Directory of stainless steel grades

N685 is a stainless martensitic chromium steel with a high carbon content, addition of molybdenum and vanadium. N685 steel is an excellent choice for those looking for a strong, durable and sharp knife. Its characteristics make it popular among both professionals and amateurs.

Details: Written by: ukirs; Published: 14 February 2025; Created: 14 February 2025; Last Updated: 22 November 2025; Hits: 657

CPM MPL-1 (Supracor) is a powdered stainless steel developed in 1986 by Crucible and is one of the most popular powdered steels on the market. It has a very high carbon (3.80%) and chromium (24.00 - 24.20%) content, which gives it exceptional wear and corrosion resistance.

Details: Written by: ukirs; Published: 14 February 2025; Created: 14 February 2025; Last Updated: 21 November 2025; Hits: 524

CTS 204P is a highly wear-resistant and air-hardenable, corrosion-resistant, martensitic, cold-formed stainless die steel produced using the Micro-Melt powder metallurgy process. The alloy's excellent wear resistance is provided by a significant volume fraction of vanadium-rich hard carbides, while the alloy's outstanding corrosion resistance is achieved as a result of the chromium-rich matrix.

Details: Written by: ukirs; Published: 14 February 2025; Created: 14 February 2025; Last Updated: 21 November 2025; Hits: 632

CPM 154 is CPM's version of the standard Crucible 154 CM steel. CPM's manufacturing process ensures a uniform distribution of carbides in this grade, giving CPM 154 easier grinding and polishing, as well as better toughness than regular 154 CM steel, while maintaining similar heat treatment and wear characteristics.

Details: Written by: ukirs; Published: 15 February 2025; Created: 15 February 2025; Last Updated: 21 November 2025; Hits: 579

CarTech CTS XHP alloy is powder metallurgy, air-hardening, high carbon, high chromium, corrosion-resistant alloy. It can be considered either a high hardness 440C stainless steel or a corrosion-resistant D2 tool steel. CarTech CTS XHP alloy possesses corrosion resistance equivalent to CarTech 440C stainless steel and can attain a maximum hardness of 64 HRC.

Details: Written by: ukirs; Published: 15 February 2025; Created: 15 February 2025; Last Updated: 21 November 2025; Hits: 649

ATS-34 (ATS-314) is a chromium stainless steel from the Japanese company Hitachi Metals. The start of production coincided with the cessation of production of 154CM from the American Crucible Industries. The optimal hardness of ATS-34 steel is 59-61 HRC. At first, this grade was produced for the manufacture of gas turbine blades, and a little later found its application in the production of knives. This is a high-quality steel that resists corrosion and chipping well, and also holds an edge well.