Blade Steel 101

Blade Steel 101

Blade steel is always a hot topic in the EDC, outdoor, and knife enthusiast communities. There are a ton of different steel choices out there, and even more opinions as to what the best steel is. In reality there is no one perfect steel, and the right steel for you will depend on your intended tasks, personal preferences, and to some degree the collectability and resale value of the knife. While we have gone over steel in depth in past articles, this guide will serve more to give our readers direction when navigating the sea of steel options!
KPL Guide to Blade Coatings

KPL Guide to Blade Coatings

Blade coatings, simply stated, is a layer of material that is applied to the surface of a knife blade. Blade coatings have become a standard offering in the knife industry for both practical uses and aesthetic value. These coatings were originally designed to help prevent damage to the knife blade particularly from rust and corrosion on high carbon steels. Beyond just the ability to protect your blade, coatings also offer a variety of colors allowing knife makers and manufacturers the ability to customize the look of their knives. 
Why and How to Properly Store Your Knives

Why and How to Properly Store Your Knives

Though often neglected, proper knife storage is imperative to their long-term reliability. Improper storage can lead to corrosion and rust, severely reducing a knife's usability and life span. Here are some of the best storage methods to keep your knives rust-free and at peak functionality!
Collage of 5 knives with text "Custom Knives"

What Do You Get With a Custom Knife?

Custom knives are a large and often misunderstood sector of the greater knife community, so let's dive into the world of custom knives, alleviate misunderstandings, and feature some exceptional knife makers in the community.
8 Essentials for Maintaining Your Knives in the Wilderness

8 Essentials for Maintaining Your Knives in the Wilderness

Knives are probably the most important tool to bring on your adventures into the wilderness, with a wide range of functions including processing wood, starting fires, and more. With all this use comes the need for routine maintenance, so let's take a look at 8 of the most essential products to bring with you on your wilderness treks!

 

The 8 Biggest Mistakes in Knife Maintenance (and What to Do About Them)

The 8 Biggest Mistakes in Knife Maintenance (and What to Do About Them)

Like any other tool, knives need maintenance to keep them running at peak performance. Unfortunately, many knife owners make mistakes when it comes to maintenance, but fortunately, KPL is here to help! Today we will discuss some of the most common mistakes and misconceptions when it comes to knife maintenance, and provide some helpful tips to keep your cutting tools safe and ready to work when you need them!
The Pros and Cons of High-Carbon Steel

The Pros and Cons of High-Carbon Steel

Although there are several advantages to high-carbon steels, there are two sides to every coin. Here we'll take a look at some of the pros and cons of high-carbon steel, as well as some tips and tricks to helping you maintain your high-carbon blades.

JK Design Monarch v2, made with S35VN steel

Knife Steel Types: Comparing their Properties, Uses, and Price

Come check out our guide to types of knife steels and a breakdown of their edge retention, ease of sharpening, toughness, and rust resistance. This is a great guide to help you find the right knife steel to fit your needs!