just lost interest. Ironically, I still have that piece of steel, in it's unfinished state. Of most interest, is that after all this time, it only has the slightest amount of surface rust. Ten years later, whilst at an engineering training facility in the UK, one of the instructors was an ex- Royal Navy Artificer and he said the best steel for making a working knife - sheath knife - was steel from a lorry's rear suspension. i.e. Leaf Spring steel. Having managed to find a piece, I realised the effort and work which would be needed to turn it into a knife, would require the use of a Machine Shop, with all the relevant tooling, including a Mill. At that point, I realised that I was on a 'hiding-to-nothing'. There comes a time, when you just have to accept, that you've bitten off more than you can chew, so you just have to call it a day and quit. I'm now a Pensioner/Senior Citizen, so that's one project that's fallen by the wayside, never to be achieved... but, That's Life! Russ. Portsmouth, UK.

Thank you Zac and Larrin! Great video. Dr. Thomas's influence on the knife world and steel science is profound. Awesome to witness scientific advancement in real time.

I sharpen and make knives professionally. I have honestly always felt the edge geometry was the most important, but I didn't have hard evidence to back up my thoughts. I am so happy i seen this! I must learn to trust my observations more. Thank you! I subscribed.

I've gone to knife nerds when I have a specific question regarding a steel that I'm interested in for a knife purchase, it is very informative. Thank you, Dr. Thomas, for what you do.

What a great interview. I can listen Dr. Larrin Thomas for hours and it's really fascinating what he knows.

I was having a hard time sharpening my d2 knife today, can't seem to get a good edge on it. Never even considered blade geometry! Today also happens to be my birthday, this video was the best present I could receive!

S35VN is the best steel for smaller knives 🔪. 1055,1080,1085,1090,1095 are best for larger knives. There are variations of these steels as well. A2 and 80Cr2V are great for bigger knives like bowies because it’s super tough but holds its edge.

DUDE! What a great compression of ridiculous amounts of knowledge! It's helped me immensely in just a few minutes. I have so many steels that I confuse myself, this put a very good perspective on questions I had no idea how to answer 😊

You brought the Legendary metallurgist, Larrin Thomas, master of knife steel! This is the collab I didn't know I needed in my life.

Fantastic! Larrin has been a leader in knife steels for a long time. His dad is a genius knifesmith, too!

Amazing Zac! Thank you for getting this guy on to share his wealth of knowledge with us knife nerds! Great stuff!

I watched this on a whim. Man what a great choice. I love this kid, so humble.

Thanks for featuring Dr. Thomas on this episode, Zac! I'm reminded that I should have taken a more materials science and metallurgy direction in my engineering education than I did (I went the thermodynamics/heat transfer/fluid mechanics route). When I was in school, for some reason I didn't make the connection between my interests in knives and choosing an academic and career path that complemented that interest.

I really enjoyed this one. I have read the first book multiple times and learn more every time I read it. I am an enthusiast sharpener that is addicted to the science of knives and always strive learn how a person uses the knife b4 sharpening it for them. I buy knives strictly to experience the difference in steels/geometry and locking mechanisms.

Zac thank you so much for your videos. Each one teaches and inspires me, making me more sure of my choice to enter the knife industry. I’ll definitely be reading that book!!!

I feel like recommending your own product is 100% acceptable when you disclose that it’s your product, which he does. 👍

The man, the myth, the legend! Dr. Larrin Thomas himself! ❤

This guy is a gem, and Magnacut is a huge success. What I liked the most is the fact that Magnacut kind of came out of nowhere. It's not just a marketing product like a new Iphone... Great time to be alive!

Love this video. I could listen to Larrin for hours.

Outstanding presentation. Zac you helped us all by opening our vision and understanding in this area. I joined the website and getting the book as well.

Im such a steel nerd and love Larin's work.

I remember when the meat packing company that I work for changed from steel knifes to stainless steel knives. Everyone had a lot of problems getting a stainless steel knife sharp, and the company line was once they were sharp. They’ll stay sharp longer. I always preferred the steel knife, faster to get sharp and easier to put a bevel on with the sharpening wheel. When you’re working eight hours with a knife, you want to be able to have it sharp, and the ability to get it sharp quick again.

Every time I get to hear Dr T, I learn a little more!

Great guest! Really enjoyed it! Thank you, J

Thanks! This was very informative. Enjoying some of Dr. Larrin's magnacut in a new blade I just picked up.

I really like him bringing in an expert. I already gleaned a lot of metal knowledge I have on steels from personal research into the topic. Looking at knife tests online and just day to day experience with tools. This is very nice to hear some of the composition that makes the choice steels I use regularly with the knives I buy perform the way they do. I bought a Tops-Buck Csar-T because I saw how the BOS heat treat with 154 CM; cut open cans, stab it's way through a 2x4, survive spine thwacks, and stab into a steel drum and car hood with almost no damage. Yes, almost no damage to the knife tip and cutting edge. That's when I looked into heat treating. So far. 154CM and 154CPM are my favorite knife steels.

This is the best video on knives that I have ever seen. Of course one has to become very skilled at sharpening. But learn it once and use for a lifetime. Thanks so much.

He helped me realize why and how I sharpen d2 vs s30v vs m4 and I love how he explains angle vs cut

The legend himself!

Thanks for a great video Zac and Dr. Thomas. Like they say," You learn something new everyday."

Great stuff! Loved hearing from someone who actually knows why a steel is better at its task, and how to make it better. Composition, heat treat, edge geometry all goes into it.

AMAZING!! Absolutely loved this video!! Thank you both

Thanks for this video. HUGELY informative!! Larrin, you're a knife God!

Probably one of the best knife blade videos I've seen.

Expertise exists. It’s important to acknowledge that, openly.

I barely got into the video before hitting Amazon and ordering this book. I’ll have it Monday. I’m very excited to have the information condensed as described in the book’s details. Thanks!

Awesome video! Nice to hear it explained in such a simple to understand way. Thanks Zac!

K390 is great steel 👍🏻

That video was absolutely awesome! So much information packed into such a short time! Plus, now I know to keep an eye on Buck for future Magnacut products. I cant wait. It was so good, I went back and watched it a 2nd time.

Zac, since you're at Buck knives and they have some upcoming Magnacut knife projects, can we expect a future video on this?

Two of my favorite personalities in the 'knife world'.

incredibly efficient vid, tons of valuable info summarized and explained

I've been collecting knives for over 40 years, only have 2 magnacut knives so far and love them. One is a very slicey full flat grind with a 17 degree edge and one is a tougher tanto style with a 20 degree edge. Both exceed expectations. After using them for 9 months or so my first question when looking at new knives is 'Does it come in magnacut?'. I've heard that a few companies haven't figured out their heat treatment yet, so watch and wait on those but the ones who've figured it out are making superior blades. Haven't had any issues with maintaining them, a KME sharpener with diamond plates makes short work of them. I put a nice edge on them when I got them and have only needed to strop them once so far after months of daily use. Don't have his book, but I've watched his vids and website for some time. Good info and insights for us amateurs.

I like d2 steel because it's tough but when its sharp it stays sharp.

Almost twenty years ago, the company I worked for moved into the building that Buck Knives had its business in before moving to Idaho because the city and state would not work with it over taxes. That was what motivated Buck to move to a more friendly state. Before everything was moved out I was given a tour of all their machines. It was very impressive. I don't own a buck, but I do own multiple items from Cold Steel. The issue with Bick Knives is that they were asking far too much for their knives and by and large their knives are not all that much better than any other commercially manufactured knife. Their high price if supposed to be an indication that they are that much better. YOU'RE PAYING FOR A NAME, WHICH IN THIS DAY AND AGE IS NO LONGER GOING TO MOVE GREATER SALES WHEN EXPENDABLE CASH IS IN SHORT SUPPLY !!!

It's nice to see the Knife Steel Nerd on here. I've been following him for several years now.

It’s so great that he has a day job, so that he can be honest like this, even about his own product. “Edge geometry is more important that steel or heat treatment.“ mind blown.

Love your videos, Zac, and loved your videos on Knife HQ. I learned so much from you when I was just starting to get into knives. My first real knife was a Buck 110 that I got in the mid seventies. Keep making the great videos!!

Excellent video from a genuine expert. thx

I recently ordered a Protech Malibu in Magnacut. Can't wait for it to arrive.

Dr. Larrin Thomas, great guy, wicked sense of humor, oh and he's smart.....👏

This video reminds me of an old friend who passed 10 or so years ago. He would drag me along to a knife show every year in STL. He would spend hours looking at different supplies and talking to different vendors about steel and knives. I didn’t have a clue what he was talking about but would do just about anything to talk knives and steel with him today. He was a very good folding knife maker! I do get a chance to talk with his nephew who was a fixed blade knife maker. Unfortunately he stopped making knives after. his uncle passed.

This gave me tips and tricks to look out for when I'm starting to shop for real serious knives that I plan to keep for a while, thank you.

All of my knives are Buck, Case, and Ontario Knife Co. They cover all aspects of hunting, fishing, and bush craft. I tend to carry one or more of all three.

Knife Steel Nerds is the Pew Science of the knife industry. Doing gods work.

Outstanding understanding of knife use/steels/sharpening.

Thanks for sharing such good knowledge this video will benefit many people

What an awesome interview, great information, specially for novices people like myself. Keep it going, we need more of these informative knowledge, particularly from people with credentials in metallurgy

Thanks for the info. Great guest and topic

Very interesting. Thanks Zac for another great video.

Dr Thomas’ website is my go to for making knives when I’ve got questions

....so glad I stumbled across this vid , spent an hour last night reading stuff on his site

this is great one, again. killing it guys.

Dr. Thomas is a genius 🤟🤟🤟

One of the Greatest single pieces of advice that one of my Mentors gave me when I was in my teens that become one of my "Immutable Life Laws" was.... ALWAYS under promise & over deliver!! Superb Vid Gents👊 Continued Success🍻 RP

Thanks for bringing in the industry expert!

Wow this has come so far when I first got into knives only 6 years ago.

This was such a helpful video! Thanks.

Excellent Episode. Thanks

Thank you! I enjoyed this interview. Just purchased Dr. Thomas's books on "Knife Engineering" and "The Story of Knife Steel." Appreciate you guys!

Humble guy; nice to see that these days.

Thanks for the engineering based truth about metals, edge geometry, tooling/manufacturing, and categories of steel being what makes blade characteristics.

Zac, Dr. ‘KnifeSteel’ thank you for the education!

This was an amazing interview and gave us some useful information. Thanks and God bless.

I was taught to try to create an "appleseed" edge geometry on my blades, of all sizes, to achieve a sharp, strong edge that resists chipping, rolling, and wear when cutting organic materials.

This is a GREAT video with a lot of good information. It will help me to choose my next knfie that's for sure. thank you very much. Thumbs up!

Thanks for this great informative Video. A true masterclasses.

Buck with their dedication to what they choose to do teaming up with Magnacut could be what I have lived this long for. Geometry, heat treat, and steel combined with classic renewable materials is perfection.

Awesome talk. I’m going to get his book.

Yes greatly appreciated this video on knife steels in a easy to understand presentation well done , great in-depth knowledge

As usual completely absorbing and thoroughly interesting Zac your stuff is the best I sent the Bowie video to a friend who is not a knife guy but is a history guy and he loved it so much he shared it with a friend who is starting to make his own knives See what you started lol

Doctor you may a a biased opinion but it is also correct. I thank you so much for Magnacut. This video was very informative.