Datasheet

IT STARTS WITH THE STEEL
MOLYBDENUM
Improves hardenability, wear resistance, toughness, helps during tempering to ensure steel does not become brittle
COBALT
Improves strength and hardness at elevated temperatures
IRON
The element iron is the main “ingredient” in steel. Fortunately for knife users, iron is the most common element on the
planet; it is alloyed with carbon to produce steel.
CARBON
Improves strength, hardness, wear resistance, and hardenability; can reduce ductility and toughness
NICKEL
Improves strength, toughness, corrosion resistance, and hardenability
CHROMIUM
Improves toughness, hardenability, wear and corrosion resistance; promotes hardness during heat treatment
VANADIUM
Improves strength, toughness, abrasion resistance at elevated temperatures; controls grain growth during heat treatment
TUNGSTEN
Improves hardness, strength, wear resistance, toughness, and stability at high temperatures
MANGANESE
Improves toughness in high-strength, low-alloy steels
NITROGEN
Improves strength and hardness; decreases toughness and ductility
PHOSPHORUS
Improves strength, hardenability, and corrosion resistance, but reduces toughness
SILICON
Improves strength, hardness, corrosion resistance, and electrical conductivity
SULPHUR
Improves machinability with manganese, lowers impact strength and ductibility
Steel is an alloy of iron and carbon. Most steel also has additional elements alloyed in it to enhance specifi c
characteristics. For example, stainless steels contain chromium to enhance stain resistance. Nickel adds strength and
toughness. Here’s a quick guide to the various elements that can make up blade steel—as well as the properties
specifi c elements enhance:
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