Heat Treatment Specifications
Austenitizing
Temperature816°C(1501°F)
Soak Time10 minutes
Tempering
Temperature204°C(399°F)
Time60 minutes
Cycles2x
Quench Medium
oil_fast
Target Hardness
59 - 60 HRC
Performance Characteristics
Toughness9/10
Edge Retention3/10
Corrosion Resistance1.5/10
Ease of Sharpening9/10
Overall Score22.5/40
Interesting Facts
- 1WWII-era steel developed for demanding industrial use
- 22% nickel for toughness - unusual in knife steels
- 3Originally for lumber mill circular saw blades
- 4Custom makers source reclaimed saw blades for forgings
- 5Often paired with 15N20 in Damascus due to nickel content
Famous Uses
Lumber industry circular saws
Custom kukris
Heavy choppers
Best For
Damascus patterns
Layered steel blades
Utility knives
Similar Steels
L6
More nickel, tougher
5160
Cheaper, no nickel
Not Recommended For
- Wet environments
- Thin edges
- Kitchen knives
Expert Tips
- 1WWII-era alloy conservation design
- 2Good for pattern welding
- 3Nickel adds toughness
- 4Not stainless