Heat Treatment Specifications
Austenitizing
Temperature1030°C(1886°F)
Soak Time20 minutes
Tempering
Temperature180°C(356°F)
Time120 minutes
Cycles2x
Quench Medium
oil
Target Hardness
59 - 61 HRC
Performance Characteristics
Toughness5/10
Edge Retention5.5/10
Corrosion Resistance7.5/10
Ease of Sharpening5.5/10
Overall Score23.5/40
Interesting Facts
- 1Böhler-Uddeholm equivalent of 440C
- 2Higher toughness than N690 at cost of wear resistance
- 3Popular in European custom knife scene
- 4Hardened to 59-62 HRC
- 5Ideal for bushcraft, survival, and hiking knives
Famous Uses
Boker Arbolito Hunter
Bradford knives
Giant Mouse knives
Joker Lynx
Best For
General-purpose cutting
Kitchen knives
Corrosion-priority folding knives
Similar Steels
Not Recommended For
- Extreme wear
- Premium segment
Expert Tips
- 1Good carbide formation with Cr and Mo
- 2Good machinability
- 3Suitable for production manufacturing