Heat Treatment Specifications
Austenitizing
Temperature802°C(1476°F)
Soak Time10 minutes
Tempering
Temperature190°C(374°F)
Time60 minutes
Cycles2x
Quench Medium
oil
Target Hardness
58 - 61 HRC
Performance Characteristics
Toughness9/10
Edge Retention2/10
Corrosion Resistance1.5/10
Ease of Sharpening9/10
Overall Score21.5/40
Interesting Facts
- 1The 'bright layer' in most modern Damascus due to 2% nickel
- 2Montana Mafia popularized 1084/15N20 combination
- 3Replaced more difficult steels like W1, 5160, 52100 in Damascus
Famous Uses
Damascus steel (with 1084)
Pattern welded blades
Best For
Damascus/pattern-welded blades
Kitchen knives at high hardness
Swords
Toughness-priority applications
Similar Steels
1084
Classic damascus partner
L6
Alternative for nickel layers
Not Recommended For
- Wet environments
- Monotone blades
- Corrosion resistance
Expert Tips
- 1Nickel provides contrast in damascus patterns
- 2Takes fine edge but prioritizes toughness
- 3Popular for custom kitchen knives