Heat Treatment Specifications
Austenitizing
Temperature850°C(1562°F)
Soak Time15 minutes
Tempering
Temperature180°C(356°F)
Time120 minutes
Cycles2x
Quench Medium
oil
Target Hardness
60 - 64 HRC
Performance Characteristics
Toughness6/10
Edge Retention6.5/10
Corrosion Resistance1.5/10
Ease of Sharpening7.5/10
Overall Score21.5/40
Interesting Facts
- 1Russian equivalent of AISI 52100 bearing steel
- 2For 100+ years used for bearing and wear-resistant applications
- 3Since 2000, became leading position in Russian knife market
- 4Can reach 68-69 HRC with special heat treatment
- 51.5% chromium (15 in name means ~1.5% Cr)
Famous Uses
Russian forged knives
Custom hunting knives
Traditional blades
Best For
Hunting knives
Fixed blades
Edge retention priority
Similar Steels
52100
American equivalent
100Cr6
German equivalent
Not Recommended For
- Wet environments
- Beginners without HT control
Expert Tips
- 1Bearing steel repurposed
- 252100 equivalent
- 3Superior edge retention
- 4Less tough than 5160