In Memoriam

Stainless Steel and Symbols

The European countries have different ways of marking their knives that are Stainless Steel. I could be wrong but the marking "Rostfrei" means stainless. Another term that's used is "INOX" ,this means that the steel doesn't Ironize. I am sure the meaning is "it is stainless".

     The reason I started this post, is to talk over the different tang stamps that have some sort of meaning about the knifes construction. Some may be a symbol, others words that may be foreign to us. I'm sure this is something we should learn about, as knife collectors.


  • In Memoriam

    Robert Burris

    That's right Steve, I enjoy knives from all over the world and I am not sure of some of the stamping info. Help.


  • Featured

    Craig Henry

    "In metallurgy, stainless steel, also known as inox steel or inoxfrom French "inoxydable"

  • Michael Ivan de Lange

    Hey guys. Robert, interesting post. "Rostfrei" (German) translates to rust-free, which would indeed then be stainless. I have noticed on some Swiss Army knives, that it has a "VICTORINOX" stamp. I own one of these.