San Mai Steel Explained — Why Knife Makers Love This Timeless Construction
San Mai isn’t a new trend — it’s an ancient Japanese technique that’s stood the test of time. Today, it’s one of the most sought-after styles for serious knifemakers. Here’s why.
What Is San Mai?
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San Mai means “three layers” in Japanese.
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The construction: a hard steel core sandwiched between two softer outer layers.
Why It Works
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Performance: The hard core delivers edge retention.
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Durability: Softer outer layers add toughness and prevent brittleness.
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Aesthetic: The outer layers often showcase Damascus, giving visual appeal without sacrificing strength.
Modern San Mai at Vegas Forge
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Cores we use: Nitro-V, Magnacut, O-1, and more.
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Cladding: Stainless or carbon Damascus for high contrast.
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Best Applications: High-end kitchen knives, EDC blades, hunting knives.
Why Makers Love It
San Mai is the perfect blend of function + beauty. A knife that cuts like a dream, holds up under pressure, and looks like art.
At Vegas Forge, we forge San Mai billets that let makers bring this legendary construction into the modern shop.