Knife Steels
An intent behind every knife, an unwavering companion for every journey.
Steel is the soul of the knife. Here is every alloy TRC works with — it's story, what it excells in, and which TRC knives it lives in.
Steels
6
Types
Powder & Stainless
Hardness
59–62 HRC
Powder Stainless
62–63 HRC (POLHEIM line · Mini Drop Point) · 62 ± HRC (South Pole MagnaCut)
CPM MagnaCut
The first steel engineered to break the edge-retention / toughness / corrosion triangle. Designed by metallurgist Dr. Larrin Thomas; chosen by TRC for the polar-inspired POLHEIM and South Pole lines.
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Premium Stainless
60–61 HRC (most models) · 61–62 HRC (Classic Freedom variants)
Böhler M390
The benchmark third-generation powder stainless. M390 is the steel collectors quote when they want to settle an argument — and the steel TRC reaches for when an edge has to live in a pocket through every weather.
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Powder Stainless
57–58 HRC (M-1XT Tanto) · 59–61 HRC (others)
Böhler Elmax
The temperament steel. Elmax balances corrosion resistance, wear resistance, and toughness more evenly than almost any other premium stainless — the heart of TRC’s APOCALYPSE family and Urban Tactical line.
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Powder Tool
59–62 HRC (varies by model)
Uddeholm Vanadis 4 Extra
Uddeholm’s class-leading powder tool steel. Not stainless — but exceptional toughness and edge retention. Reserved for collectors who prioritise pure cutting performance over weather.
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Premium Stainless
62–63 HRC
Damasteel RWL 34
A Swedish powder-metallurgy stainless from Damasteel, run at 62–63 HRC on the POLHEIM 15 Anniversary and KOSMOS — refined, easy to sharpen, with a quiet devoted following. Named in honour of legendary American knife maker Bob Loveless.
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Premium Stainless
61–62 HRC (Harpoon)
Böhler M398
If M390 is the gold standard, M398 is the obsession. Böhler pushed the chemistry further — more carbon, more vanadium — for makers who refuse to settle. Reserved at TRC for the HARPOON.
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