A Modern Blade Steel for Daily Endurance

The MERINO Line uses S35VN as its blade steel. This American-made powdered stainless steel has been enhanced for the MERINO Line through the additional step of cryogenic heat treatment. If researching blade steel isn’t your favorite late-night pastime, here’s a quick primer on powdered steel, heat treatment, and cryo heat treatment—and why it should matter to you.

The Magic of Steel

Steel is a truly remarkable material, with properties that make it indispensable in countless applications. One of its most fascinating traits is how its mechanical properties, such as hardness and toughness, can be controlled by applying and removing heat. Much like water transitioning between liquid and solid phases, steel undergoes phase changes when heated and cooled. With precise temperature control, these phases can be manipulated and even “trapped” to optimize the steel’s performance.

For knife blades, one of the most prized phases of steel is called cementite, also known as iron carbide. These carbides act like the hard aggregate in concrete, providing the hardness that contributes to edge retention. The size of these carbides is equally important—smaller carbides allow for a finer, sharper edge that performs exceptionally well.

The Advantage of Powdered Steel

Powdered steel, such as S35VN, takes this to the next level. By using a specialized process called powder metallurgy, the steel is created from finely powdered metal particles. This method offers two key advantages:

1. Fine Carbides: Powdered steel can form extremely small carbides, which enhance both edge retention and sharpness.
2. Uniform Distribution: The carbides are evenly distributed throughout the steel, ensuring consistent performance and eliminating weak spots.

This precision means that, when properly heat treated, powdered steel like S35VN can achieve a high level of hardness while maintaining enough toughness to resist chipping or cracking. It’s the perfect balance of performance, designed for people who refuse to settle for anything less.

Why Cryogenic Heat Treatment Matters

At PEPPERWOOL, we go a step further by incorporating cryogenic heat treatment into the process. After the steel undergoes standard heat treatment, we subject it to ultra-low temperatures, plunging it into a cryogenic environment. This additional step provides two significant benefits:

1. Increased Hardness: While the gain in hardness is slight, it’s enough to further improve edge retention.
2. Enhanced Toughness: More importantly, cryogenic treatment locks the internal phases of the steel in place, reducing internal stresses. This process minimizes the risk of brittle failure, such as chipping or cracking, making the blade more reliable and durable.

Cryogenic treatment transforms S35VN into a blade material that’s not just functional but exceptional. By choosing the MERINO, you’re choosing a knife engineered to outperform and outlast—a tool you’ll love carrying every day.

Why This Matters to You

Imagine pulling out a blade that feels like an extension of your hand, cutting effortlessly and staying razor-sharp through task after task. That’s the promise of the MERINO Line. The combination of powdered steel and cryogenic treatment isn’t just about technical excellence—it’s about reliability, confidence, and pride in what you carry.

Owning a knife made from S35VN is like having a trusted companion. It works as hard as you do and stays sharp no matter what the day demands. It’s an investment in quality and performance, designed for those who value durability and dependability. With the MERINO, you’re not just buying a tool; you’re joining a community of individuals who believe in carrying the best.

This is the kind of steel you deserve—a blade that redefines what’s possible and elevates your everyday. Are you ready to carry the difference?

Notes:

If you are still wanting to learn more here is a link to what I consider to be the best knife steel resource on the web: https://knifesteelnerds.com/2020/01/13/s35vn-steel-properties-and-how-to-heat-treat/