Steel Information

1095 was developed as a simple tool steel that proved very effective for knife blades when heat treated appropriately. The high carbon content allows the steel to be quenched to a hardness of HRc66, but for knife blades the steel is usually drawn back (tempered) to 56-58 HRc, which provides an optimum combination of hardness and toughness.1095 Steel Composition: 0.95C 0.4Mn

DNH7 is a relatively simple high carbon steel similar in composition to 1075. Differential hardening of DNH7 produces a fine working blade that holds an edge well. DNH7 Steel Composition: 0.8C 0.9Mn 0.35Si 0.045P 0.05S

A high-carbon and manganese spring steel used by Hanwei in many of their differentially hardened Japanese swords and through-hardened medieval swords. This deep hardening steel provides a consistent microstructure ensuring a long life and excellent edge holding in demanding applications.1566 Steel Composition: 0.6-0.7C 0.85-1.15Mn

The mid-range carbon content and relatively high manganese content of 1060 makes for a tough blade steel that will withstand abusive applications, hold an edge well and sharpen easily.1060 Steel Composition: 0.65C 0.85Mn

T10 is basically the Chinese equivalent of our 1095, but it has silicon added as an alloying element to improve the steel's strength and wear resistance (edge-holding) properties. T10 blades can be tempered to a high hardness and hold an edge well. As with 1095, rust resistance is low, and T10 blades must be carefully maintained.T10 Steel Composition: 1.00C 0.36Mn 0.32Si

L6 was developed for the manufacture of saw blades, with excellent resilience and impact toughness (provided by the relatively high nickel content) at high hardness levels. The Bainite phase of L6, achieved by careful heat treament, is much sought-after in sword blades.L6 Steel Composition: 0.7-0.75C 0.5-0.7Mn 0.5Si(max) 0.7-0.9Cr 1.60Ni 0.5Mo 0.25V

Classed as a die steel, D2 has been a favorite blade material among knife users for many years. Its high chromium content almost qualifies it as "stainless" and while its stain resistance is good it does require some maintainance. The very high carbon content allows the steel to be quenched to the mid-60's HRc and drawing back to 58-60 HRC produces a tough blade with superb edge-holding properties.
 D2 Steel Composition: 1.50C 0.6Mn 0.6Si 11.50Cr 0.30Ni 0.95Mo 1.1V

N690Co is made by Bohler in Austria and is their best conventional (non-powder metal) steel. N690Co is stainless and has excellent edge-holding capabilities. The high carbon content allows the steel to be tempered to 60HRc while the Cobalt inhibits cracking (chipping) at this level of hardness. The vanadium contributes to edge-holdind by producing a fine grain structure. Bohler's unique cross-rolling technology produces a homogeneous steel sheet with excellent carbide distribution.
 N690Co Steel Composition: 1.08C 0.40Mn 0.40Si 17.30Cr 1.10Mo 0.10V 1.5Co