Heat Treatment Specifications
Austenitizing
Temperature1025°C(1877°F)
Soak Time30 minutes
Tempering
Temperature520°C(968°F)
Time120 minutes
Cycles3x
Quench Medium
air
Target Hardness
60 - 61 HRC
Performance Characteristics
Toughness7.5/10
Edge Retention5.5/10
Corrosion Resistance3.5/10
Ease of Sharpening5.5/10
Overall Score22/40
Interesting Facts
- 1Uddeholm cold work tool steel
- 2Part of Uddeholm premium knife steel lineup
- 3Excellent wear resistance and toughness balance
- 4Used where D2 isn't tough enough
- 58% chromium - semi-stainless
- 6ESR (Electroslag Remelted) for high purity
Famous Uses
Industrial cold work tooling
Specialty knives
Best For
Large heavy-duty knives
Choppers and camp knives
Durable work tools
Similar Steels
CPM 3V
PM steel, even tougher
A2
Cheaper, less toughness
Not Recommended For
- Corrosive environments
- Budget projects
- Beginners
Expert Tips
- 1Exceptional chipping resistance
- 2Popular in European custom knife scene
- 3Not stainless - requires maintenance
- 4Best for large blades requiring toughness