Heat Treatment Specifications
Austenitizing
Temperature790°C(1454°F)
Soak Time10 minutes
Tempering
Temperature180°C(356°F)
Time120 minutes
Cycles1x
Quench Medium
water
Target Hardness
60 - 62 HRC
Performance Characteristics
Toughness6.5/10
Edge Retention6.5/10
Corrosion Resistance1/10
Ease of Sharpening7/10
Overall Score21/40
Interesting Facts
- 1German DIN standard water-hardening tool steel
- 20.80% carbon - classic carbon tool steel
- 3Similar to American W1/W2 series
- 4Used in European traditional knife making
- 5Excellent for woodworking tools - fine edge geometry
Famous Uses
European woodworking chisels
Traditional German knives
Best For
Custom knives
Fixed blades
Folders where care is taken
Similar Steels
W2
American equivalent
Shirogami #2
Japanese competitor
Not Recommended For
- Wet environments
- Beginners
- Thick blades
Expert Tips
- 1Water-hardening steel
- 2Popular with custom makers
- 3Works best with thin edges
- 4Requires rust prevention