Generally speaking, carbon steel is a harder metal that holds an edge longer and is easier to re-sharpen. However, it is also more prone to corrosion and can rust easily when exposed to wet environments or if it comes into contact with acidic foods.
While some people prefer the sturdiness of stainless steel, it’s also common to find carbon steel blades in Case knives because of their superior sharpness and easy re-sharpening.
1. Look at the tang
Carbon steel is a popular knife-making metal that’s used to produce knives with good cutting ability and corrosion resistance. This type of steel is also very durable and can hold an edge for a long time.
When buying a case knife, it is important to look for the tang stamp to tell if it is carbon steel. The tang stamp is located on the blade’s tang, between the handle and the hilt of the knife.
Traditionally, Case knives have been marked with several different stamps called ‘Tang Stamps’. These stamps date the knife and are easy to recognize.
Since 1970, Case has introduced a new Tang Stamp every ten years that changes each year by removing dots or crosses from the stamp. This dating system has made it extremely easy to date Case Knives and is one of the most popular methods of determining the age of a knife.
2. Look at the handle
If the handle of a case knife is made from G-10 or some other material it means it is not carbon steel. Those handles are usually made from Delrin, a thermoplastic developed by Dupont.
This plastic is a much cheaper material to use than bone or buffalo horn. It also does not develop the same natural patina that bone or buffalo horn do.
These handles are usually used for hunting knives or combat style knives, as they can be easily sharpened and are strong.
They are also very prone to rust and require frequent cleaning and maintenance.
Generally speaking, carbon steel is a good choice for those who want to keep their blades extremely sharp and durable. They are also less prone to corrosion than stainless steels, but they still require regular care and maintenance to prevent them from becoming dull and ineffective.
3. Look at the blade
When it comes to knives, carbon steel is one of the most popular metals used. It is a hard metal that can be heat treated to increase its toughness and improve edge retention.
It also has a very high carbon content, which helps keep the blade sharper for longer. However, you should be aware that this type of steel requires more maintenance than stainless steels.
The best way to tell if a case knife is carbon steel is by looking at the blade itself. The blade of a case knife is usually two to four inches long and made from a variety of materials.
4. Look at the blade etching
If a case knife has an etched blade, it’s most likely carbon steel. This type of metal has superior edge sharpness and retention, making it a great choice for a working knife or a collector’s prized piece.
However, not all etchings are created equal. The amount of darkening you see is dependent on the material and the dilution of acid used to etch it.
For example, stainless damascus requires a different dilution and technique than a carbon steel blade. The key is to use a pretty dilute acid and multiple short immersions to achieve the desired darkness of etching.
This is a relatively safe process, as long as you’re careful not to touch the parts you’re etching with your finger. Moreover, it’s also important to make sure the etching area is properly ventilated.