Bear & Son products contain only quality USA blade steels (except Sandvik made in Sweden). This is a quick reference to help find the blade that is right for you.
 

440 High Carbon Stainless Steel – Made to their own formula. Rust-resistant.  Holds an edge well.  Diamond or ceramic sharpener recommended due to the metal hardness.

1095 Carbon Steel – Longtime favorite for knife blades. Holds a keen edge and is very easy to re-sharpen.  A stone sharpener is recommended.  Requires a light coat of oil to prevent rusting.

CPM-S30V Stainless Steel – A premium grade American-made steel, created especially for knife blades.  With uniform carbide distribution and clean steel properties, it provides superior edge quapty, and is rust and corrosion resistant.

154CM Stainless Steel – Another premium grade American-made steel offering great corrosion resistance, with toughness and a really good edge.  

Sandvik 12C27M Stainless Steel – Swedish steel created for knife blades.  Has great edge retention and toughness.  Chosen for its rust and corrosion resistance.  Diamond or ceramic sharpener recommended due to the metal hardness. Used only for Bear’s stainless Bowies this year.

Sandvik 14C28N Stainless Steel – Another Sandvik steel for knife blades.  This new grade has the highest achievable hardness and edge stability. Rust and corrosion resistant. Diamond or ceramic sharpener recommended due to the metal hardness. Used for Bear’s new line of Butterflies, two new Bear Swipes and Letter Openers.

High Definition Damascus Steel – 416 layers of medium and high carbon steel, with added nickel to magnify definition.  Flexibility is superb and every Damascus blade is as distinct as a fingerprint. Damascus blades also have “secret” sharpness – never feels as sharp to the touch as it really is! Requires a light coat of oil to prevent rusting.