Quality of Steel

[Luckypaul777]

On a website they are advertising; some knives with AISI 420J2 surgical stainless blades; as being of good quality. I know that 420C; is supposed to be better than 420A; anyone know about 420J2. Thanks.

Luckypaul777

[Luckypaul777]

Early morning brain fog; I was thinking of the 420J2; as compared to 440C for use in blades.


Luckypaul777

[Darksev]

420J2 is a low end stainless steel, alloyed with only chromium and manganese. It has roughly 1/4 the carbon as 420HC, and 1/10 the carbon of 440c (440c also has some moly and a bit more chromium in it) and Typical hardness is 49-53. About the only redeeming quality of 420J2 in cutlery is it's extremely good corrosion resistance and ability to be easily machined (it's very soft). I've seen it recommended for use in diving knives, and it's often used for liner material, but aside from that...

[Luckypaul777]

Thanks for the information Adam.

Luckypaul777

[Hukk]

Adam is right on the money, it's about the lowest grade stainless used on knives. I thought I'd post a site I have bookmarked.

http://members.home.nl/b.ollivier/html/SteelChart.htm Oh well, a couple more resources should be helpful, I have these bookmaked as well.

http://www.cutleryscience.com/reviews/b ... .html#main

http://www.agrussell.com/Steel_Guide/a/73/