Heat Treatment Specifications
Austenitizing
Temperature780°C(1436°F)
Soak Time15 minutes
Tempering
Temperature175°C(347°F)
Time120 minutes
Cycles1x
Quench Medium
water
Target Hardness
62 - 64 HRC
Performance Characteristics
Toughness5/10
Edge Retention7/10
Corrosion Resistance1/10
Ease of Sharpening6.5/10
Overall Score19.5/40
Interesting Facts
- 1GOST У12А high-carbon tool steel
- 21.2% carbon - very hard but brittle
- 3'A' suffix means high purity grade
- 4Used for tools requiring maximum hardness
- 5Similar to W1-12 or 1095+
- 6Excellent for razors and fine edge tools
Famous Uses
Russian files
Precision cutting tools
Razors
Best For
Razors
Precision cutting
Specialty tools
Similar Steels
W1
American equivalent
U10
Less carbon, tougher
Not Recommended For
- Wet environments
- Thick blades
- Beginners
Expert Tips
- 1Highest carbon in series
- 2Very hard but brittle
- 3Requires careful handling
- 4Excellent for fine edges