Wear resistance/edge retention is basically strength. When they talk about blade steels and their strength they are referring to edge retention/wear resistance. That is my understanding of it. Tougher/softer steels will wear faster than stronger/harder steels.

the size and concentration of the carbides plays a huge role in this and you can have carbides of different size in the same steel and carbides of the same size in different steels.

As steel gets tougher (softer) it gets weaker and as you make steel stronger (harder) it gets more brittle (less tough).

Toughness - resistance to breaking, chipping, etc. - Softer steel = tougher steel - Less Carbon

Strength - usually this is the term to explain edge holding ability. - Harder steel = stronger steel. Usually, this means that the steel contains more carbon - carbon makes steels harder/stronger. This means the steel won't bend or give as much as softer steels.


Hope this helps. And, If I am incorrect on anything - please don't hesitate to let me know. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Mag-

There are many many factors here to consider but the thing to keep in mind is that the laws and relationships of these parameters still interact the same. HT, Quenching, alloy make-up, carbide concentrations and grain sizes all make a difference but they don't change the laws or behaviors between these attributes.

If it were possible- we would have a supersteel that could never be broken and could hold an edge indefinitely. Why? Because we could increase strength and toughness continually and simultaneously. the result would be a super-tough and super-strong steel. Infi is maybe the closest thing to this currently but the same laws still apply. Thoughts?

Harder steel = stronger steel.