Thread: About Knife Steel

Heat treatment and geometry are both very important to the overall quality and experience of a knife. There are extensive discussions written on these two topics.

However, from a knife buyer's (practical) perspective, heat treatment is something that knife makers generally do not disclose - unless it is something fancy like differential hardening with Harmon effect. What you cannot know cannot be factored into your purchase decision. Some high end steels have very specific heat treatment processes that are closely guarded as trade secrets. I read somewhere that all ZDP-189 knives are sent back to Hitachi for heat treatment, which may explain why there are no ZDP-189 knives made outside of Japan. Lastly, you would expect knife makers who choose high end steel know how to do proper heat treatment. Proper heater treatment is more of a concern when it comes to unknown brand knifes with unspecified/low-end steels. To be honest, it is so much easier just stay away from them.

Geometry is a very personal thing. Most self-respecting knife makers put thoughts into the geometry of their knives. As such I believe amongst mid to high end knives, there are no bad geometries, there are just geometries that suits you/the intended use better than others. Trouble is, you cannot predict which geometry you will like better. In a way it is part of the fun, most people on this forum enjoy trying out different gear - hence the popularity of the buy sale swap section.