If you're shopping for a new knife or thinking about making one, you've probably come across these two popular steel types. The debate between 8670 steel vs 1095 keeps popping up in knife forums and workshops everywhere. Both steels have their fans, but they're actually quite different once you dig into the details.
I've worked with both of these steels over the years, and I can tell you they each have their sweet spots. Let's break down everything you need to know so you can make the right choice for your needs.
What is 8670 Steel?
8670 steel is what we call a low-alloy carbon steel. It's been around for decades and was originally used in industrial applications like springs and machinery parts. Knife makers discovered it had some really nice properties for blade making.
The composition is pretty straightforward. It contains around 0.70% carbon, with small amounts of manganese, silicon, and chromium. That carbon content puts it right in the sweet spot for knives - enough to get hard but not so much that it becomes brittle.
What makes 8670 special is its toughness. This steel can take a beating without chipping or breaking. It's not the hardest steel out there, but that's actually part of its charm. The trade-off for that toughness is worth it for many users.
Understanding 1095 Steel
Now 1095 steel is a different animal. It's a high-carbon steel that's been a favorite in the knife world for over a century. You'll find it in everything from military knives to kitchen cutlery.
The "10" in 1095 tells you it has 1.0% carbon - that's more than 8670. The "95" refers to other elements in small amounts. This higher carbon content means 1095 can get harder than 8670, which translates to better edge retention.
But here's the catch. With that extra hardness comes less toughness. 1095 is more likely to chip if you really abuse it. It also rusts faster than 8670 because it has virtually no chromium.
8670 Steel vs 1095: Complete Comparison Table
| Feature | 8670 Steel | 1095 Steel |
| Carbon Content | 0.70% | 1.0% |
| Hardness (HRC) | 56-58 | 56-60 |
| Edge Retention | Good | Better |
| Toughness | Excellent | Good |
| Corrosion Resistance | Fair | Poor |
| Ease of Sharpening | Very Easy | Easy |
| Price Range | $50-150 | $40-120 |
| Best For | Heavy duty tasks | Precision cutting |
| Typical Use | Choppers, camp knives | Hunting knives, kitchen knives |
Hardness and Edge Retention Comparison
When we talk about the 8670 steel vs 1095 debate, hardness is usually the first thing that comes up.
8670 typically gets heat treated to around 56-58 HRC. That's plenty hard for a working knife, but it won't hold an edge quite as long as some other steels.
1095 can reach 56-60 HRC, sometimes even higher depending on the heat treatment. Those extra couple points make a noticable difference in how long the edge stays sharp.
Here's what this means in real life:
- 8670 might need sharpening after filleting 10-15 fish
- 1095 could handle 15-20 fish before needing a touch-up
- Both will dull faster on rope or cardboard
The difference isn't huge, but if you hate sharpening, 1095 has the edge here (pun intended).
Toughness: Where 8670 Shines
This is where 8670 really shows its strength. Toughness means how well a steel resists chipping, cracking, or breaking when stressed.
8670 is incredibly tough. You can baton firewood with an 8670 knife, pry things, and generally treat it rough without worrying too much. The lower carbon content and specific alloy mix give it this quality.
1095 is tough too, don't get me wrong. But it's not in the same league as 8670. If you hit a bone wrong or twist the blade, 1095 is more likely to chip. Many survival knife makers choose 8670 for exactly this reason.
Think of it this way - 8670 is like a truck that keeps running no matter what. 1095 is more like a sports car that performs great but needs more careful handling.
Corrosion Resistance: Neither Wins Awards
Let's be honest here. Both steels will rust if you don't take care of them properly.
8670 has a tiny bit more corrosion resistance thanks to trace amounts of chromium. It might take a few hours longer to develop rust in wet conditions. But we're splitting hairs here.
1095 rusts fast. Leave it wet overnight and you'll probably see orange spots in the morning. Many makers apply coatings or encourage users to develop a patina to protect it.
Tips for preventing rust:
- Wipe blades dry after use
- Apply a light coat of oil
- Store in a dry place
- Consider a patina for 1095
Neither steel is good for diving knives or anything that stays wet. If you need corrosion resistance, look at stainless steels instead.
Sharpening: Both Are User-Friendly
Good news - both 8670 steel vs 1095 are easy to sharpen compared to modern super steels.
8670 sharpens up fast. Even with a basic stone, you can get it razor sharp in just a few minutes. The lower hardness means the abrasive cuts through easier.
1095 takes slightly longer but still sharpens easily. Any decent whetstone will work fine. You don't need diamond stones or fancy equipment.
This is actually a big advantage for both steels. Some modern steels are so hard they're a pain to sharpen in the field. With 8670 or 1095, you can touch up an edge quickly even with a simple pocket stone.
Heat Treatment Matters More Than You Think
Here's something important that doesn't get talked about enough. The heat treatment can make a bigger difference than which steel you choose.
A well heat-treated 8670 blade will outperform a poorly heat-treated 1095 blade every time. And vice versa.
Good heat treatment involves:
- Heating to the right temperature
- Holding at that temp for the right time
- Quenching at the right speed
- Tempering correctly
When comparing 8670 steel vs 1095, make sure you're looking at knives from reputable makers who know what they're doing. A $50 knife from a skilled maker often beats a $150 knife from someone who doesn't understand metallurgy.
Price and Availability
Both steels are affordable, which is part of their popularity.
8670 knives typically run $50-150 for quality pieces. It's widely available from knife suppliers, though not quite as common as 1095.
1095 knives range from $40-120 usually. You can find it everywhere from big box stores to custom makers. It's one of the most available knife steels out there.
Neither will break the bank. If budget is your main concern, both are solid choices that won't empty your wallet like some exotic steels.
Best Uses for 8670 Steel
So when should you choose 8670? Here are the scenarios where it really excels:
Ideal applications:
- Survival knives that need to handle abuse
- Chopping and batoning tasks
- Camp knives for heavy outdoor work
- Blades that might see prying or twisting forces
- Tools for people who are hard on their gear
If you're the type who really uses your knives hard, 8670 won't let you down. It's forgiving of mistakes and abuse that would damage other steels.
Bushcraft enthusiasts love it. Military users appreciate it. Anyone who needs a knife they can truly depend on in tough situations should consider 8670.
Best Uses for 1095 Steel
1095 has its own special places where it's the better choice:
Perfect for:
- Hunting and filleting knives
- Kitchen cutlery that needs a sharp edge
- Detail work and precision cutting
- Traditional knife designs
- Situations where edge retention matters most
If you're mostly doing slicing tasks and want that edge to stay sharp longer, 1095 is your friend. It's been used in kitchen knives for generations because it takes such a keen edge.
Hunters often prefer 1095 for game processing. The steel gets sharp enough to handle detail work beautifully. Just don't use it as a pry bar.
Manufacturing and Forging Differences
Knife makers have different experiences working with these steels.
8670 is very forgiving to forge. It can handle a wider range of temperatures without cracking. Beginning bladesmiths often start with it because mistakes are less costly.
1095 requires more attention during forging. The higher carbon content means you need to watch your temperature ranges more carefully. But it's still considered user-friendly compared to alloy steels.
For stock removal (grinding a blade from bar stock), both work well. They machine easily and don't require special equipment.
According to sources like big write hook, the ease of working with these steels contributes to their popularity among custom knife makers.
Real-World Performance Stories
I've talked to dozens of knife users about their experiences with 8670 steel vs 1095. Here's what they say:
One survival instructor told me his 8670 knife survived three years of classes where students batoned, chopped, and generally abused it. Still going strong with only regular sharpening.
A hunting guide swears by his 1095 skinning knife. He says the edge stays sharp through multiple animals, and he can touch it up quick in the field.
A chef friend uses 1095 kitchen knives. She appreciates how easy they are to maintain compared to stainless, and they hold an edge through a full day of prep work.
Nobody's perfect though. That same survival instructor chipped a 1095 blade during a class. And the hunting guide's 1095 knife developed rust spots after a rainy week.
The Verdict: Which Should You Choose?
So after all this, which wins the 8670 steel vs 1095 battle?
Choose 8670 if you:
- Need maximum toughness
- Plan to use the knife roughly
- Want something more forgiving
- Do a lot of chopping or batoning
- Need a true working tool
Choose 1095 if you:
- Prioritize edge retention
- Do mostly slicing tasks
- Want traditional knife steel
- Don't mind regular maintenance
- Need a sharp edge for detail work
Honestly, both are excellent choices. You really can't go wrong with either one. The best steel is the one that matches how you'll actually use your knife.
Key Takeaways
Let me sum up the important points about 8670 steel vs 1095:
- 8670 is tougher, making it better for heavy duty use and abuse
- 1095 holds an edge longer, ideal for slicing and precision work
- Both rust easily and need proper care
- Both sharpen easily with basic equipment
- Price difference is minimal between the two
- Heat treatment quality matters more than steel choice
- Neither is "better" - they're just different tools for different jobs
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is harder, 8670 or 1095? 1095 can be heat treated to slightly higher hardness levels, typically reaching 56-60 HRC compared to 8670's 56-58 HRC. However, this small difference isn't always noticeable in daily use.
Does 8670 rust faster than 1095? No, actually 8670 has slightly better corrosion resistance than 1095. But both will rust without proper care, so the difference is minimal in practical terms.
Can you sharpen 8670 and 1095 to the same level? Yes, both can be sharpened to a razor edge. 1095 will hold that edge a bit longer, but 8670 will get just as sharp initially.
Which steel is better for a beginner knife maker? 8670 is generally more forgiving during heat treatment and forging, making it slightly better for beginners. But 1095 is also very learner-friendly.
Will 8670 or 1095 break easier? 1095 is more likely to chip or break under stress due to its higher hardness. 8670's toughness makes it more resistant to breaking or chipping.
How often do I need to sharpen each steel? It depends on use, but generally 1095 needs sharpening about 20-30% less often than 8670 for the same tasks.
Conclusion
The 8670 steel vs 1095 debate doesn't have a simple answer because both steels excel in different areas. If I had to pick just one, I'd probably go with 8670 for a general-purpose outdoor knife and 1095 for a hunting or kitchen knife.
But here's my real advice - if you can, get one of each. They're both affordable enough that having both options makes sense. Use the 8670 when you need a tough work knife and the 1095 when you want that super sharp edge.
At the end of the day, either steel will serve you well if you match it to the right job and take care of it properly. Both have proven themselves over many decades of use. You really can't make a bad choice here.
What matters most is getting a well-made knife from a reputable maker who knows how to heat treat these steels correctly. A quality blade in either steel will outlast and outperform a cheap knife in exotic steel any day of the week.