Tool & high-speed knife steels
High-alloy non-stainless steels built for wear and impact. From D2 to powder tool steels (3V, CruWear) and high-speed steels (Maxamet, REX 45) — the edge-retention and hard-use kings, at the cost of corrosion resistance.
The Buy column opens Amazon search results for knives in that steel. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you — placement here is by documented spec, never by payment.
| Steel | Type | HRC | Edge | Corrosion | Toughness | Tier | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| O1 | Tool & high-speed | 57-62 | medium | low | high | Budget | Shop → |
| A2 | Tool & high-speed | 60-62 | high | low | very high | Mid | Shop → |
| D2 | Tool & high-speed | 58-62 | high | medium | medium | Mid | Shop → |
| CPM CruWear PM | Tool & high-speed | 60-64 | high | medium | very high | Premium | Shop → |
| CPM-3V PM | Tool & high-speed | 58-62 | high | medium | very high | Premium | Shop → |
| CPM-4V PM | Tool & high-speed | 60-64 | high | low | very high | Premium | Shop → |
| Vanadis 4 Extra PM | Tool & high-speed | 60-63 | high | low | very high | Premium | Shop → |
| Böhler K390 PM | Tool & high-speed | 62-65 | extreme | low | medium | Super / high-end | Shop → |
| CPM Maxamet PM | Tool & high-speed | 64-68 | extreme | low | low | Super / high-end | Shop → |
| CPM REX 45 PM | Tool & high-speed | 62-66 | extreme | low | medium | Super / high-end | Shop → |
| CPM-10V PM | Tool & high-speed | 60-64 | extreme | low | medium | Super / high-end | Shop → |
Other types: Stainless · Carbon / low-alloy · powder steels · best for a purpose →