What's the Difference Between Tool Steel and Stainless Steel?

What is the difference between tool steel and stainless steel?

1. Composition
2. Properties
3. Applications

When the word “steel” comes into mind, it would not come as a surprise for many to suppose that there is only one kind of steel. However, within the steel category itself, there are different kinds. In this article, we discuss further the differences between tool steel vs stainless steel. 

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In what way do they differ? What do they have in common? Their composition, properties, and applications will be thoroughly laid out to help use the right steel type for your project at hand. 

Composition

The composition, or what makes up the steel, is the main determining factor of what kind of steel is being made. Steel is fabricated in large furnaces or forges and its composition begins at a chemical and even elemental level. 

Stainless steel is composed of two basic materials that make up all kinds of steel: iron and carbon. In addition to this, at least 10.5% chromium is added. Chromium is a hard and brittle metal that is incredibly resistant to corrosion. This is the main and most prominent alloying element which determines stainless steel — the presence of chromium. This is principally made evident by stainless steel’s distinct luster.

On the other hand, tool steel is not as simply labeled by the addition of one particular metal or element as chromium is when it comes to stainless steel. Depending on the specific purpose of the tool, additives such as tungsten, vanadium, molybdenum, and even chromium again, but to a lesser degree. These major alloying elements form carbides which allow for better hardness and resistance to wear and tear. In contrast to stainless steel, tool steel has a higher carbon content.

Properties

Because of its chemical composition and the presence of carbides, tool steel is highly machinable and extremely durable. It is very resistant to wear and tear and tends to hold its shape for longer compared to stainless steel. This is why heavy-duty cutting tools tend to be made of tool steel because it’s generally tougher and its tensile strength is higher. However this comes at a price because of its lack of high amounts of chromium —  it is prone to corrosion, unlike stainless steel.

As for stainless steel, its sheen is unmistakable. Due to the presence of chromium, stainless steel is very brilliant and reflective. Its surface tends to be smoother and resistant to rust, making it generally more hygienic than tool steel. 

Contact us to discuss your requirements of stainless steel hand tools. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

Applications

Stainless steel has endless applications across various industries. Structurally, stainless steel is often used in modern architecture because of its aesthetic appearance as it goes well with glass. It is also often used for outdoor installations because of its resistance to corrosion brought about by rain. 

On top of that, stainless steel is easy to clean and maintain even with just household cleaning products. Given that stainless steel does not corrode and is easy to sanitize, it is also often used for medical and food-grade applications. Medical tools, such as hypodermic needles, scalpels, speculums, and even bone saws are made of stainless steel. Utensils are made of stainless steel as well. 

By comparison, the application of tool steel principally stays within the workshop and its devices such as saws, hammers, drills, and the like. 

Since the priority of fabrication and manufacturing is less on hygiene and aesthetics but more on function, durability, and longevity, tool steels are made to be as tough as possible and as resistant to wear and tear to avoid the need for repairs, replacements, and maintenance which hinders continuous production and efficiency.

Key Takeaway

In this article, we’ve rounded up the difference between tool steel vs stainless steel in terms of composition, properties, and applications. 

Tool steel and stainless steel are not the types of steel out there. Mild steel is another steel variation that is often fabricated for various industrial applications. But whether you are looking to buy tool steel, stainless steel, or mild steel, Metal Exponents is the best steel supplier in the Philippines. 

As a reputable steel manufacturer in the Philippines, Metal Exponents offers a wide array of affordable and high-quality steel products such as steel pipes, tubings, plating, sheet piles, channels, fittings, and even corrugated roofing sheets. Contact us for a price quotation or if you have other concerns! 

The company is the world’s best special hand tools supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.

Whats the community preference on tools? I’ve got a set of the bare basics which include a small and medium sheer along with a wire cutter, but they aren’t what I would describe as great quality. I got the set as a bundle along with small gauge wire for like $55. Im looking to expand my kit with some tools that preferably don’t have cheap plastic bits.

Seems like 99% of what’s on the market is made of either stainless steel or carbon steel. Pros and cons for the two? Anyone swear by one or have another fall apart on them? Is there a particular vendor I should look at or avoid?

Thanks in advance! Some excellent threads on this topic if you leverage the search function; I went through the same questioning a few months back. Seems to depend somewhat on the humidity in your area, (carbon rusts more easily) though folks on here will tell you that if you take care of the tools well it may not matter.
I went with mostly stainless as Michigan is humid. Carbon are apparently a bit sharper/cleaner cuts. Often will find they are slightly cheaper than stainless as well.
I have purchased some Kaneshin that are fantastic, but also have some Tian Bonsai and American Bonsai tools. I would search these names in the search box and you will find the threads i mention. Some great reading as always. Cheers. Stainless is great due to its resistance to corrosion, but some of the lower grades, which most of the cheaper tools are made of, just don't hold an edge. Some stainless is better than others. Price will usually indicate quality.

If you look at all of the high end knives out there, they are all high carbon steel. (Watch Forged In Fire.) If you keep a thin film of oil on carbon, it will help with the corrosion. Again, the higher priced carbon usually goes with quality of the steel.

You’re just screwed then... lol. I don’t think I’m in danger of that, tall and scrawny with no muscles haha so I should be good.

We had a healthcheck at the university. My hands were 40% stronger than expected for my agegroup.. Still tall and thin myself. Think lugging bonsai around and working the garden works.

We had a healthcheck at the university. My hands were 40% stronger than expected for my agegroup.. Still tall and thin myself. Think lugging bonsai around and working the garden works.

We’ll change your name to groot lol. I tore a ligament in my off hand at work last year and after a bunch of physical therapy that hand became my stronger hand. Since it’s the one I don’t use for anything though i don’t have a reason to break things The functional difference between carbon steel and stainless steel is negligible, when compared to the difference between cheap tools and quality tools.

You are better off buying 1 or 2 quality tools than a cheap set of things that you probably will only really use 1 or 2 pieces of. You have a cheap set, what do you use the most? Upgrade those items.

Most of my tools are black carbon steel because I like the look, I don't leave them outside, and I don't mind running an oiled rag across them after use. I have both stainless steel and carbon steel. Both work well. Both have held up well in my climate. Both hold a clean cutting edge. I tend to prefer the stainless for small fine level work. I do take care of my tools though. I clean them after use. On rain days I’m in the workshop cleaning and oil coating tool surfaces with a rubbing cloth. I purposefully use my tools correctly....a particular edge only cuts so much thickness....extending past that thickness invites problems. If I have to use excessive force I know I’m using the wrong tool or just plain trying to take to much off in one cut.

My root scissors, probably just a black steel, a Vietnam steel, hold up really well.... inexpensive Vietnam-made scissors primarily used in the fish markets and alway wet. Perfect for root cutting. And seem to continually stay sharp with use even when soil is cut through.

I have broken two tools. Both stainless.

I have bend 3 tools. All carbon steel.

Lesson learned: My hands are too strong

I'm 6'3" & 265lbs. of Polish/French Canadian decsent. Hand span of 9 1/2" from thumb to little pinkie at full extention.
Hands are from my grampa who worked steel mills. I thank him every day for what my dad referred to as my "meat hooks".
Broken more than my share of pliers, sockets, breaker bars, etc. (seen a few broken pliers in @sorce 's pots!!)

Buy what you can effort and replace BEFORE you break the one you have!! Don't push a tool to do more than you would reasonably expect from it. They will last!!

There are some very affordable "bonsai" tools out there. Buy used if you can. Many disinterested hobbyists!!

I've gardened for many years previous to bonsai. Many of use common garden tools to tend to my day-to-day.

I've found that because it says "bonsai" you're gonna pay more.

Save your money for the trees!!

My root scissors, probably just a black steel, a Vietnam steel, hold up really well.... inexpensive Vietnam-made scissors primarily used in the fish markets and alway wet. Perfect for root cutting. And seem to continually stay sharp with use even when soil is cut through.

I find that a lot of the Asian , other than Chinese, tends to be carbon. I have a few sets of scissors and grafting knives I've fabricated from Vietnamese steel.

Grampa taught me to read the color of the sparks when ground to determine carbon content.