When it comes to knife steel expertise, few names command more respect than Larrin Thomas. As the metallurgist behind the renowned website Knife Steel Nerds, he has become a trusted voice in the knife community, among professional makers and steel-savvy users alike. So, when we had the chance to speak with him about one of our most versatile stainless steels Alleima® 14C28N, we knew it would be a conversation worth sharing.
Four key properties – One balanced steel
During the interview, Larrin highlights the four critical properties that define high-performing knife steel:
- Hardness, for cutting ability and wear resistance
- Edge retention, for long-lasting performance
- Toughness, to prevent chipping and breakage
- Corrosion resistance, to endure real-world conditions
It’s the balance of these properties, not just excelling in one, that makes a steel truly stand out.
"There are always trade-offs in knife steel design. But 14C28N has managed to strike a uniquely well-balanced profile, which makes it appealing for both industrial production and custom makers," says Larrin.
Why does 14C28N stand out?
Larrin walks us through the reasons why 14C28N has earned its reputation:
- Its relatively high hardness (up to ~62 HRC) allows for strong edge retention without compromising toughness.
- The clean chemical composition ensures consistent heat treatment results.
- High chromium content and low impurities deliver excellent rust resistance—even in demanding environments.
- The performance is predictable—a major plus for manufacturers.
"For knives that are meant to be used daily, whether in the kitchen, outdoors, or as EDC, 14C28N is a reliable choice. It’s earned its place on the market."
First impressions of Damax®
We also touched briefly on Damax®, our ultra-premium knife steel. Larrin shared his initial impressions based on its composition and potential, and we’ve sent him a sample piece for hands-on testing.
“It etched pretty well with good contrast, and it compared favourably with some more expensive powder metallurgy-based Damaskus in terms of edge retention and toughness,” Larrin noted.
We’ve invited him to come back for a follow-up interview once he’s had the chance to evaluate it in-depth—so stay tuned!
From metallurgy to real-world use
At Alleima, it’s an honor to have one of the world’s top steel experts recognize the performance of our materials. But more than that, it confirms what we’ve long believed: when you get the balance right, the results speak for themselves.
Curious to hear more from Larrin? Hear the full interview here: Interview with Larrin Thomas: What makes a truly great knife steel?