Heat Treatment Specifications
Austenitizing
Temperature1024°C(1875°F)
Soak Time20 minutes
Tempering
Temperature177°C(351°F)
Time120 minutes
Cycles2x
Quench Medium
oil
Target Hardness
58 - 59 HRC
Performance Characteristics
Toughness3/10
Edge Retention4/10
Corrosion Resistance7/10
Ease of Sharpening6/10
Overall Score20/40
Interesting Facts
- 1Became popular in knife industry in 1960s-1970s
- 2Was considered premium knife steel for decades
- 3Set the standard for stainless steel in cutlery
- 4Randall offered 440C for customers wanting corrosion resistance
- 5Now superseded by 'super steels' but still respected by traditionalists
Famous Uses
Buck 110 (original 1964-1981)
Randall Made Knives
Classic American knives
Best For
Budget-friendly knives
Corrosion-resistant blades
General cutting tasks
Similar Steels
AUS-10
Japanese equivalent, added vanadium
154CM
Improved version with molybdenum
AEB-L
Less chromium, thinner edge, better for razors
VG-10
Japanese alternative with cobalt
Not Recommended For
- Premium segment (outdated for top knives)
- Maximum corrosion resistance (H1 is better)
- Complex tasks (modern PM steels are better)
Expert Tips
- 1Requires regular maintenance in humid environments
- 2Relatively easy to sharpen