Heat Treatment Specifications
Austenitizing
Temperature780°C(1436°F)
Soak Time10 minutes
Tempering
Temperature180°C(356°F)
Time60 minutes
Cycles1x
Quench Medium
water
Target Hardness
59 - 63 HRC
Performance Characteristics
Toughness7/10
Edge Retention6.5/10
Corrosion Resistance1/10
Ease of Sharpening6/10
Overall Score20.5/40
Interesting Facts
- 1Japanese carbon tool steel (Steel Kougu = Tool Steel)
- 2SK85 is new JIS name, SK5 still widely used
- 3Hitachi makes SK steels - least expensive of their carbon line
- 4Lower number = fewer impurities (SK3 purer than SK5)
- 5Popular for industrial knives, saws, chisels
Famous Uses
Cold Steel SRK SK5
Cold Steel Recon Tanto SK5
Ontario Blackbird SK5
Best For
Traditional Japanese tools
Woodworking chisels
Hand planes
Cutlery
Similar Steels
1084
American equivalent
Aogami #2
Premium version
Not Recommended For
- Wet environments
- Western markets (unfamiliar)
Expert Tips
- 1JIS version requires rust prevention
- 2Excellent edge-holding with manageable hardening
- 3Suitable for hand forging