Heat Treatment Specifications
Austenitizing
Temperature1070°C(1958°F)
Soak Time20 minutes
Tempering
Temperature180°C(356°F)
Time120 minutes
Cycles2x
Quench Medium
oil
Target Hardness
57 - 58 HRC
Performance Characteristics
Toughness7/10
Edge Retention5/10
Corrosion Resistance7.5/10
Ease of Sharpening7/10
Overall Score26.5/40
Interesting Facts
- 1Chinese equivalent to 440A/AUS-6
- 20.70% carbon, 17% chromium - decent corrosion resistance
- 3Popular in Chinese budget knife industry
- 4Good value for price - better than 420 stainless
- 5Sanrenmu helped popularize quality Chinese budget knives
Famous Uses
Budget Chinese folders
Sanrenmu knives
Entry-level EDC
Best For
Kitchen knives
Chef's knives
General-purpose cutlery
Similar Steels
Not Recommended For
- Premium use
- Long work
- Professionals
Expert Tips
- 1MoV designation is unofficial
- 2Vanadium content negligible for performance
- 3Good value for money