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1084 knife steel

1084 is a carbon / low-alloy knife steel, typically hardened to HRC 58-60.

TypeCarbon / low-alloy
HardnessHRC 58-60
Edge retentionmediumhigher than 5 of 48, tied with 13
Corrosion resistancelowamong the lowest of 49
Toughnesshighhigher than 25 of 48, tied with 14
Ease of sharpeningeasy to sharpeneasier to sharpen than 35 of 48, tied with 13
Price tierBudget
Best forOutdoor / bushcraftBudget

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Last verified 2026-06-11 · properties are documented consensus tiers; real performance depends on heat treat & geometry (methodology)

Compared with

1084 vs 1095

Similar carbon / low-alloy steels

SteelTypeHRCEdgeCorrosionToughnessTierBuy
1075Carbon / low-alloy56-58lowlowvery highBudgetKnives →
1095Carbon / low-alloy56-58mediumlowhighBudgetKnives →
5160Carbon / low-alloy57-60mediumlowvery highBudgetKnives →
80CrV2Carbon / low-alloy58-60mediumlowvery highBudgetKnives →
52100Carbon / low-alloy60-64highlowhighMidKnives →
W2Carbon / low-alloy58-62mediumlowhighMidKnives →

All carbon / low-alloy steels · every steel · best for a purpose