Stainless Steel Grades Directory

ZDP-189 is a powder high-chromium, ultra-high-carbon tool stainless steel of the highest category, produced by Hitachi Metals Corporation (Japan). Developed on the basis of the technology of amorphous metal alloys used for the manufacture of knives. Allows to obtain very high hardness (up to HRc 69 - 70 HRc).

Details: Written by: ukirs; Published: 10 February 2025; Created: 10 February 2025; Last Updated: 10 February 2025; Hits: 56

M390 is a powder stainless martensitic steel with increased chromium content. Böhler M390 is one of the best knife steels in the world. This product of modern powder metallurgy from the Böhler-Uddeholm concern perfectly combines wear resistance, corrosion resistance, high strength and high impact toughness.

Details: Written by: ukirs; Published: 10 February 2025; Created: 10 February 2025; Last Updated: 14 February 2025; Hits: 76

N695 is a stainless martensitic chromium steel with a high carbon content and the addition of molybdenum. It has high hardness, wear resistance and good corrosion resistance. It has a balanced chemical composition, which ensures its maximum performance characteristics. Manufactured by Böhler-Uddeholm AG. An analogue is the AISI 440C brand (EN 1.4125 | DIN X105CrMo17).

Details: Written by: ukirs; Published: 11 February 2025; Created: 11 February 2025; Last Updated: 14 February 2025; Hits: 73

RWL-34 is a high-carbon stainless steel powder, additionally alloyed with molybdenum and vanadium. It has medium corrosion resistance. It is produced by the Swedish company Damasteel AB. Hardness 59 - 62 (according to some sources 64) HRC. Very pure metal. The steel got its name from the initials of Robert Waldorf Lovleless, who popularized this alloy for knives.

Details: Written by: ukirs; Published: 11 February 2025; Created: 11 February 2025; Last Updated: 11 February 2025; Hits: 43

SG2 (SPG2, Super Gold 2) is a corrosion-resistant powder stainless steel with a fine-grained structure. Developed by the Japanese company Takefu in 1991 specifically for table and kitchen knives. It holds laminated coating well, as well as ceramic and non-stick coating. The manufacturer claims that the hardness of the steel is no more than 62 HRC. Other sources indicate an achievable hardness of 64 - 65 HRC.

Details: Written by: ukirs; Published: 11 February 2025; Created: 11 February 2025; Last Updated: 11 February 2025; Hits: 32

Super Gold STRIX (SPG STRIX) is a stainless powder steel that was created to strengthen the metal base material, which has both the machinability and ease of sharpening like carbon steel, despite its high hardness. It is one of the best powder steels for knives, as its strong metal base provides a perfect cutting edge and unrivaled cutting sharpness.

Details: Written by: ukirs; Published: 11 February 2025; Created: 11 February 2025; Last Updated: 11 February 2025; Hits: 40

VG-10 is a high-carbon corrosion-resistant stainless steel alloyed with cobalt and molybdenum. Specially developed by Takefu Special Steel Co., Ltd. (Japan) for the needs of the knife industry and is one of the best steels for making knives. It has a hardness of up to 60 HRC, in some cases up to 62 HRC.