As an archaeologist, I would wander back even further into the past, into the paleolithic ("Old Stone Age") to be exact ,when cutting tools fashioned from stone, reigned.

The best were sharper than even the best edges possible today but were sadly lacking in durability. The very sharp edge began degrading with the first cut, dulling rapidly. Thus the iron Age, and the advent of today's super(?) steels

A little off topic, but we have had many discussions concerning knives. Many may remember that I have a strong preference (predilection?) for strong, durable knives, and no, not for elephant hunting.

I have one of these: Rustick Knives Crash Axe

I acquired it and used it for two years chopping, mostly wood but some other things, and it is still so sharp it will slice your finger if you run your finger along the blade (yes, someone did that).

Since the discussion turned toward types of steel, I though it was relevant. The producer is a friend of mine. This crash axe is now the official rescue axe for U.S. Army Special Operations Aviation (TF 160).

Well said, Hikermor. Cage Baker included uded a riff in one of her books involving some elder tribal members complaining about the younger folk demanding obsidian tools when the old-fashioned chipped flint was equally serviceable. Back in the days of radial keratotomy surgery for vision correction, the ophthalmologists were using dies bladed with obsidian. This would be in the eighth decade of the 20th century AIRC.

Today's knife market offers and embarrassment of riches. You can get some amazing high performance steels and there are myriad reasons to do so. The price of the upgraded steels is actually is pretty good. At the other end of the spectrum it's probably never been cheaper to get a decent, serviceable 'entry level' steel. You don't need to obsess over the exact steel but for those wanting to find knives with better physical properties there's a good selection at any price point.

I have plenty of cheap knives but I fall apologetically into the knife/steel-nerd camp.

A heartfelt +1!

It looks amazing!

It will cut a car apart. Not the frame, of course.

My two older Buck 110’s have now been cleaned up, and are sharp and in pretty good condition. One that was acquired in 1989 has 1988 markings, black sheath; the other which was acquired in 1998 has 1994 markings, a brown sheath and finger-grooves. Both are 420HC, neither has the Paul Bos logo, but he was with Buck long before either knife was made so I’ll just assume... .