Heat Treatment Specifications
Austenitizing
Temperature800°C(1472°F)
Soak Time15 minutes
Tempering
Temperature180°C(356°F)
Time120 minutes
Cycles1x
Quench Medium
oil
Target Hardness
64 - 68 HRC
Performance Characteristics
Toughness4/10
Edge Retention9.5/10
Corrosion Resistance2/10
Ease of Sharpening3/10
Overall Score18.5/40
Interesting Facts
- 1Called 'diamond' for extreme 62-70 HRC hardness
- 2Russian designation XB5 (XB5)
- 35% tungsten enables extreme hardness
- 4Very brittle - handle with care
Famous Uses
Russian hunting knives
Collectors' pieces
Best For
Cutting tools
Precision knives
Collectors' pieces
Similar Steels
VG-10
More available alternative
SG2
Modern PM alternative
Not Recommended For
- Budget projects
- Availability (discontinued)
- Beginners
Expert Tips
- 1Named for diamond-like hardness
- 2Tungsten enables extreme hardness
- 3Rusts easily - not stainless
- 4Handle carefully - can chip