1075 is a classic carbon steel for knives and tools. It offers a balanced combination of hardness, toughness, and ease of sharpening, but requires regular maintenance against rust.
Three key characteristics of the steel: Edge retention, rust resistance, and sharpenability
Edge retention: medium
★★★☆☆
The carbon content enables good hardness and solid cutting performance.
Rust resistance: low
★★☆☆☆
Without chromium alloy, the steel is susceptible to corrosion.
Sharpenability: very good
★★★★★
The simple steel structure allows for straightforward resharpening.
Areas of application
Outdoor & Bushcraft: The combination of toughness and easy edge maintenance makes this steel attractive for robust applications.
Traditional knives: 1075 is frequently used for classic knife designs where a proven carbon steel is desired.
Steel composition
| Element | Content |
|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | approx. 0.70–0.80 % |
| Manganese (Mn) | approx. 0.40–0.70 % |
Products with 1075 Carbon Steel

