Better Blades !


Better Blades – Rethinking the Edge

We’re not selling yet — we’re still deep in the prototype phase — but something exciting is in the works! If you're curious or want to get involved early, feel free to reach out to Theidema@gmail.com.

I know it might sound a little unexpected, but I’m not a knife maker. I’m a woodcarver, a problem-solver, and a relentless tinkerer. Like many of you, I’ve spent years with a carving knife in hand. And one day, while deep in the grain, it hit me:

What if the steel could be better?

Don’t get me wrong — O1 Tool Steel has served the carving world well. But I couldn’t shake the idea that there might be a tougher, longer-lasting, and better-performing option out there for carvers. That thought became the spark behind Better Blades — a collaborative project where I’ve teamed up with talented knife makers and steel experts to reinvent the carving blade from the metal up.

🔧 What Makes Better Blades Different?

1️⃣ Superior Steels:

We’re testing and designing with three top-tier blade steels — each selected for a reason:

  • CPM 3V: Known for its insane toughness, CPM 3V resists chipping and excels in heavy-duty carving tasks. It’s perfect for aggressive rough-outs where edge stability is critical.

  • Magnacut: A modern marvel of metallurgy — Magnacut blends corrosion resistance with excellent hardness and edge retention. Think of it as a stainless super-steel ideal for both detail work and long days of carving.

  • 1095 High Carbon Steel: A traditional favorite with great edge-holding ability and easy sharpening. Classic, dependable, and beloved by many carvers for its responsive feel. We offer the 1095 High Carbon Steel as an option for those that are new to knife making and want to play with a more traditional steel..

2️⃣ Blade Options for Every Maker:

Whether you’re a full-on bladesmith or just want to slap a handle on and get carving, we’ve got a format for you:

  • Just Hardened – You handle the shaping and sharpening.

  • Hardened & Shaped – Skip the grinding and jump straight to finishing.

  • Sharp & Ready – Fully finished, just add your handle and start carving.

3️⃣ Unique Designs – Made for Carvers:

We’re currently field-testing 7 blade profiles, each tailored for specific carving styles and techniques — with more coming soon. From sweeping curves to tight tips, we’re obsessing over the details so you don’t have to.

So What’s Next?

Better Blades is not available for purchase yet, but things are heating up. If you’re a maker, carver, or just a steel nerd who’s curious about what’s coming — shoot me an email at Theidema@gmail.com. We’re building this for the carving community, and your input could help shape what’s next.

Let’s carve better. Let’s make Better Blades.

Why Compressed Powered Metals (CPM)

When it comes to woodcarving, the steel behind the blade is everything. It determines how well your edge holds, how easily it sharpens, and how the blade feels as it glides through the grain. At Better Blades, we’re exploring high-performance steels that can push carving tools to the next level — steels often overlooked in traditional knife making.

CPM 3V is a powdered metallurgy steel developed for toughness — and it delivers. It resists chipping and rolling even in abusive carving scenarios, making it ideal for roughing out hardwoods or deep-relief carving. Its fine grain structure allows for keen edges despite its rugged durability, though it does require diamond or ceramic stones to sharpen effectively.

Then there’s Magnacut, one of the most talked-about new steels in the knife world. Created by metallurgist Dr. Larrin Thomas, it balances edge retention, corrosion resistance, and toughness like few others. For carvers who demand stainless performance without sacrificing carving feel, Magnacut offers an incredible combination of qualities — ideal for outdoor use or humid shops where rust is a concern.

Of course, 1095 high-carbon steel is no newcomer. It’s a time-tested favorite for a reason. It sharpens easily, holds a razor edge, and has just the right balance of hardness and toughness for traditional carving. Many custom knife makers still rely on 1095 for its simplicity and reliability — especially when paired with expert heat treatment.

Other commonly used steels in the carving knife world include:

  • O1 Tool Steel – Perhaps the most widely used among custom carvers, O1 offers excellent edge retention and is easy to heat treat. However, it can be prone to micro-chipping in some harder woods and rusts easily if not properly maintained.

  • A2 Tool Steel – Slightly tougher than O1 and with better wear resistance, A2 holds an edge longer but is harder to sharpen. It’s a good middle ground for those who want durability without going full stainless.

  • 52100 – Originally developed for ball bearings, this steel has become a favorite among some high-end knife makers. With fine grain and great toughness, it takes a wicked edge and performs beautifully when properly heat treated.

  • W2 – Known for taking an incredibly fine edge and often used in traditional Japanese tools, W2 is prized for detail carving. Its high carbon content allows for exceptional sharpness, but it demands careful maintenance to avoid rust and corrosion.

Each of these steels has its place depending on carving style, sharpening habits, and material preferences. The goal of Better Blades is to bring more choice and innovation to carvers who are ready to upgrade from “good enough” to truly exceptional.