Steel Library/U7 Carbon
Carbon Steel
Beginner Friendly
Budget

U7 Carbon

Heat Treatment Specifications

Austenitizing

Temperature800°C(1472°F)
Soak Time15 minutes

Tempering

Temperature175°C(347°F)
Time120 minutes
Cycles1x

Quench Medium

water

Target Hardness

57 - 62 HRC

Performance Characteristics

Toughness7.5/10
Edge Retention6/10
Corrosion Resistance1/10
Ease of Sharpening8/10
Overall Score22.5/40

Interesting Facts

  • 1GOST У7 - 0.7% carbon tool steel
  • 2Russian equivalent to W1-7
  • 3Simple, affordable tool steel
  • 4Good for beginners learning heat treatment
  • 5Used extensively in Soviet tool production
  • 6Requires oil or water quench

Famous Uses

Russian hand tools
Traditional Russian knives
Chisels

Best For

Hand tools
Traditional knives
Beginner bladesmithing

Similar Steels

1075

American equivalent

SK5

Japanese equivalent

Not Recommended For

  • Wet environments
  • Western markets

Expert Tips

  • 1Simple carbon steel
  • 2Rusts easily
  • 3Easy to forge and heat treat
  • 4Good for learning

Track Your U7 Carbon Heat Treats

Start logging your heat treatment cycles with U7 Carbon. Track what works, compare results, and repeat your best blades.

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