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Stainless Knife Cleaning

How to Sharpen Your Blade

Stainless Steel Blades

Before you sharpen your knife, please read this entire section. For stainless steel knives, you should first perform a cursory inspection of the knife by holding it near a reflected beam of light and looking down the length of the blade. This will allow you to easily observe the condition of your blade and determine the appropriate stage of sharpening (see below) that you should use.

Sharpening Your Knife

Profero advises that you refrain from using grinding wheels or other power-driven equipment to sharpen your stainless steel knife. This will cause your blade to temper and will also invalidate your warranty. Instead, you should always use a sharpening stone to sharpen your knife.

Profero recommends that you use a diamond sharpening stone to sharpen your knife. Diamond sharpening stones are sharpening stones coated in micro-diamonds. Since diamond is one of the hardest substances on earth, it is a very effective sharpener for flat blade knives. Diamond sharpening stones are available as wet or dry stones. Wet stones require the use of water or honing fluid to become effective. Profero suggests that you use petroleum-based honing fluid instead of water since it provides maximum effectiveness. However, be advised that if you choose to use honing fluid instead of water on your sharpening stone, you stone will not be as effective if you subsequently use it with water.

When sharpening, be sure to use plenty of honing oil on your sharpening stone. You should use enough so there is a visible build up on the stone.

If your knife has a serrated blade or a hook, sharpening your knife will require a different type of sharpener than a traditional flat blade.

Stage 1: Rough Cut Sharpening

Stage 1 sharpening is recommended when your blade is very dull, nicked, or has inconsistent edges. For this stage, you will need a coarse grit sharpening stone.

To sharpen your blade, you will need to grind the knife blade against the stone in a stroking motion. You may prefer to use straight stroking motions or circular ones. You may also prefer to either use longer or shorter strokes to sharpen your knife.

When sharpening, it is important that you pay careful attention to the angle of the edge of the blade. Generally, you will want to sharpen the blade to the original angle of the knife. Profero knife blade angles in new condition are typically 12-16 degrees. However, you may slightly increase the angle of the blade to increase the sharpness. Please be advised that tweaking the angle of the blade will weaken the blade and make it more prone to damage. Incidentally, if you chose to angle your blade beyond original Profero specifications, you may invalidate your warranty.

Make sure that you apply steady pressure when the blade is in contact with the sharpening stone and also be sure that you maintain a consistent amount of pressure when sharpening your blade. Many beginners make the common mistake of applying too much pressure at the end of their stroke rather than using a more continuous motion.

There is no set rule on the number of strokes that you use to sharpen your blade. However, to avoid inconsistent edges, you should perform the same number of strokes on each side.

Sometimes, you may observe a nick in the blade. Nicks must be removed before you move on in the stages of the sharpening process. To remove a nick, focus on the nicked portion of the blade and grind down the nicked area until the nick is completely gone. Then concentrate on the entire blade length and attempt to even the blade out.

Stage 2: For Dull Blades, Quick Touch-Ups and Final Sharpening.

Medium to Final Sharpening = Fine Grit Sharpener

Once you have removed all the significant imperfections on the blade, you are ready to move on to Stage 2 of the sharpening process. Before proceeding to this phase, clean your blade and make sure the blade is dry.

For this phase, you will want to sharpen your blade with a finer grit diamond stone. Add oil to the stone and continue to use the same steps that you used in Stage 1. However, you will apply less pressure on the blade than you did in Stage 1. This process will remove the scratches produced during Stage 1, as well. If you regularly sharpen your knife you will be able to skip Stage 1 and start directly with this stage when sharpening your knife.

Stage 3: Fine Sharpening for a Slightly Dull Blade and Finishing Touches.

Final Sharpening = Natural Stone

Stage 3 is the final stage of the sharpening process and requires an even higher grit sharpening stone. For this stage, use the same stroking motions used in Stages 1 and 2. Remember to apply honing oil to the stone and periodically wipe your blade to remove grit residue. Continue sharpening until scratches are removed from the edge of the blade and the blade is sharp.

Serrated Blades

Serrated blades are sharpened differently than traditional flat blades. Because of their unique construction, it is important to obtain a specially made taper sharpener to sharpen serrations. Be advised that serrated blades are very easy to damage during sharpening and should only be sharpened when absolutely necessary.

To sharpen a serrated blade, place the point of the sharpener in each serration and push the point into the serration. By twisting and rotating the sharpener, you will be able to sharpen each serration point. Performing this process will enable you to reshape each serration to a degree of sharpness similar to the blade's original condition.

Stainless Knife Care

Stainless Knife Cleaning

You should always clean your entire knife and blade after each use. Although each Profero knife is equipped with a stainless steel blade, corrosion and oxidation may occur over a period of time. Incidentally, routinely cleaning your blade will slow the oxidation process and keep your knife performing better longer. You can use various chemical solvents to clean your blade but some all-purpose solvents may possibly stain your knife handle. Profero recommends that you use metal solvents which are specifically manufactured for knife cleaning.

Lubricating

Profero lock blade knives require the application of lubricant to maintain proper working condition. You should periodically apply a small amount of lubricant into the joints and working parts of the knife. Remember to always clean your knife before lubricating. Profero recommends a wax-based lubricant.

Stainless Knife Repair

Please do not attempt to repair your Profero knife yourself. Most Profero knives come with a lifetime warranty for craftsmanship which is redeemable to the original purchaser. However, you may void your warranty if you service the knife yourself or if repairs are performed by anyone other than the Profero Service Department. Additionally, you may injure yourself or cause further damage to the knife. If you discover any defect in material, manufacturing, or workmanship, you may return your knife to Profero for repair. In the event that your particular item is beyond repair or is discontinued, Profero will exchange your product for an item of similar value. In order to validate the warranty for your knife, please submit your registration information on the Profero website within 30 days from the original date of purchase.

Sending Your Knife in for Repair

To receive service under this warranty, please visit the warranty section of the Profero Knives website to initiate your claim. Upon submitting your information on our website, you will receive instructions on how to proceed. Depending on your situation, you may be asked to send your product to Profero or an authorized Profero Service Center for further inspection. We recommend that you insure the defective product to be returned and send it by certified receipt so it may be tracked if necessary. Profero is not responsible for loss, including the shipping to and from the Profero factory. Shipping is not covered under warranty. Profero will not be responsible for any damages, for loss or use of defective products, or for other consequential or incidental damages.

GLOSSARY OF TERMS

• A
• B
• C
• D
• E
• F
• G
• H
• I
• J
• K
• L
• M
• N
• O
• P
• Q
• R
• S
• T
• U
• V
• W
• X
• Y
• Z

A

African Blackwood

A black wood with brown grain, and is an excellent wood for knife handles.

Alumite

A coating that protects aluminum knife handles from damage.

Awl

A long pointed spike used to punch holes that are used in the knife industry.

Arkansas Stone

Also known as chert, flint, or Novaculite and is found in Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Texas. The very hard dense rock is used as a whetstone, which sharpens knives. Novacula is Latin for razor stone. Exotic material to use as a knife blade.

A-2 Steel

Cold process steel made-up of carbon and aluminum alloy used in handmade knife makers. Latrobe Grade TLStm A2, A2 consists of % carbon, 0.30% silicon, 0.75% magnesium, 5.00% chromium, 0.25% vanadium.

ATS-55 Steel

Produced by Japan and like ATS-34, but with the molybdenum removed and other elements added. ATS-55 is good steel for the manufacture of knives, but is may rust and does not keep its edge as well as ATS-34.

ATS-34 Steel

Produced by Japan and like 154 CMA high-carbon, high-alloy, stainless steel used in the knife industry, preferred because it is vacuum melted, and 154 is not. ATS-34 consists of carbon 1.05%, manganese 0.40%, chromium 14.00%, molybdenum 4.00%.

AUS-10 Steel

Produced by Japan, and used in the knife industry, with a near carbon content as 440C, but with slightly less chromium (16 - 18% chromium), so it's less rust resistant, but minutely tougher than 440C. AUS-10 consists of: 0.95 - 1.10% carbon, 13.00-14.50% chromium, 0.50% magnesium, 0.10 - 0.31% molybdenum 0.49% nickel.

AUS-4 Steel

A Japanese stainless steel used in the knife industry, roughly comparable to 440A. AUS-4 consists of 0.40-0.45% carbon, 1.00% manganese, 13.00-14.50% chromium, 0.49% nickel.

AUS-6 Steel

A Japanese stainless steel used in the knife industry that falls between 420 and 440A. AUS-6 consists of carbon 0.55 - 0.65%, manganese 1.00%, chromium 13.00 -14.50%, nickel 0.49%, vanadium 0.10 - 0.25%.

B

Bail

A metal loop at the end of the knife used to attach a clip.

Ballistic Cloth

A very durable fabric resistant to tearing commonly used to line knife cases.

Barlow

This knife can have one or two blades, an oversized bolster, which provides balance during use, attached to a teardrop shaped handle.

Belly

The curved part of the blade that must be sharpened.

Black Oxide

A coating to prevent reflection used in the knife industry.

Black Lip Mother of Pearl

Used in the knife (handles) and instrument market. Quality material is iridescent with colors of the rainbow.

Blade Smith

A branch of blacksmithing, where tools, including knives, are formed using a forge, hammer, and anvil.

Blade Spine

The part of the knife blade that is thickest.

Blue Steel

Produced in Japan, the addition of molybdenum produces a very durable edge on the knife blade. However, it is difficult to sharpen, and edge is not as sharp. This is not a stainless steel. Blue steel consists of 1.30 - 1.40% carbon, 0.10 - 0.20% Silica, 0.20 - 0.30% molybdenum, 0.03% phosphorus, 0.004% sulfur.

Bolster

The metal piece between the knife handle and blade.

Bowie Blade

A decorative knife at least 6 inches long with a wide blade ending with a curved, sharpened tip, which is commonly used as a skinning tool, machete, or hatchet. This knife was designed by Rezin Bowie, but named after James Bowie, his brother.

Butt Cap

Also known as pommel, it is the fixture attached between the end of the blade and the handle of the knife.

Butterfly

A Philippine folding pocket knife with two handles counter-rotating around the tang such that, when closed, the blade is concealed within grooves in the handles. Also known as balisong or Batangas knifes. balisong,

C

California Clip Blade

Has a long and gentle curve, which is determined by the combined length and angle of the concave curve on the non-cutting part of the point of the knife. A clip is short with a pronounced curve. A "Turkish" clip is elongated.

Canoe

A pocket knife where the handle ends curve up looking like a canoe.

Caper

A caper, or caping (removal of skin) knife, is generally a small fixed knife blade. It is designed for preparing large game animals for mounting, a task which requires fine detail work for optimal results.

Carbon

With iron, this mineral forms steel, this is used in the knife industry.

Case Hardening

Process to increase the carbon content on the surface of low carbon steel this is used in the knife industry.

Choil

The area between the cutting edge and the tang where the edge of the knife blade is sharpened.

Chromium

With other alloying materials, the edge of the knife blade is stronger and resists rust.

Clip

Used to attach a knife to something else.

Clip Point

The back of the knife blade is concavely formed to make the tip thinner and sharper. Bowie and pocketknives commonly have clip point blades.

Clasp

A lockless, folding knife.

Cobalt

Promotes enhanced carbide stability that is used in the knife industry.

Congress Pattern

An old pen and pocket knife shape, made with two or four blades, generally a pen blade and a larger sheepfoot blade, or two of each.

Copper

The addition of copper decreases corrosion that is used in the knife industry.

Cordia wood

Similar to Teak used in knife handles.

CPM 10V Steel

CPM 10V very tough and durable steels available that is used in the knife industry. It is produced using the patented Crucible Particle Metallurgy (CPM) process. CPM 10V consists of 2.45% carbon, 5.25% chromium, 9.75% vanadium, 1.30% molybdenum.

CPM 15V Steel

CPM 15V provides longer tool life and high-wear applications including the knife industry. CPM 15V consists of 3.40% carbon, 0.50% manganese, 5.25% chromium, 14.50% vanadium, 1.30% molybdenum.

CPM 1V Steel

Produced by crucible particle metallurgy is a medium carbon, high alloy tool steel which exhibits high toughness combined with high heat resistance. It is suited for hot or cold applications demanding high impact toughness that also requires moderate wear resistance including the knife industry. CPM1V consists of 0.55% carbon, 4.50% chromium, 1.00% vanadium, 2.75% molybdenum, 2.15% tungsten.

CPM 3V Steel

Produced by crucible particle metallurgy, is tough, wear-resistant steel. It provides the highest resistance to breakage and chipping greater than A2, D2, CPM 3V that is used in the knife industry. CPM 3V consists of 0.80% carbon, 7.50% chromium, 2.75% vanadium, 1.30% molybdenum.

CPM 9V Steel

Produced by crucible particle metallurgy, is extremely tough, heat resist, and performs in problem applications including the knife industry. CPM 9V consists of 1.80% carbon, 0.50% manganese, 5.25% chromium, 9.00% vanadium, 1.30% molybdenum.

CPM440V (S60V) Steel

Produced by crucible particle metallurgy and powder metal technology, this incorporates increased carbon and vanadium. It processes exceptional wear and is resistant to corrosion, but difficult to sharpen the knife blade. CPM 440V consists of 2.15% carbon, 0.40% manganese, 17.00% chromium, 5.50% vanadium and 0.40% molybdenum, 4.00% silicon.

Credit Card Knife

Very thin knife that is the shape and size of a credit card. It is designed to be carried in the wallet along with regular credit cards. Some of this shape of knife also contains other small tools, such as tweezers, or toothpicks.

Crink

A bend at the tang of a multi-blade knife, which prevents knife blades from touching when closed.

Cryogenic Quench

A heat treatment where steel is cooled to cryogenic temperatures. The result is increased strength and hardness in knife blades.

Custom Knife

A knife made to a customer's specifications.

D

D-2 Steel

Cold process steel commonly used the tool and die industry to cut steel. D2 forms a solid and lasting knife blade edge. Latrobe Grade TLStm D2, D2 consists of 1.50% carbon, 0.30% silicon, 0.30% magnesium, 12.00% chromium, 0.90% vanadium, 1.00% molybdenum.

Damascus Steel

Hot forged layers of soft and hard steel welded together with a visible grain or texture, which creates a swirled appearance. Damascus today, folds steels together and is ground and polished to expose each layer that is used in the knife industry.

Damasteel

A powder metallurgy method of making steel that is of superior strength and appears similar to Damascus steel that is used in the knife industry.

Desert Ironwood

Native to the Sonoran desert, the wood is very hard and dense; it actually sinks in water. Native Americans use the wood for knife handles, which tends to darken with use and age. Illegal harvesting of ironwood is on the rise and live trees are being cut down.

Dovetail

The bolster with an angled cut mounted against the handle of the knife.

Drop Forged

Shaping hot metal within the walls of two dies. Also known as Closed Die Forging and is a process used in knife making.

Drop Point

A knife blade that slopes on the spine of the blade from the handle of the knife to the tip of the blade.

E

EDC

Acronym for Every Day Carry. This is a term applies when carrying a knife.

Edge

The cutting portion of the knife blade.

Ergonomics

The science that designs and arranges items to work efficiently and safely with the human body. An ergonomic knife is used with less effort and strain on the body.

Escutcheon

Often shield shaped metal inlay on the handle of the knife to display the owner's name or initials, trademark, or for decoration. The Latin word for shield.

European Stag

The antler is used for knife handles.

F

False Edge

A sharpened area on the back of the tip of some knives.

Fiber Glass

Fibrous glass, which adds great strength to plastic knife handles.

Finger Groove

Channels on the knife handle to accommodate fingers.

Flat Ground

A knife blade (pocketknife) evenly sharpened from the spine to the edge with no bevels.

Full Length Tang

The steel extends through the full length of the knife handle, including the hilt, handle and pommel.

Full Tang

The edge of the tang is visible along the entire handle of the knife.

Fuller

Helped to make a knife blade stronger and more durable at the core by giving it an I-beam cross section, thus reducing the amount of steel needed to keep the spine stiff.

G

G-2 Stainless Steel

Compared to ATS-34, it contains a little less carbon, a little more chromium, and a lot less molybdenum. Typically used in less expensive knives, as it is less wear resistant and strength, yet a very good stainless steel.

German Silver

Composed of 65.00% copper, 17.00% zinc and 18.00% nickel, also known as nickel silver that is used in the knife industry.

GIN-1 Steel

A stainless steel with slightly less carbon, slightly more chromium, and much less molybdenum than ATS-34 that is used in the knife industry. GIN-1 has no nickel, tungsten or vanadium. Slightly softer than AUS-8. Also known as Gingami-1. GIN 1 consists of 0.90% carbon, 0.60%manganese, 15.50%chromium,

0.30% molybdenum.

Guard

Protects the user's hands from injury from an opponent's knife blade.

H

H1 Steel

A stainless steel with a high nickel content, which cannot rust. It is precipitation hardened that used in the knife industry.

Hafted

To set in or finish with a haft (tool) (to put a handle on a knife).

Hammer Forged

Using a hammer to shape metal, including knives, into a desirable form.

Handle

Made up of the bolsters, scales, fittings, sculpting, spacers, pins, tang, it is the part of the knife the user holds.

Handmade Knife

The knife parts are formed by a blade smith.

Hardness

Moh's scale uses a variety of minerals to establish how hard a material is. It ranges from 1 for talc and 10 for a diamond. The Rockwell tester is used to determine the hardness of a material based on the depth of the indentation it produces: the higher the number, the harder the material. Knife blades hardened to 50 - 60 are the best. This property is applied to materials used as knife blades.

High Alloy Steel

Resistant to corrosion in water, this is an important property for knife blades.

High-carbon Steel

Produces steel, but not stainless, however it is stronger, which is used in the knife industry.

High-carbon Stainless Steel

High-carbon stainless steel contains a minimum of 0.30% carbon. The higher the carbon content, the less formable and the tougher the steel becomes. This is commonly used in the knife industry.

High-Speed Steel

Steel used in the manufacture of machine tool bits and other cutters, such as knives.

Hollow Ground

A convex hollow is removed from both sides of the edge. It produces a very sharp edge but being so thin the edge is more prone to rolling or damage than other grinds.

Hone

To sharpen a knife using a whetstone.

Honing Oil

Use with water or oil to sharpen knife blades.

Hunter

A knife used in hunting and skinning.

I

Inlays

Where one material is set into another material along the surface. Knife handles may have inlays to increase visual appeal.

Integral Hilt

A knife ground from a thick piece of steel, which includes the hilt and blade.

J

Jigged Bone

Carving on the surface of a bone (knife handle) to provide texture and enhanced grip.

K

Kick

Elongated tang prevents the blade from touching the spring when the knife is closed.

Knife

A knife is a handheld sharp-edged instrument consisting of handle attached to a blade used for cutting

Knife, Boot

A boot knife is a small fixed-blade knife that is typically carried in one's boot.

Knife, Butterfly

A folding knife also known as a balisong, with two handles counter-rotating around the tang such that, when closed, the blade is concealed within the handles.

Knife, Combat

Any knife intended to be used mainly for fighting.

Knife, Fighting

Any knife intended to be used mainly for combat.

Knife, Folding

Connects the knife blade to the handle through a pivot, allowing the blade to fold into the handle.

Knife, Hunting

A knife used to dress large game.

Knife, Pen

A small, folding knife fitting into a pocket, which can have 1 to multiple blades or tools, originally used for cutting or sharpening a quill to make a pen nib.

Knife, Pocket

Also known as a multi-tool or jack knife, it can fit into a pocket.

Knife, Swiss Army

A brand of multiple-purpose pocket knife, usually containing several blades of different lengths, a corkscrew, a can-opener, a toothpick, tongs and even a little wood-saw and scissors sometimes.

Knife, Trench

Purpose-made or improvised knives, intended for close-quarter fighting, particularly in trench warfare characterized by a d-shaped integral hand guard.

Kraton

A synthetic black material used for knife handles, which provides a durable and cushioning non-slip grip.

Kris

A knife that possess magical powers. It has a distinct wavy design and are sharpened on both sides, typically tapering to a symmetrical point.

Kukri

A Nepalese knife used as both tool and weapon.

L

L-6 Steel

Low-alloy, although it is very resistant to bending, near unbreakable, it holds an edge on a knife blade well, but rusts easily. L-6 consists of 0.65-0.75% carbon, 0.25-0.80% manganese, 0.60-1.20% chromium, 1.25-2.00% nickel, 0.20-0.30% vanadium, 0.50%molybdenum.

Laminated Steel

Produced in cold-rolled strips less than 2 mm thick. These strips are called laminations when stacked together to form a core. Laminated steel is extremely hard, which increases strength. Laminated steel is used in the knife industry.

Lanyard

A strap used to attach a knife to a person.

Lanyard Hole

A hole usually in a knife handles to attach a lanyard.

Laser Scrimshaw

A laser etches a design on the handles of knife.

Liner

A flat metal plate supporting the blade pivot, side, spine, and handle of folding knives.

Lockback

Also buck knife, is a refinement of the slipjoint, where the spring along the back of the knife has a hook on it and the blade has a notch. When the blade is fully open the hook and notch align, locking the blade in place. Closing the blade requires the user releasing the blade to apply pressure to the back of the blade and in addition press on a lever located on the back of the knife handle to disengage the hook from the notch and thus release the blade. This locking mechanism adds a level of safety while cutting by preventing accidental closure.

Long Pull

An extended nail mark or nail pull running from the tang to the swedge.

M

M-2 Steel

M2 is a high speed steel; it retains its hardness at high temperatures that is used in the knife industry. M-2 consists of 85.00% carbon, 6.35% tungsten, 5.00% molybdenum, 4.00% chromium, 2.00% vanadium.

M-4 Steel

A high-speed steel, difficult to sharpen, but very tough that is used in the knife industry. M-4 consists of 1.42% carbon, 4.00% chromium, 0.30 - 7.00% manganese, 5.25% molybdenum, 0.06 - 0.22% sulfur, 4.00% vanadium, 5.50% tungsten.

Mark Side

Contains both the nail mark/nail pull and the company logo, which is opposite the pile side.

Master Blade

The largest blade in a multiple blade knife, also known as a pocket blade.

Multi-tool

The main blade is typically a pair of pliers, but there is typically one or more knife blades included (spear and serrated), and often locks.

N

N690 Steel

A stainless steel made in Austrian by Bohler, which is Bohler's trade name for 440C. This steel possesses a quality edge and is corrosion resistance that is used in the knife industry. N690 consists of 1.07% carbon, 17.00% chromium, 1.50% cobalt, 1.10% molybdenum, 0.10% vanadium

Nail

A pin holding the multi-blade knife together.

Nail Mark

Also known as nail pull or nail nick. A curved groove in the blade of a pocket knife used to open the blade.

Nickel

Helps harden steel during its formation. Nickel is an alloy added to steel, and this steel is used in the knife industry.

Needle Point Blade

Symmetrical, highly tapered, twin-edged blade often seen in fighting blades. Its long, narrow point offers good penetration but is easily broken if abused.

Nickel Silver

Composed of 65.00% copper, 17.00% zinc and 18.00% nickel, also known as German silver, which is added to steel, and this steel is used in the knife industry.

Nitrogen

Improves strength, wear, and corrosion resistance, which is added to steel, and this steel is used in the knife industry.

Normal Blade

Has a curving edge, and flat back. A dull back lets the wielder use fingers to concentrate force; it also makes the knife heavy and strong for its size. The curve concentrates force on a small point, making cutting easier.

Novaculite

Also known as chert, flint, or Arkansas Stone and is found in Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Texas. The very hard dense rock is used as a whetstone, which sharpens knives. Novacula is Latin for razor stone.

O

O-1 Steel

This oil-hardening steel takes and holds an edge superbly, and is tough (although not as tough as, 5160). However, it rusts easily. 0-1 consists of 0.90% carbon, 1.00% manganese, 5.00% chromium and 0.50% tungsten this steel is used in the knife industry.

Obsidian

Exotic material to use as a knife blade formed from volcanoes as glass.

Obverse

Opposite of the reverse side, where the point of the knife is left with the edge down.

P

Pen Blade

Also known as a pen knife. A small, folding knife fitting into a pocket, which can have 1 to multiple blades or tools, originally used for cutting or sharpening a quill to make a pen nib.

Pile Side

Opposite the mark side, this contains both the nail mark/nail pull and the company logo.

Phosphorus

Improves strength, but, in high concentrations, produces brittle steel.

Pocket Blade

The largest blade on a knife with multiple blades.

Pocket Clip

A clip attached to a pocket.

Point

The distal front end of the blade, which determines the look and use of the knife.

Pommel

The termination of the handle. Is Latin for apple.

Pouch Sheath

Made from 4 pieces of leather, and provides excellent protection.

Powdered Metal

A wider range of products are obtained from powder processes than from direct alloying of fused materials, which results in stronger and improved wear.

Q

Qama

Used for close quarter combat by Persian warriors This knife type is a national weapon of Russian Georgia.

Quillion

A bar perpendicular to the knife and between the handle and the blade, which prevents the user's hand from sliding onto the blade.

R

Rabbet Tang

The tang ends within the handle of the knife, but does not extend to the pommel.

Reverse

Opposite of the obverse side of a knife blade.

Ricasso

The thick, non-ground part of the knife blade between the grinds and the bolsters.

Rockwell Hardness Scale

The Rockwell scale measure hardness based on the indentation of a material (knife blade).

S

Sabre Ground

The bevel starts at about the middle of the blade, not the spine. It produces a more lasting edge at the expense of some cutting ability.

Sandvic 12C27 Steel

A Swedish made premium stainless chromium steel, which is exceptionally hard, resistant to corrosion and wear

Satin Finish

A soft, brushed appearance.

Scale

Materials used to produce handle parts.

Scrimshaw

Carved designs. Sometimes carved on knife handles.

Serpentine

An S-curve in a knife handle.

Serrated

A knife blade with teeth..

Sheath Knife

Handle scales, made of the same material as the knife handle, which is mounted on knifes with full tangs.

Sheepsfoot

Has a straight edge and a straight dull back that curves towards the edge at the end. It gives the most control, because the dull back edge is made to be held by fingers. Sheepsfoot look like a sheep's hoof.

Shield

An inlay in the handle of a knife for decorative or company logo.

Silicone

Used as rust prevention.

Slip Joint

Folding knives without locks.

Spacer

A spacer material in the handle, hilt, or guard of the knife for style.

Spear (Point) Blade

The edge and the back of the blade curves and meets at the knife blade midpoint.

Spay Blade

For the castrating livestock.

Spring Steel

Flexible steel.

Stag

The antler is used for knife handles.

Stainless Steel

Will not rust or stain.

Sulfur

Increases the ability to machine the steel.

Swage

A bevel grind or taper near the tip of a knife blade. Also referred as a false edge.

T

T5MOV Steel

A stainless steel, outstanding for knife blades. T5MOV consists of 0.50% carbon, 14.00% chromium, 0.15% vanadium, 0.35% molybdenum.

Tang

The extension of steel into the handle of a knife.

Tano

Has a somewhat chisel-like point that is thick towards the point and is strong.

Tapered Tang

Where the full tang tapers to the butt of the knife improving balance and indicates a well-made knife.

Thong Hole

Another name for lanyard.

Titanium

Light, strong, corrosion-resistant, but does not hold an edge, so it is not useful as a cutting blade. However, titanium is an excellent use for knife handles.

Trapper

Large, which includes a clip and spay knife blade.

Tungsten

Tungsten is often brittle and hard to work in its raw state; however, if pure, it can be cut with a hacksaw.

Turkish Clip Blade

A blade with a very long clip and a curved edge.

U

Ulu

An Inuit woman's knife, is a sharpened segment of a circle. It has no point, and has a handle in the middle. It is good for scraping, and sometimes chopping, and is the strongest knife shape. It is used in leatherworking both to scrape down leather, and to make precise, rolling cuts for shapes other than straight lines.

V

Vanadium

Highly resistant to corrosion, and is a carbide stabilizer in steel making, which is added to the steel used in the knife industry.

VASCO WEAR

It is very expensive, but holds a good edge; it is difficult to sharpen that is used in the knife industry. VASCOWEAR consists of 1.12% carbon, 0.30% manganese, 7.75% chromium, 2.40% vanadium, 2.40% molybdenum, 1.10%tungsten.

VG-10 Steel

Japanese manufactured steel, which exhibits superior performance in edge holding that is used in the knife industry. VG-10 consists of 1.0% carbon, 15.00% chromium, 1.0% manganese, 0.2% vanadium, 1.50% cobalt.

W

W-1 Steel

Produces outstanding toughness on the edges of knife blade, but is difficult to sharpen. Uses up grinding belts at quite a rapid rate. W-1 consists of 0.70-1.50% carbon, 0.10-0.40% manganese, 0.15%chromium, 0.20% nickel, 0.10%vanadium, 0.10%molybdenum, 0.50%tungsten

W-2 Steel

Produces outstanding toughness on the edges of knife blade, but is difficult to sharpen. Uses up grinding belts at quite a rapid rate. W-2 consists of 0.85-1.50% carbon, 0.10-0.40% manganese, 0.15% chromium, 0.20%nickel, 0.15-0.35% vanadium, 0.10%molybdenum, 0.15% tungsten.

Welt

A third piece of leather stitched between the outer portion of the sheath, and acts to protect the blade from cutting through the side of the sheath.

Wharncliffe Blade

A strong, thick knife blade that can split wood.

Wharncliffe Handle

Larger at one end and then tapers. Can be a single or multiple knife blades.

Whetstone

A stone for sharpening tools (knives).

White Steel

Produced in Japan, this steel produces a very sharp knife blade edge and sharpens easily. This is not a stainless steel. White Steel consists of 1.30 - 1.40% carbon, 0.10% silica, 0.20% manganese, 0.03% phosphorus, 0.004% sulfur.

Whittler

Slightly larger than a pen knife, this knife type is flanked by a large blade at one end (and working on both springs) and two smaller blades at the other.

X

None

Y

None

Z

Z60CDV14 Steel

A Swedish steel high in carbon that has both good knife blade edge retention and is easy to sharpen. 0.60 - 0.65%carbon; 0.45% manganese; 14.00% chromium; 0.15% nickel; 0.15 - 0.20% vanadium; 0.55 to 0.60% molybdenum.

ZDP-189 Steel

A Japanese powder metal high in both chromium (stain resistance) and carbon (knife blade edge retention).

Zirconia

Zirconia is a technically advanced ceramic, which is extremely hard and wear resistant. Diamonds are the only material harder than zirconia. It is an exotic material used as knife blades.