
The quality of a knife depends on the quality of the steel it uses. No matter what kind of special knives, it is basically carbon steelIf the steel is too soft, its edges are easy to wear and need to be polished continuously during use. If the steel is too brittle, it is easy to cause brittle cracks or breakage during use by users, causing danger or injury.

About several kinds of steel materials on the market:
CPM S30V
Commonly known as S30V, this is one of the best steels possible and comes with a price tag that reflects that, as prices for these knives are rarely under $150.
Made in the United States by Crucible, this steel is able to hold an edge and resists water, making it ideal for folding blades. Favored by brands such as Spyderco and Benchmade, it has a very fine grain, making it possible to obtain a smooth razor’s edge. While it is possible to obtain a very fine edge, if the blade is shaped correctly, the blade will also maintain a usable edge even with consistent work and will handle abuse well.


154CM
154CM is also very good steel and the price still will reflect that at $75–200+.
This steel is made in the United States by Crucible, the same manufacturers of S30V steel, and is able to withstand abuse and hold an edge incredibly well. It is much easier to sharpen and hone than a knife made of S30V.
154CM is a favorite of Benchmade and is the only steel used by Emerson. This alone speaks volumes for its durability and quality as both of these companies are known for quality products designed to last decades.
420HC
420HC is a high carbon version of the 420 stainless steel, making it harder and more durable. This steel is made in the USA and knife makers such as Buck and Leatherman are known to use this material extensively. While still softer than a 440, the 420HC is ideal for tools which are regularly sharpened and do well as a hunting blade, as these knives are not expected to hold an edge for prolonged use yet are expected to take an edge quickly and effectively.


This steel does present some issues in that it is prone to rusting and therefore it is important to wash off the knife after use. Make sure the knife is properly dried and then oiled before any length of storage.
If this knife has been in storage for more than a couple weeks, it is also advisable to take it out prior to needing it, wash it off, ensure there is no rust or other issues and then sharpen the blade as these blades seem to do best when working on a regular basis and tend to rust if left unhandled for longer periods of time.
Again, this is a case of you get what you pay for and with this steel, even though it does present some issues with rust, is a good steel for those on a tight budget as knives made with this steel are almost always under $50.
From very early on, Gerber knives collaborated with top knife designers, setting a standard of quality for everyone else to follow. Renowned designers such as Al Mar, Bob Loveless, Paul Poehlmann, “Blackie” Collins, William Harsey Jr. and Ernest Emerson have all designed knives for Gerber. In 2002 this tradition continued as Gerber released the Silver Trident, designed by Chief James “Patches” Watson (U.S.N. Ret.) and Bill Harsey Jr.
Today, Gerber continues to design and manufacture unique, high quality outdoor recreation products. By constantly utilizing new technology and innovative design to develop new products, Gerber continues to be an industry leader.It is an inexpensive steel.


Answer
Gerber products use a 100% high-grade stainless steel. Stainless steel is not completely resistant to rust but rather is corrosion resistant to rust. Corrosion can occur in the absence of proper maintenance. Your Gerber product should be cleaned, dried and re-oiled periodically to inhibit rust and corrosion; this is especially true in a damp or marine environment. If your Gerber product comes in contact with any substance that you are uncertain about, it is always a good idea to wash your blade off with tap water, dry it and apply a light coat of oil. If your Gerber product comes into contact with saltwater you must flush it with tap water immediately after use and coat it with good quality lightweight oil. Salt water is extremely corrosive and will attack and destroy any type of steel.
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