Heat Treatment Specifications
Austenitizing
Temperature1030°C(1886°F)
Soak Time20 minutes
Tempering
Temperature205°C(401°F)
Time120 minutes
Cycles2x
Quench Medium
plate
Target Hardness
61 - 62 HRC
Performance Characteristics
Toughness4.5/10
Edge Retention6/10
Corrosion Resistance4.5/10
Ease of Sharpening4.5/10
Overall Score19.5/40
Interesting Facts
- 1Böhler Austrian equivalent of D2 steel (W-Nr 1.2379)
- 2Name from 'Kaltarbeitstahl' (German for cold work steel)
- 3Achieves 58-62 HRC
- 41.55% carbon and 11.3% chromium
- 5Mid-range tool steel popular with European makers
Famous Uses
European hunting knives
Custom tactical knives
Industrial cutting tools
Best For
Tool steels
High-wear applications
Utility blades
Punches and dies
Similar Steels
D2
American equivalent
X12MF
Russian D2
Not Recommended For
- Marine environment
- Beginners
- Thin blades
Expert Tips
- 1Careful heat treatment to avoid brittleness
- 2Excellent carbide formation
- 3Demands quality sharpening equipment