Heat Treatment Specifications
Austenitizing
Temperature1030°C(1886°F)
Soak Time20 minutes
Tempering
Temperature200°C(392°F)
Time120 minutes
Cycles1x
Quench Medium
air
Target Hardness
55 - 55 HRC
Performance Characteristics
Toughness8/10
Edge Retention4.5/10
Corrosion Resistance8/10
Ease of Sharpening9/10
Overall Score29.5/40
Interesting Facts
- 1Chinese budget stainless steel - slightly higher chromium than 3Cr13
- 2Naming: '3' = 0.3% carbon, 'Cr' = chromium, '14' = ~14% chromium
- 3Achieves 52-56 HRC hardness - moderate but sufficient for kitchen use
- 4Excellent corrosion resistance due to 14% chromium content
- 5Very easy to sharpen - great for beginners learning sharpening
- 6Extremely affordable - quality kitchen knives under $25
- 7Popular in Chinese knife manufacturing for volume production
- 8Tougher than higher-carbon steels - can withstand abuse
Famous Uses
Budget Chinese kitchen knives
Entry-level pocket knives
Promotional knives
Best For
Budget knives
Kitchen tools
Training knives
Similar Steels
Not Recommended For
- Professional use
- Long work
- Premium
Expert Tips
- 1Very easy to sharpen
- 2Won't hold edge long
- 3Good for learning