Materials Encyclopedia

Materials Reference

Defined materials. Verified criteria.

Materials used by FireForge Knives are selected based on defined performance requirements, not labels, trends, or visual appeal alone.

This reference documents the materials used across FireForge knives to provide technical clarity, verification, and contextual understanding.
It exists to define behaviour and limits — not to rank or compare.

Core Steels

Defined blade materials. Functional behaviour first.

Core steels define the cutting behaviour of a blade.
Each steel listed below is selected for a specific mechanical profile and operational context.

They are documented by function, limits, and intended use, not by hierarchy or marketing value.

Entry Premium Core Steels

(Balanced performance · Practical maintenance · Daily use)

10Cr15CoMoV

10Cr15CoMoV is a stainless core steel selected for daily-use kitchen knives where edge stability, corrosion resistance, and practical sharpening are required.

Within FireForge, this steel defines the baseline for balanced performance. It offers predictable heat treatment behaviour, stable edge response, and low maintenance under regular use.
It is not intended for extreme hardness or long intervals without sharpening.

Typical characteristics

- Balanced hardness potential

- Stable edge geometry under daily use

- High corrosion resistance

- Straightforward sharpening behaviour

Typical use

- Chef knives and general-purpose kitchen blades

- High-frequency daily cutting environments

10Cr15

10Cr15 is a stainless core steel used where balanced hardness and clean polishability are prioritised over extreme wear resistance.

It provides reliable corrosion resistance and a neutral cutting feel, making it suitable for general-purpose kitchen knives.
It is not designed for high hardness applications or extended edge retention demands.

Typical characteristics

- Moderate hardness range

- Good surface finish capability

- Corrosion-resistant composition

Typical use

- General-purpose kitchen knives

- Entry premium applications

9Cr18MoV

9Cr18MoV is a stainless steel selected for ease of maintenance and corrosion resistance in everyday kitchen environments.

Its primary role is providing a forgiving edge that responds well to frequent sharpening while maintaining acceptable durability.
It is not intended for high-performance or precision-focused cutting.

Typical characteristics

- Easy sharpening

- Good corrosion resistance

-Moderate wear resistance

Typical use

- Everyday kitchen knives

-Utility-focused blades

7Cr17MoV

7Cr17MoV is an entry-level stainless steel used where durability and low maintenance are the primary requirements.

It prioritises toughness and corrosion resistance over edge retention.
It is not designed for refined cutting performance or high hardness applications.

Typical characteristics

- High durability

- Low maintenance requirements

- Conservative hardness range

Typical use

- Entry utility models

- Impact-tolerant applications

Advanced Premium Core Steels

(Refined structure · Higher performance · Controlled behaviour)

VG-10

VG-10 is a stainless core steel selected for balanced hardness, corrosion resistance, and predictable sharpening behaviour.

Within FireForge, VG-10 serves as a refined daily-use steel with improved edge stability compared to entry materials.
It is not intended for extreme hardness or minimal-maintenance use cases.

Typical characteristics

- Fine-grain structure

- Balanced hardness potential

- Stable heat treatment response

Typical use

- Premium daily-use knives

- Damascus core constructions

AUS-8

AUS-8 is a stainless core steel used where fine grain structure and ease of maintenance are prioritised.

It provides stable performance with minimal sharpening complexity, making it suitable for utility and mid-range knives.
It is not designed for high wear resistance or extended edge retention.

Typical characteristics

- Fine grain

- Easy maintenance

- Stable edge behaviour

Typical use

- Utility knives

- Mid-range kitchen blades

AUS-10

AUS-10 is a stainless core steel selected for higher hardness potential and improved polishability compared to AUS-8.

It offers a step up in edge performance while maintaining manageable sharpening characteristics.
It is not intended to compete with high-performance powder steels.

Typical characteristics

- Higher achievable hardness

- Improved edge refinement

- Controlled corrosion resistance

Typical use

- Performance-oriented kitchen knives

14Cr14MoVNb

14Cr14MoVNb is a powder metallurgy steel used where hardness stability and wear resistance are required under professional conditions.

Its niobium content contributes to carbide stability and improved edge retention.
It is not intended for users prioritising easy or frequent sharpening.

Typical characteristics

- High hardness stability

- Enhanced wear resistance

- Fine PM microstructure

Typical use

- Professional-use blades

- Performance-focused applications

High Performance / Signature Core Steels

(Extreme properties · Specific use · Experienced handling)

ST650 (Proprietary PM Steel)

ST650 is a proprietary powder metallurgy steel developed for uniform microstructure and elevated wear resistance.

It is used in high-end Damascus cores where structural consistency and performance stability are required.
It is not intended for casual or low-maintenance use.

Typical characteristics

- Uniform PM microstructure

- Elevated wear resistance

- Controlled hardness response

Typical use

- High-end Damascus constructions

- Heavy-duty performance blades

M390 (Böhler)

M390 is a powder metallurgy stainless steel selected for high wear resistance and corrosion stability.

Within FireForge, it is reserved for limited or collector-oriented knives where extended edge retention is prioritised.
It is not intended for frequent manual sharpening or impact-tolerant use.

Typical characteristics

- Very high wear resistance

- Excellent corrosion resistance

- Dense carbide structure

Typical use

- Limited and collector series

- Low-frequency sharpening environments

ZDP-189

ZDP-189 is an ultra-high carbon powder metallurgy steel selected for extreme hardness and edge retention.

It is used exclusively for precision cutting applications where maximum sharpness retention is required.
It is not tolerant of impact, misuse, or inexperienced handling.

Typical characteristics

- Extreme hardness potential

- Exceptional edge retention

- Low impact tolerance

Typical use

- Precision slicing

- Specialist cutting applications

Damascus and Outer Cladding Steels

Structural protection and controlled lamination.

Damascus and outer cladding materials are used to protect the core steel and control blade stability.
They do not define cutting performance.

Typical functions include corrosion resistance, stress distribution, and structural integrity.

Common materials

- 316 / 316L stainless steel

- Pattern-welded layered steels

- 1.4116 stainless steel

- 440C stainless steel

- Sandvik 14C28N

These materials are selected based on compatibility with the core steel and manufacturing process.

Secondary and Decorative Metals

Functional detailing and structural components.

Secondary metals are used for bolsters, spacers, ferrules, and accents.
They do not affect cutting performance.

Typical materials include:

- Brass

- Copper and purple copper

- Bronze

- Nickel and nickel silver

- Titanium (anodised)

- 316L stainless fittings

Handle Materials

Ergonomics, durability, and environmental resistance.

Handle materials are selected based on stability, moisture resistance, tactile response, and long-term durability.

Materials used include:

- Ebony

- Rosewood

- Olive wood

- Acacia

- Stabilised wood

- Resin / wood composites

- G10

- Micarta

- POM (acetal)

- Carbon fibre

Packaging and Presentation Materials

Protection and storage.

Packaging materials are selected to protect blades during transport and storage, and to ensure long-term integrity.

These include:

- Hardwood presentation boxes

- Reinforced laminated cardboard

- Fabric or velvet linings

- Custom foam inserts

Processes and Verification

Controlled manufacturing reference.

Materials listed above are processed under controlled manufacturing systems, including:

- Vacuum heat treatment

- Optional cryogenic tempering

- Precision machining

- Hand finishing

Compliance is verified where applicable through CE, LFGB, SGS, and FSC standards.

Closing Statement

This reference defines materials by use, behaviour, and limits.
It does not rank them.
It does not promote them.

FireForge Knives
Defined by use.