Blade Materials 101
At Emerson Knives, every blade is built for the real world- where there's no room for failure. We don't just pick any steel; we select only the finest materials that can stand up to the harshest environments and hardest use. Our choice of steels- 154CM, S35VN and Magnacut- isn't about trends, it's about performance. These are the steels that deliver when it counts.
154CM: Battle Steel – Battle Tested Durability.
154CM is our top choice for our hard-use knives, and it's been battle tested and proven by the US military war fighters and international special operations forces in every theater of combat for over 30 years.
We've been using 154CM since the beginning.
It has earned its place in our lineup. Originally crafted for the aerospace industry, this steel can handle extreme stress, heat, and extreme lateral pressure. It's tough, wear resistant, and built for demanding situations. When the environment gets rough, 154CM stays strong. Corrosion resistant, and designed to keep an edge without chipping, this steel can take abuse and it just keeps going and going. With our proprietary heat treating process, this steel gives you the strength and reliance you need for a hard-use tool and extreme performance.
Crucible 154CM Steel C 1.05, Mn .50, Si .30, Cr 14.00, Mo 4.00
What Is Battle Steel? Read HERE
S35VN: Precision Meets Toughness.
This steel is best suited for utility and camp applications and of course, as an everyday carry, (EDC). S35VN is all about taking that strength a step further. Built for resilience and sharpness. It's infused with vanadium and niobium, making it easier to sharpen in the field without compromising its durability. S35VN is more corrosion resistant than 154CM. And even at a higher Rockwell hardness, it can handle hard use abuse without cracking or chipping. This is the steel you can rely on when you need both a razor sharp edge and the ability to perform faithfully for almost every chore you have to tackle. It's for those who won't settle for anything less than top tier performance.
S35VN C 1.40, Mn .40, Si .40, CR 14.00, Va 3.00, Mo 2.00, NB .50.
The CQC-7 Flipper With S35VN
Magnacut: The Future of Blades
Magnacut steel represents the cutting edge of blade technology. Designed in the USA by the son of one of my dear friends, Devin Thomas' son, Laren Thomas. This steel combines incredible toughness, corrosion resistance, and edge retention. It doesn't matter if you're cutting, slicing, or even digging- Magnacut delivers across the board. This is the steel that can meet the demands of the toughest users. Built for those who expect nothing but the best. Yes, it's more expensive, but you'll find it's well worth the extra cost. And like every Emerson knife, it's American made, because we trust only the finest craftsmanship, American craftsmanship, when lives are on the line.
Magnacut C – 1.15%, Cr – 10.7%, V – 4%, Mb – 2%, Nb – 2%, N – .20%
Why inferior steels don't make the cut.
After making knives for over 40 years, I've used and tested practically every alloy that exists. Sure there are cheaper steels out there, and even more expensive steels, but we won't touch them. Inferior materials rust, dull and break – and in our world, failure is not an option. We build knives for warriors, and that means using the highest grade materials every time, because if it's good enough for a United States Marine, we know it'll be good enough for the rest of us. We don't compromise because our knives are more than just tools. They become an extension of the person carrying them, and our family's name is on every blade. And for those that push life to the limits, you know you need a tool you can depend on. And you also know, that's why we only use the best.
