This metal is familiar to steel connosieurs as the magic ingredient that increases strength and resistance to corrosion. Just a pinch is reportedly all that’s needed to double the strength of a lower grade of steel which makes it pretty much essential. Higher strength means load-bearing beams can carry more weight and knives hold their sharpness longer. And it’s a good thing that all it takes is a pinch because, as you can see here, the stuff isn’t exactly cheap.

For all the respectful bows it garners from steelsmiths, vanadium in its pure form is a rather wimpy performer. It is paradoxically a little on the soft side and tarnishes easily. Leave a clean cut piece out in the sun and rain and it will quickly break down into a pile of colorful dust