Heat Treatment Specifications
Austenitizing
Temperature1040°C(1904°F)
Soak Time40 minutes
Tempering
Temperature275°C(527°F)
Time120 minutes
Cycles2x
Quench Medium
air
Target Hardness
58 - 60 HRC
Performance Characteristics
Toughness4/10
Edge Retention5.5/10
Corrosion Resistance4.5/10
Ease of Sharpening4.5/10
Overall Score18.5/40
Interesting Facts
- 1Russian equivalent of AISI D2 tool steel
- 2Bob Dozier (USA) famous for D2 heat treatment mastery
- 3Contains 16-17% carbide phase for wear resistance
- 4Originally for cold-formed tools like saws and cutters
- 5Popular with both Russian and Western custom makers
Famous Uses
Kizlyar Irbis
Russian hunting knives
Cossack Plastun knife
Best For
High-wear knives
Tool applications
Hunting knives
Similar Steels
Not Recommended For
- Marine environment (rusts despite chromium)
- Beginners (complex heat treatment)
- Fine kitchen work
Expert Tips
- 1Russian D2 equivalent
- 2Copper trace amounts
- 3Excellent wear resistance
- 4Careful HT required