Heat Treatment Specifications
Austenitizing
Temperature1050°C(1922°F)
Soak Time15 minutes
Tempering
Temperature230°C(446°F)
Time120 minutes
Cycles2x
Quench Medium
oil
Target Hardness
58 - 60 HRC
Performance Characteristics
Toughness5/10
Edge Retention4.5/10
Corrosion Resistance6.5/10
Ease of Sharpening7/10
Overall Score23/40
Interesting Facts
- 1Chinese high-end stainless - equivalent to 440B (not 440C)
- 256-58 HRC achievable hardness
- 3Tougher than 440C, takes finer edge
- 4Quality depends heavily on heat treatment
- 5Civivi knives show what good HT can do with this steel
- 6More affordable alternative to 440C
Famous Uses
Civivi budget folders
Chinese mid-range knives
Sanrenmu
Best For
Kitchen cutlery
Utility knives
Chef knives
Similar Steels
Not Recommended For
- Premium use
- Professional kitchen
- Extreme loads
Expert Tips
- 1Good machinability
- 2Balanced corrosion resistance for kitchen use
- 3Vanadium improves edge stability