ABS (Acrylonitrile-Butadine-Styrene) is a thermosetting plastic with high impact strength and resistance to heat and chemicals.
Anodizing is an electro-chemical coating that alters the appearance and enhances texture of metals, typically aluminum.
ATS-34 (Japan) /154CM (USA made) is a high carbon stainless steel specifically formulated to manufacture knife blade. It is known to be among, if not the, finest stainless steel for knife blades.
The composition of ATS-34/154CM has three principal elements, carbon, chrome, and molybdenum.
Carbon is the primary element that allows the steel to be heat-treated. The more carbon there is in the material the harder it can be made. ATS-34 has 1.05% carbon, which puts it into the high carbon class and allows heat treatment to an ideal 59-61 HRC.
Chromium is the principal element that makes ordinary steel into stainless steel and gives it its rust resistance. To be classified as stainless steel the metal must have a minimum of 13.0% chrome. ATS-34 has 13.5-14.0% chrome. The thing about chrome is the more you add the better the rust protection, but the more gummier the metal becomes and more difficult to sharpen and maintain. ATS-34 has the ideal mixture of these elements for a knife blade.
BT2 is a proprietary Teflon based polymer. This coating exhibits tremendous corrosion resistance. Since Teflon is the slipperiest solid known, it also adds lubricity to the blade, making the knife operate even more smoothly.
Carbon Fiber is a graphic woven laminate that is made of epoxy-coated carbon fiber and provides lightweight and high tensile strength.
Cordura is a lightweight, high-tenacity nylon fiber material that provides superior durability and wear-resistance.
G-10 is a medium weave, fabric base, high pressure "E" glass epoxy composite (laminate) with 55,000 psi tensile strength and 65,000 psi compressive strength. G-10, said to be first used as knife scales by custom knife maker Bob Terzuola. This material provides exceptional strength and resistance in extreme conditions. When properly finished it has excellent tactile and grip characteristics as well as good thermal insulating qualities. It is approximately 40% lighter than aluminum and is impervious to most chemicals. G-10 is one of the best materials for knife scales (handles).
Jigged Bone is formed of animal bone that has been textured.
Kevlar is formed of synthetic reinforcing fibers and provides stiffness, high tensile strength, lightweight, and high abrasion resistance.
KRATON is a thermoplastic rubber polymer used as a flexible inlay to enhance grip.
Micarta is a linen or paper fabric with epoxy resin laminate that provides lightweight, durability and visual appeal.
M2 Steel is a fine-grained molybdenum/tungsten high-speed tool steel. M2 is a very tough grade of steel most commonly found in drill bits and end mills. The high amounts of vanadium, molybdenum and tungsten make it very resistant to wear and very difficult to grind. At a Rockwell hardness of 62HRC it exhibits extreme toughness, with no signs of brittleness, and edge retention that is superior to most other blade materials. The down side to this material, other than it is difficult to work with, is that since it has only a small amount of chrome it will rust unless properly maintained. Companies using M2 steel will most likely use a blade coating such as BT2.
Stag is animal antler.
Titanium is a non-ferrous metal used for its high tensile strength, lightweight and corrosion resistance. Titanium is stronger, lighter and far more corrosion resistant than stainless steel. Titanium can be up to 10 times the cost of stainless steel.
Titanium Carbon Nitride (Black-Ti) is a thin (3 micron) coating that provides a black finish.
300 Series Stainless Steel is an assortment of durable and rust resistant steels.
6061-T6 Aluminum is a lightweight, heat treatable high-grade aluminum with excellent tensile strength and corrosion resistance.
