Heat Treatment Specifications
Austenitizing
Temperature1175°C(2147°F)
Soak Time4 minutes
Tempering
Temperature565°C(1049°F)
Time60 minutes
Cycles3x
Quench Medium
air
Target Hardness
67 - 69 HRC
Performance Characteristics
Toughness5.5/10
Edge Retention9/10
Corrosion Resistance2/10
Ease of Sharpening3/10
Overall Score19.5/40
Interesting Facts
- 18% cobalt 'Super HSS' - highest cobalt common HSS
- 2Red hardness up to 650°C (1200°F)
- 3Used in bi-metal bandsaw blades (M42 teeth on flexible back)
- 4Hardness 65-70 HRC - extremely hard
- 5Too brittle for most knife applications
Famous Uses
Aerospace machining
Premium bi-metal bandsaw blades
Best For
Industrial cutting tools
High-speed machining
Specialized blades
Similar Steels
Not Recommended For
- Wet environments
- Budget
- Beginners
Expert Tips
- 1Cobalt high-speed steel
- 268-70 HRC achievable
- 3Specialized HT required
- 4Not for kitchen cutlery