The 1055 steel is part of the 10xx series of steels, notable for its significant carbon content. The 1055, as its name indicates, has an average carbon content of about 0.55% carbon. That makes it a softer steel than 1095. Still, it offers decent hardness compared to non-carbon steel. The lower carbon content also makes it a true budget option. Its lower carbon content also makes it more suitable for cutting tools that you’d expect to encounter impact, such as machetes, axes, and even larger bushcraft knives. 1055 Steel is pure carbon steel with maximum longevity and hardness combinations. The strength and edge retention of this composition make it the ideal choice for those applications with impact resistance and strength are required. While 1055 excels at toughness and retention, it has little to no stain resistance. As a kitchen knife, this steel hold its edge for a long time but will succumb to discoloration and corrosion from contact with acidic foods. The blades may even turn black and in order to prevent rust, would need to be cleaned vigorously with stainless steel pads.

Chemical composition:

• Carbon, 0.50% to 0.60%
• Manganese, 0.60% to 0.90%
• Sulfur, 0.05% at the most
• Phosphorus, 0.04% at the most