Heat Treatment Specifications
Austenitizing
Temperature1200°C(2192°F)
Soak Time5 minutes
Tempering
Temperature565°C(1049°F)
Time120 minutes
Cycles3x
Quench Medium
air
Target Hardness
65 - 67 HRC
Performance Characteristics
Toughness6/10
Edge Retention9.5/10
Corrosion Resistance3/10
Ease of Sharpening2.5/10
Overall Score21/40
Interesting Facts
- 1Crucible's PM version of tungsten-cobalt HSS
- 212% tungsten, 5% vanadium, 5% cobalt
- 3Among the highest wear resistance PM steels
- 465-67 HRC hardness achievable
- 5Very difficult to sharpen but holds edge extremely long
Famous Uses
Industrial cutting tools
Extreme wear applications
Best For
Industrial cutting tools
High-performance blades
Specialty knives
Similar Steels
Not Recommended For
- Wet environments (rusts)
- Beginners
- Budget
Expert Tips
- 1Not stainless - only 4% Cr
- 2Spyderco Mule Team uses this
- 3PM process doubles toughness vs ingot T15
- 4Excellent hot hardness