Steel Library/W2 Tool Steel
Tool Steel
Advanced
Mid-range

W2 Tool Steel

Heat Treatment Specifications

Austenitizing

Temperature793°C(1459°F)
Soak Time8 minutes

Tempering

Temperature232°C(450°F)
Time60 minutes
Cycles2x

Quench Medium

oil_fast

Target Hardness

60 - 61 HRC

Performance Characteristics

Toughness8/10
Edge Retention9/10
Corrosion Resistance1.5/10
Ease of Sharpening9/10
Overall Score27.5/40

Similar Steels

W1

No vanadium, coarser grain, easier to find

1095

Oil quench safer, similar properties

Shirogami #1

Japanese equivalent, cult status, more expensive

Not Recommended For

  • Beginners (difficult water quench)
  • Thick blades (risk of cracks)
  • Wet environments

Track Your W2 Tool Steel Heat Treats

Start logging your heat treatment cycles with W2 Tool Steel. Track what works, compare results, and repeat your best blades.

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