Erasteel Powder Metallurgy Innovation: Meet Viktor Sehlstedt
Dec 16th 2025
At the heart of Erasteel powder metallurgy innovation is a commitment to quality that never stands still. And few people embody that spirit better than Viktor Sehlstedt, Customer Technical Support Manager for Erasteel.
With a decade of hands-on experience in research, product development, and customer support, Viktor helps engineers, knife makers, and manufacturers unlock the full potential of advanced steels. “It’s exciting to see that we can still today find new applications for our products,” he says. “Knives were once a small part of our business, but now it’s growing rapidly, and that’s very interesting.”
A Legacy Built on Continuous Improvement
Erasteel isn’t new to innovation. The company has over 50 years of leadership in powder metallurgy, pioneering the same technology that revolutionized tool and knife steels. Viktor explains that this legacy continues to shape their success:
“The main reason we can continue to be a leader is our constant drive to improve the quality and performance of our products and to find new markets where they can make a difference.”
This mindset fuels Erasteel powder metallurgy innovation every day. From high-speed industrial tooling to high-end cutlery, each advancement starts with the same mission: to make steel cleaner, tougher, and more consistent for the people who depend on it.
The Science of Cleaner, Stronger Steel
At its core, powder metallurgy (PM) is about control. Traditional steelmaking can leave impurities and uneven carbide structures that affect toughness and machinability. Erasteel’s powder metallurgy process, however, creates an ultra-clean, fine microstructure that leads to superior performance.
“The main benefit,” Viktor says, “is that PM steels are intrinsically tougher than conventionally made steels. The fine microstructure also makes the steel easier to grind and re-sharpen.”
In practice, this means your knife blades and cutting tools perform more consistently from the first cut to the thousandth. Each bar of steel offers the same toughness, wear resistance, and finish quality from end to end.
That’s what Erasteel powder metallurgy innovation delivers: uniform results you can count on.
Technology That Defines the Industry
Erasteel’s technical edge comes from constant reinvestment. Over the years, the company has expanded its state-of-the-art facilities in Söderfors, Sweden, including two powder atomizers and advanced melting technology.
“We now have two powder atomizers that function the same way,” Viktor explains. “They produce the same quality, but they double our availability to produce powder.”
This investment means knife makers and manufacturers get steady access to premium-grade steel clean, consistent, and produced with precision.
As Bob Skibitski, Viktor’s U.S. counterpart, adds:
“Erasteel’s production equipment and technology have surpassed the old standards. It’s truly state of the art.”
What It Means for You
If you’re crafting knives, tools, or high-performance components, the payoff of Erasteel powder metallurgy innovation is simple: reliability.
You get a material that’s:
- Tougher and cleaner than conventional steel
- Easier to grind and re-sharpen
- Consistent from batch to batch
- Backed by a team of metallurgists who understand your needs
When you work with Erasteel through Niagara Specialty Metals, you’re not just buying steel, you’re gaining a partnership built on precision, innovation, and trust.
Looking Ahead
Viktor sees even more opportunity ahead as Erasteel continues to push into new industries and refine its processes. “We’ve been a pioneer in powder metallurgy for decades,” he says. “Now, with partners like Niagara, we’re building the next generation of steels for knife makers and advanced manufacturers around the world.”
That’s Erasteel powder metallurgy innovation in action, connecting experience with curiosity to create steels that perform where it matters most.
Looking to learn more about powder metallurgy steel innovation? Check out some of our related blogs here:
Powder Metallurgy vs Conventional Steel: What's the Difference?
Powder Metallurgy Steel is Changing the Knife Game
For more information, check out our other blogs.
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