Heat Treatment Specifications
Austenitizing
Temperature1038°C(1900°F)
Soak Time20 minutes
Tempering
Temperature260°C(500°F)
Time120 minutes
Cycles3x
Quench Medium
plate
Target Hardness
67 - 68 HRC
Performance Characteristics
Toughness2/10
Edge Retention10/10
Corrosion Resistance2.5/10
Ease of Sharpening1/10
Overall Score15.5/40
Interesting Facts
- 1Among highest edge retention steels available
- 2Carpenter Technologies powder steel
- 3Not stainless despite excellent properties
- 4Spyderco's crown jewel for edge retention
- 5Rex 121 is only steel with higher edge retention
Famous Uses
Spyderco Native 5
Spyderco Manix 2
Best For
High-performance folders
Demanding cutting
Wear resistance priority
Similar Steels
Not Recommended For
- Any moisture contact without oil
- Sharpening without diamonds
- Sensible people
Expert Tips
- 1Coarse edge geometry recommended
- 2~22% carbide volume = exceptional wear
- 3Not stainless - needs protection