Heat Treatment Specifications
Austenitizing
Temperature1050°C(1922°F)
Soak Time15 minutes
Tempering
Temperature180°C(356°F)
Time120 minutes
Cycles1x
Quench Medium
oil
Target Hardness
58 - 59 HRC
Performance Characteristics
Toughness7/10
Edge Retention6/10
Corrosion Resistance8/10
Ease of Sharpening7.5/10
Overall Score28.5/40
Interesting Facts
- 1Chinese steel - slightly more carbon than 8Cr13MoV
- 20.80% carbon vs 0.70% in 8Cr13MoV
- 3Better edge retention than 8Cr13MoV
- 4Popular in mid-tier Chinese knife production
- 5Good balance of properties for the price
- 6Similar performance to AUS-8
Famous Uses
Mid-range Chinese folders
Budget EDC knives
Best For
Production folding knives
EDC knives
Budget tactical
Similar Steels
Not Recommended For
- Premium
- Professionals
- Long work
Expert Tips
- 1Higher Cr than 8Cr13MoV
- 2AUS-8 equivalent
- 3Good value for money
- 4Mid-tier performance