Interesting Facts About Carbon:

The science-loving part of me wants to provide some educational content for individuals who venture to my site. So without further ado, prepare to be amazed.

Carbon is an incredible element. If you arrange carbon atoms in one way, they become soft. Re-arrange them again, and the atoms form diamond, one of the hardest materials in the world.  Carbon is also the key ingredient for most life on Earth and the basis for technological marvels worldwide, such as graphene (Link to Graphene research by JESUS DE LA FUENTE, CEO Graphenea) which is a material stronger than steel yet flexible. Carbon occurs in nature as carbon-12, which makes up almost 99 percent of the carbon in the universe.   

Carbon elemental numbers:

Atomic Number (number of protons in the nucleus): 6

Atomic Symbol (on the Periodic Table of Elements): C

Atomic Weight (average mass of the atom): 12.0107

Density: 2.2670 grams per cubic centimeter

Phase at Room Temperature: Solid

Melting Point: 6,422 degrees Fahrenheit (3,550 degrees C)

Boiling Point: 6,872 F (3,800 C) (sublimation-solid straight to gas)

Carbon creates patterns. It can form resilient chains called polymers. It can also bond with up to four other atoms because of its electron arrangement. Atoms are arranged as a nucleus surrounded by electrons with the electrons flying around at different distances from the nucleus. When atoms bond, they share electrons in their outermost shell. Carbon has four empty spaces in its outer shell, enabling it to bond to four other atoms.

Carbon is very versatile and compounds continue to be discovered still today. Nearly 10 million carbon compounds have been discovered, and it’s estimated that carbon is the centerpiece for 95 percent of known compounds.  Carbon's incredible ability to bond with many other elements is a major reason that it is crucial to making a beautiful custom, strong knife. 

Carbon steel is a popular choice for knives that need durability to take a beating. Carbon steel tends to be much tougher and much more durable, and easier to sharpen than stainless steel. They lack the chromium content of stainless steel, making them susceptible to corrosion.  However, taking care of a knife is a critical part of knife ownership.  Through the maintenance of proper knife care, a good carbon blade should last a lifetime.   (Care and Maintenance of Knife )