16/09/2026
Stainless or carbon steel?
Rust on my tools is a constant pain in my arse.
There is an alternative but none of the well regarded tool makers I know of in the green woodworking world are using it. Why is that?
Recent experience tells me that, when offered a choice between simple carbon steel and a modern stainless tool steel, most people will choose the carbon steel, despite my extolling the virtues of the stainless option.
Where does this preference for carbon steel come from and is it true that carbon steels are better? I have written an article discussing this in depth. Link in my bio if you’re interested in reading it.
I will no longer be offering a carbon steel version of my hooks knives.
