Directory of stainless steel grades

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: 21 November 2025; Hits: 1506

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: 21 November 2025; Hits: 1697

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: 21 November 2025; Hits: 1386

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.

Details: Written by: ukirs; Published: 12 February 2025; Created: 12 February 2025; Last Updated: 21 November 2025; Hits: 719

CPM S110V is a high-alloy martensitic stainless tool steel manufactured by the crucible metallurgy process (CPM). CPM S110V (cpm-s110v) contains a high volume fraction of both vanadium-rich and niobium-rich primary alloy carbides for good wear resistance compared to other commercially available tool steels. It also provides better corrosion resistance than 440C or CPM S90V.

Details: Written by: ukirs; Published: 12 February 2025; Created: 12 February 2025; Last Updated: 02 December 2025; Hits: 1318

CPM S90V is a unique stainless tool steel manufactured by crucible metallurgy. The steel is martensitic with a high volume of vanadium carbides for good wear resistance. It provides significant improvement in wear resistance over 440C and D2, as well as other high chromium tool steels with corrosion resistance equal to or better than 440C.