Carbon Steel

How can you test for stainless steel over carbon steel?

Is there a good test to find out if a blade is made from stainless steel or carbon steel?
I am specifically trying to establish if a blade is carbon steel or stainless. Most stainless reproductions are 440 stainless, and I think the magnetic pull is as strong, but correct me if I am wrong. As for polish, carbon steel can be mirror polished, if worked hard enough.

Brian is right with one small exception. Some levels in the 400 series have a small degree of magnetism. The test difference with a magnet would be like pulling a magnet off the fridge versus pulling a sticky-note off of a desk. One comes off easy and the other comes off hard.

Give Brian the 10 points because he hit the question head on first.

The grinding of an edge thing wastes way too much time. The magnetism test is the best and fastest way to answer this question. If you do this on cookware check the weight because aluminum is also non-magnetic. Some judgments take common sense..

US Auctions Australian Auctions Austrian Auctions Belgian Auctions Canadian Auctions French Auctions German Auctions Irish Auctions Italian Auctions Dutch Auctions Spanish Auctions Swiss Auctions GB Auctions

Best Match Items Ending First Newly-Listed Items First Price + Shipping: Lowest First Price + Shipping: Highest First

MULTI COLOR Memory Wire Carbon Steel Bracelet 22 gauge 20 Loops $1.75 Time Remaining: 12d 12h 32m Buy It Now for only: $1.75 Buy It Now

Cold Steel Carbon V Master Hunter Knife Made In The USA $70.00 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 4h 51m

Vintage Gustav Emil Ern SOLINGEN GERMAN Carbon Steel Butcher Chefs Knife 14 Bl $68.99 Time Remaining: 5h 18m

Vintage 5 3 4 Sabatier Carbon Steel Chef Knife Made In France $80.00 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 3h 42m

1084 Steel high carbon for Knife Making 1 8 x 2 x 10 blade blank billet $12.95 Time Remaining: 21d 7h 16m Buy It Now for only: $12.95 Buy It Now

VINTAGE RANDALL MODEL 14 CARBON STEEL SAW TOP LIGHT USE REAL NICE KNIFE $429.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 10h 40m

CUSTOM MADE ONE OFF THROWING KNIFE SET CARBON STEEL $35.00 Time Remaining: 1h 3m Buy It Now for only: $40.00 Buy It Now

Kill bill Japanese samurai swords Manual high carbon steel blade Fine Polished $136.00 Time Remaining: 45m

10000pcs Dia Diameter 1 mm bearing balls Carbon steel ball bearings in stock $4.99 Time Remaining: 1d 14h 43m Buy It Now for only: $4.99 Buy It Now

Vintage Sabatier French Chef Knife Hand Forged Carbon Steel 8 Blade Wood Handle $18.50 (6 Bids) Time Remaining: 11h 8m

Vintage Utility Knife Carbon Steel EDWUSTHOF $10.50 (2 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 4h

MARBLES USA STAG WOODCRAFT HUNTER SKINNER KNIFE KNIVES CARBON STEEL W CASE $82.00 (12 Bids) Time Remaining: 9h 15m

Kershaw Knife Knives 1670 420 HC High Carbon Steel Blur Limited Run New $49.00 Time Remaining: 13d 2h 59m Buy It Now for only: $49.00 Buy It Now

Antique Sabatier Hand forged Carbon Steel Chef Knife w Rare Lion Logo Stamping $51.00 (10 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 9h 50m

VINTAGE F DICK GERMAN SKINNING KNIFE TRADE KNIFE CARBON STEEL GREAT CONDITION $33.00 (13 Bids) Time Remaining: 10h 44m

Tramontina 24 Machete Stamped High Carbon Steel SAE1070 NEW FREE Shipping $14.99 Time Remaining: 5h 6m Buy It Now for only: $14.99 Buy It Now

4 VINTAGE HIGH CARBON STEEL KNIVES FROM AN ESTATE SALE 1 FM SOLINGEN KNIFE $9.95 Time Remaining: 2h 2m

Vintage Bazar Francais Sabatier Chef Knife Hand Forged Carbon Steel 8 Blade $45.00 (8 Bids) Time Remaining: 11h 23m

1 SET OF BUTTERFIELD CARBON STEEL 5 8 11 NC HAND TAPS BY UNION TWIST DRILL CO $3.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 35m

MORA OF SWEDEN 11863 840MG COMPANION MG CARBON STEEL BLADE KNIFE $14.80 Time Remaining: 11d 5h 13m Buy It Now for only: $14.80 Buy It Now

SABATIER CARBON STEEL PARING KNIFE 3 1 4 BLADE 4 STAR ELEPHANT ROWOCO VINTAGE $19.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 10h 42m

VINTAGE HENCKELS TWINWORKS 102 10 CARBON STEEL CHEFS KNIFE HAND FORGED WALNUT $31.00 (4 Bids) Time Remaining: 7h

4 VINTAGE CUTLERLY MEAT CLEAVERS KNIFES CARBON STEEL SKINNING KNIFE MEAT AXE $20.50 (4 Bids) Time Remaining: 10h 35m

Roshco Carbon Steel Wok $20.00 Time Remaining: 27d 1h 47m Buy It Now for only: $20.00 Buy It Now

VINTAGE SCHRADE CLASSIC OLD TIMER120T POCKET KNIFE W CARBON STEEL BLADE $15.99 Time Remaining: 51m Buy It Now for only: $27.99 Buy It Now

WEAR EVER CUTCO B6410SC 12 BLADE PROFESSIONAL SERRATED CARBON STEEL KNIFE $39.95 Time Remaining: 1h 53m

Vintage Carbon Steel Chef Knife DEXTER 9 3 4 blade $9.99 Time Remaining: 2d 3h 16m

COLD STEEL 35 LTC kukri Carbon V knife discontinued RARE original BRAND NEW $249.99 Time Remaining: 29d 16h 34m Buy It Now for only: $249.99 Buy It Now

FINEST Vintage French RC Carbon Steel Chef Knife w Ebony 14 RAZOR SHARP Blade $349.99 Time Remaining: 1d 10h

VINTAGE CARBON STEEL CIMITER KNIFE 10NICE $19.95 Time Remaining: 44m

Mora of SWEDEN Classic 612 Morakniv Carbon Steel Red Wood Handle Knife Brand NEW $19.99 Time Remaining: 11d 11h 19m Buy It Now for only: $19.99 Buy It Now

VINTAGE CARBON STEEL CHEFS KNIFE $9.99 Time Remaining: 2h 32m

ORIGINAL VIETNAM ERA 17 CHEF BUTCHER KNIFE US 1968 CARBON STEEL GOOD CONDITION $9.95 Time Remaining: 8h 15m

VINTAGE SABATIER 4 STAR ELEPHANT CHEFS CARBON STEEL CARVING KNIFE $9.95 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 10h 45m

Opinel France No 6 Beechwood Safety Locking Carbon Steel Blade Knife $11.65 Time Remaining: 26d 9h 43m Buy It Now for only: $11.65 Buy It Now

Set of 2 Throwing Knives 6 Carbon Steel with Sheath NO RESERVE $4.25 (14 Bids) Time Remaining: 2d 11h 30m

SABATIER CARBON STEEL CHEFS BONING UTILITY KNIFE 5 1 8 BLADE 4 STAR ELEPHANT $24.99 Time Remaining: 8h 51m

Hand made of carbon steel blade paint wooden sheath tai chi sword Basaltic sword $118.00 Time Remaining: 45m

MORA OF SWEDEN 840 NEW IMPROVED CLIPPER CARBON STEEL BLADE KNIFE $14.50 Time Remaining: 27d 14h 19m Buy It Now for only: $14.50 Buy It Now

SABATIER 4 Stars Elephant 7 3 4 Blade Carbon Steel Chefs Knife $14.77 (4 Bids) Time Remaining: 2d 9h 59m

Hand made carbon steel blade rosewood scabbard alloy Tosogu dragon swords $86.00 Time Remaining: 45m

Case Trapper Knife 2007 Issue SFO Blued Blades Carbon Steel Mint In Box AAA+ NR $36.00 (13 Bids) Time Remaining: 3d 10h 14m

MORA of SWEDEN Classic 601 Red Wood Handle Carbon Steel Knife MORAKNIV Brand NEW $17.99 Time Remaining: 17d 23h 14m Buy It Now for only: $17.99 Buy It Now

Vintage Old HICKORY TRU EDGE ONTARIO KNIFE COMPANY CHEFS KNIFE CARBON STEEL $10.49 (2 Bids) Time Remaining: 9h 45m

The body is made by hand carbon steel Chinese sword YiTianJian alloy parts $132.32 Time Remaining: 45m

Mora of Sweden Carbon Swedish Knife 11863 840MG Companion MG Carbon Steel $14.84 Time Remaining: 13d 4h 47m Buy It Now for only: $14.84 Buy It Now

Antique F Dick Germany 16 Carbon Steel Butcher Knife $26.49 (3 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 10h 14m

COLD STEEL fixed blade black carbon V blade FILLET knife USA MADE discontinued $20.39 (6 Bids) Time Remaining: 2d 4h 31m

Olde Thompson Carbon Steel Pepper Mill Salt Mill pre owned $5.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 1h 50m

7 10 OLD HICKORY CARBON STEEL BUTCHER KNIFE 10 BLADE $13.57 Time Remaining: 6d 7h 19m Buy It Now for only: $13.57 Buy It Now

Vintage Geneva Forge USA 12 inch Carbon Steel Blade Chef Knife Full Tang Wood $26.99 Time Remaining: 2d 9h 34m

FULLY HANDMADE JAPANESS KATANA 1055 CARBON STEEL SAMURAI SWORD FULL TANG 118 $59.99 Time Remaining: 5h 45m

Vintage Forgecraft Hi Carbon Steel 14 inch Knife $13.80 (2 Bids) Time Remaining: 7h 44m

Carbon Steel Ninja Katana Black w Blood Splash 40 inch $29.99 Time Remaining: 4d 1h 11m Buy It Now for only: $29.99 Buy It Now

Vintage Sabatier Large Carbon Steel Slicing Knife w Ebony Handle Made In France $74.00 Time Remaining: 4h 21m

New Carbon Steel Woodman trapper Machete w Sheath $9.95 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 1d 13h 55m

Saxon Viking High Carbon Steel Sword $75.00 Time Remaining: 54m Buy It Now for only: $85.00 Buy It Now

ESEE Candiru Desert Tan Neck Knife Skeletonized Handle 1095 Carbon Steel CAN DT $53.95 Time Remaining: 28d 9h 27m Buy It Now for only: $53.95 Buy It Now

BRAND NEW Invicta II 0379 Mens Black Carbon Filber Dial Stainless Steel Watch $46.01 (11 Bids) Time Remaining: 2h 44m

BEN HOGAN FORGED CARBON STEEL APEX HT 1 BLADE PUTTER 34 $62.00 (27 Bids) Time Remaining: 9h 50m

Invicta DNA Stainless Steel Mens Rubber Strap Watch $69.99 Time Remaining: 17d 6h 31m Buy It Now for only: $69.99 Buy It Now

Vintage Old Sabatier Carbon Steel Chefs Carving Knife No Markings $19.99 Time Remaining: 11h 54m

Silver Stag USA KnifeCrown Series STAG FolderCarbon SteelNIBGorgeous $0.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 5d 10h 28m

COLD STEEL CARBON V KNIFE NICE $122.50 (4 Bids) Time Remaining: 8h 32m

MORA of SWEDEN MORAKNIV Classic Number 1 Red Wood Handle Carbon Steel Knife NEW $17.99 Time Remaining: 18d 10h 35m Buy It Now for only: $17.99 Buy It Now

SG 120S Custom made1082 HIGH CARBON steel knife HEAT TREATED 56 60HRC BURL WOOD $30.00 (11 Bids) Time Remaining: 10h 48m

Full Tang Katana Sword Kit High Carbon Steel Assemble Yourself 20 342BK $12.50 (3 Bids) Time Remaining: 22h 43m

Bushido Katana Sword High Carbon Steel MC 3034 $19.95 Time Remaining: 23h 20m Buy It Now for only: $39.95 Buy It Now

One Custom Pro Top Carbon Steel 10 Wrap Coils Tattoo Machine Gun Supply HTM73 C $11.99 Time Remaining: 27d 23h 57m Buy It Now for only: $11.99 Buy It Now

Vintage Pernot Nogent France 4 Carbon Steel Pairing Kitchen Knife $31.00 (2 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 9h 49m

HELLE LES STROUD SURVIVORMAN CARBON STEEL FIXED KNIFE $169.95 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 11h 2m

OKC Ontario USA WWII M3 Trench Knife Carbon Steel Combat Bayonet Dagger Blade $15.05 (8 Bids) Time Remaining: 3d 10h 23m

Opinel France No 7 Beechwood Safety Locking Carbon Steel Blade Knife $11.85 Time Remaining: 18d 9h 37m Buy It Now for only: $11.85 Buy It Now

Cold Steel SRK Carbon V $66.00 (5 Bids) Time Remaining: 2d 8h 35m

Chinese carbon steel handmade Han sword cool patterns practical katana S002 $69.99 Time Remaining: 3h 45m

MERCATOR K55K BLACK CAT LOCKBACK CARBON STEEL KNIFE $23.85 Time Remaining: 24d 11h 58m Buy It Now for only: $23.85 Buy It Now

2001 KA BAR USA IMPACT SPEAR PT KNIFE KNIVES 1095 COATED CARBON STEEL W CASE $38.00 (23 Bids) Time Remaining: 9h 14m

CUSTOM MADE PALM TWISTER NO SPIN THROWING DAGGER KNIFE CARBON STEEL $9.99 Time Remaining: 7h 31m

Gil Hibben IV Rambo Combat Machete Axe Sword Knife GH5007 1090 High Carbon Steel $7.50 (7 Bids) Time Remaining: 4d 6h 5m

Gil Hibben IV Kukri Combat Machete Axe Sword Knife GH5028 1090 High Carbon Steel $48.99 Time Remaining: 24d 4h 58m Buy It Now for only: $48.99 Buy It Now

LARGE CUSTOM MADE NO SPIN PALM TWISTER THROWING DAGGER KNIFE CARBON STEEL $9.99 Time Remaining: 7h 45m

Case Yellow 32131 Canoe 1997 Issue Carbon Steel Blades Mint NR $15.50 (3 Bids) Time Remaining: 5d 10h 34m

85mm Handmade Scandinavian Bushcraft Camping Puukko Knife Carbon Steel FULL TANG $2.25 (3 Bids) Time Remaining: 9h 1m

Opinel France No 8 Beech Wood Safety Locking Carbon Steel Blade Knife $12.75 Time Remaining: 10d 23h 54m Buy It Now for only: $12.75 Buy It Now

4 Scandinavian Hunting Camping Bushcraft Puukko Knife Carbon Steel FULL TANG $20.50 (7 Bids) Time Remaining: 10h 1m

Old Carbon Steel Skinning Knife Butcher Kitchen or Field use $4.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 7h 31m

SG 82U Custom made1082 HIGH CARBON steel knife HEAT TREATED 56 60HRC BURL WOOD $26.00 (9 Bids) Time Remaining: 11h 7m

Cold Steel 1055 Carbon 18 Kukri Machete Survival Knife 97KMS $29.99 Time Remaining: 20d 16h 45m Buy It Now for only: $29.99 Buy It Now

Cold Steel Large Twistmaster Locking Knife Model 31L NOS High Carbon V Steel $69.00 Time Remaining: 10h 1m

Professional New custom handmade Tattoo Machine shader Carbon steel fiber gun $0.01 Time Remaining: 34m

Helen Chen's Asian Kitchen Carbon Steel 14-Inch Wok with Bamboo Handles Sale Price: $24.99   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Description Handsome, rugged, and classic in composition, this Asian Kitchen wok is an ideal tool for the high-heat searing and stir-frying called for in Eastern cooking. Created by Helen Chen, daughter of renowned Chinese chef Joyce Chen, the pan is made of durable 1...

DEWALT DW4910 3-Inch by 5/8-Inch-11 Knotted Cup Brush/Carbon Steel .020-Inch List Price: $22.26 Sale Price: $10.79 You save: $11.47 (52%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product

Cold Steel Gunstock War Club with 1055 Carbon and Polypropylene List Price: $49.99 Sale Price: $34.96 You save: $15.03 (30%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Description Our Gunstock War Club was custom designed by blade smith Rich Mc Donald. He incorporated all the best features from our favorite clubs including the ridged centerline, a short lance point, and the classic “Fawn’s Foot” handle...

Refined Style: Stainless Steel, Carbon Fiber and Rubber Cord Bracelet for Men Sale Price: $34.99   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product

Hobart 770105 Shoe Handled Wire Brush, Carbon Steel Sale Price: $9.99   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Description Hobart Steel Handle Shoe Wire Brush 770105

The Working of Steel Annealing, Heat Treating and Hardening of Carbon and Alloy Steel See Reviews For This Product Description This book was converted from its physical edition to the digital format by a community of volunteers. You may find it for free on the web. Purchase of the Kindle edition includes wireless delivery.

Invicta Men's 0379 II Collection Stainless Steel Watch List Price: $695.00 Sale Price: $89.99 You save: $605.01 (87%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Description The Invicta Men's Collection Stainless Steel Carbon Fiber Dial Watch features white Arabic numeral hour indexes, a seconds track, and luminous hands that make telling time easy. Two subdials that offer a month display and 24-hour function are stacked on top of each other for a unique look...

European Style Stainless Steel and Carbon Mens Heavy Duty Bracelet with Gift Box JB1015 List Price: $79.99 Sale Price: $19.99 You save: $60.00 (75%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Description We also have brand fashionon jewelry (fashionon necklace,fashionon Bracelet, fashionon Pendant),B.BOSS necktie,Y&G Vest SET,Y&G tie set,Y&G cufflinks,Y&G hanky, boss wallet, keychain, Gift box sets listed...