A36 Steel For Knife Making? Top Answer Update

Depending on the component of the application, stronger grades could be specified depending on the project, but what A36 brings to the table is good weldability and high yield strength. This makes it well suited for many structural and heavy-duty applications.

What are the properties of A36 steel?

The American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) issued the A36 steel specification in 1960. It is considered a low-carbon steel (classified with a carbon content of 0.04% to 0.30%) and also contains alloying elements such as manganese, phosphorus, sulfur and silicon, and copper.

Some grades of carbon are defined by the alloying elements, but the numbers that make up A36 indicate its mechanical properties. As defined by ASTM, “A” is the designation for ferrous metal and “36” reflects its minimum yield strength: 36,000 ksi. It is important to note that other specifications issued by ASTM do not follow the same formula – this only applies to A36.

Grade Minimum Yield Strength ksi Tensile Strength ksi Elongation in 2 in. ksi Carbon Maximum A36 36,000 58 to 80,000 23% 0.25/0.29 in

What is the weight of carbon steel?

Having trouble calculating the weight of carbon steel plates? Just rely on a simple formula in this video and you can measure with confidence.

What are some common uses for A36 Carbon Plate?

ASTM A36 steel plate is most commonly fabricated into various structural steel parts. This grade is used in the weld, bolt or rivet construction of bridges and buildings and for general structural purposes.

Due to their minimum yield strength, A36 carbon plates can be used to construct lighter structures and equipment and offer good weldability. Construction, energy, heavy equipment, transportation, infrastructure and mining are among the industries most commonly associated with the use of A36 sheet.

After hot rolling, the final product has a rough surface according to ASTM A36, which facilitates further processing such as machining.

Hot rolled carbon sheets are brought to approximate final size by rolling at elevated temperatures. This is considered first stage metal with minimal finishing and processing and larger tolerances.

Click here for more information on cold and hot finishing.

Are you ready to buy an A36 plate? Click here.

Would you like more information? Check out these three related blogs below:

ASTM A36 steel plates and beams are considered the top rated materials for civil engineering and structural building.

So how come it is becoming so popular in different industries? Why did so many people buy this material?

Today we introduce this magic material – ASTM A36 sheet steel.

For a better understanding, we explain the following to you under different aspects:

What is A36 steel

applications

What kind of products could be made with A36 steel and plate?

Related standards for the manufacture of this steel

material specification

Chemical composition

Mechanical properties (tensile strength and yield point)

Equivalent Materials

Benefits and Benefits

What is ASTM A36

Developed by ASTM International, A36 steel is one of the most popular and widely used carbon structural steels that are soft and hot rolled. ASTM A36 has ultimate welding properties and is perfectly suited for stamping, grinding, drilling, tapping and machining processes. Unlike high performance alloys, these structural steel plate properties allow the steel to be used in many applications.

Why A36 steel plate is the top rated material in construction

As we know, it is a kind of carbon steel plate, so not an expensive material, which has very good performance and strength to withstand the various kinds of system pressures. With high durability and fully recyclable even over a longer period of time. Back to the blast furnace and making fresh steel products.

So, A36 steel sheet is the basic material for all construction and structure, it has a wide range of applications and could be used for many purposes because of the alloy’s thickness and corrosion resistance.

In fact, many of the manufactured products using this A36 steel plate include warehouses, industrial and commercial buildings, buildings (including prefabricated buildings), pipes, hoses, cabinets, housing and housing.

In addition, A36 steel could be fabricated into various base construction materials.

ASTM A36 steel is generally available in many forms; H. It is available in Rectangular Bar, Square Bar, Circular Bar and also in steel shapes such as Angles, H-Beams, I-Beams and Channels. This steel plate is also known as structural steel in Southeast Asia.

And below are materials in ASTM A36 standard specification that could be made from this kind of carbon steel material.

Steel rivets designated ASTM A502 Class 1

Steel nuts, ASTM A563/M

Bolts, ASTM A370 Class A or F 568M

High Strength Bolts, ASTM A325/M

Anchor bolt F1554

Cast Steel, ASTM A27/M Class 65-35 (450-240)

Carbib Steel Forgings, in ASTM A668 CLASS D

ASTM A500 Class B Cold Formed Tubing

ASTM A501 Thermoformed Tubing

Hot Rolled Steel Plates, Coils and Strips, ASTM A570/M, Grade 36

Material Properties/Specifications

We explain material specifications from chemical and mechanical properties. However, for the ASTM A36 standard specification in PDF format, contact us, we will send it to you immediately.

Chemical composition of A36 steel plate

It consists of carbon (C) content 0.25 – 0.29%, copper (Cu) content 0.20%, iron (Fe) content 98.0%, manganese (Mn) content 1.03% , phosphorus (P) content 0.04%, silicon (Si) content 0.280 percent and sulfur (S) content 0.050 percent. With excellent properties, this steel plate can be bolted, riveted and welded in the construction of buildings, bridges and buildings and for all general construction purposes.

A36 Steel Equivalent Materials

ASTM A36 is said to be identical to EN S275 steel plate. A36 steel is a very low carbon steel that combines great strength with formability. It can be safely welded with minimal caution. This mild steel plate can be electroplated for improved corrosion resistance ensuring superior quality.

yield point and tensile strength

Its mechanical properties include a tensile strength of 58-80 ksi (400-550 MPa) and a minimum yield strength of 36 ksi (250 MPa).

Elongation in 8 inches min. 20%, in 2 inches min. 23% for steel plates and bars. For molds and parts 20% and 21% respectively.

The mechanical properties of this steel can be altered or altered by various heat treatments. The results of these various heat treatments show an improvement in the mechanical properties of the ASTM steel. The yield strength of this steel plate is

Reference standards for the manufacture of ASTM A36 carbon structural steel

a. A6/M specification for rolled rebar, beams, plates, shapes and sheet piling (pile plates).

b. ASTM A27/M Specification for Cast Steel, Carbon for General Purpose

c. ASTM A307, Specification for Carbon Steel Screws and Bolts with a Tensile Strength of 60000 psi (415 MPa).

i.e. ASTM A325 for structural fasteners, steel, heat treated, with a minimum tensile strength of 105 or 120 ksi.

e, A325M for high strength bolts and joints.

B. A500, A501, A502, A563 A570, A668 and F568, which are related to other steel products and materials.

A36 low-carbon (soft) steel plate advantages and uses

ASTM A36 low carbon and mild steel plates are widely used in the construction of oil rigs and in the molding of vessels, tanks, bearing plates, rings, jigs, cams, forgings, templates, gears, base plates, pilings, jigs, sprockets, forgings, brackets, trimwork, pilings, agricultural equipment, automotive equipment, machine parts and frames. This steel plate is also used for various parts made by flame cutting. Parts include sidewalks, boat ramps, parking garages, and ditches. The ductility of this steel plate allows the alloy to be used neither as a cable nor as a reinforcing bar. This steel is strictly regulated by ASTM, which is the American Society for Testing and Lindenhurst Health and Fitness Center Materials.

Good machinability and weldability

The machinability rate of this steel plate is approximately 72 percent, and the average surface cutting feed of this A36 is 120 feet per minute. This ASTM steel plate is an easy-to-weld steel and can be welded using any type of welding process, and the welds and joints formed are also of premium quality. As for heat treatment, any standard carburizing and hardening methods of AISI 1018 steel is perfect for this steel plate.

Heat treatment methods and performance for A36 steel sheet

An ASTM A36 steel plate is subjected to the normalizing treatment at 899°C to 954°C, i.e. 1650°F to 1750°F, an annealing treatment at 843°C to 871°C, i.e. 1550°F to 1600°F, for stress relieving at 677°C to 927°C, i.e. 1250°F to 1700°F, for carburizing at 899°C to 927°C, i.e. 1650°F to 1700°F, and for hardening at 788°C to °C 816°C, that’s 1450°F to 1500°F. A hardening process is urgently needed when hardness and strength are the main desired properties in the design. The normalization treatment is performed as the last treatment after the manufacturing process.

The properties of this steel plate allow it to deform steadily when stress is increased beyond its yield point, allowing the bridges, buildings and any other structure to stand long enough, allowing occupants to exit safely before collapse occurs. This steel plate has a very good yield strength, meaning it has a yield strength of 36,000 psi and it also has a high allowable bending stress of 22,000 psi.

Topics Covered

introduction

Chemical composition

Physical Properties

mechanical properties

editing

welding

heat treatment

applications

introduction

ASTM A36 is the most commonly used mild and hot rolled steel. It has excellent welding properties and is suitable for grinding, stamping, tapping, drilling and machining processes. The yield strength of ASTM A36 is lower than that of cold rolled C1018, which makes ASTM A36 easier to bend than C1018. Normally larger diameters are not manufactured in ASTM A36 as C1018 hot rolled rounds are used.

ASTM A36 is usually available in the following forms:

rectangle bar

square

round rod

Steel profiles such as U-profiles, angles, H-beams and I-beams.

Chemical composition

Element content Carbon, C 0.25 – 0.290% Copper, Cu 0.20% Iron, Fe 98.0% Manganese, Mn 1.03% Phosphorus, P 0.040% Silicon, Si 0.280% Sulfur, S 0.050%

Physical Properties

Physical Properties Metric Imperial Density 7.85 g/cm3 0.284 lb/in3

mechanical properties

Mechanical Properties Metric Imperial Tear Strength, Breaking Load 400 – 550 MPa 58000 – 79800 psi Elasticity 200 GPa 29000 ksi Compression Modulus (typical for steel) 140 GPa 20300 ksi Poisson’s Ratio 0.260 0.260 Shear Modulus 79.3 GPa 11500 ksi

editing

Are you looking for devices to analyze your metals? Let us get quotes on X-ray Fluorescence Analyzer, Optical Emission Spectrometer, Atomic Absorption Spectrometer or any other analytical instrument you are looking for. Request an offer here >

The ASTM A36 machinability rate is estimated at 72% and the ASTM A36 average surface cutting feed is 120 ft/min. Machining ASTM A36 steel is not as easy as AISI 1018 steel.

welding

ASTM A36 steel is easily welded using any type of welding process and the welds and joints so formed are of excellent quality.

heat treatment

All common carburizing and hardening processes of AISI 1018 steel are suitable for ASTM A36.

ASTM A36 undergoes the following processes:

Normalization at 899°C – 954°C (1650°F-1750°F)

Anneal at 843°C – 871°C (1550°F-1600°F)

Stress relieving at 677°C – 927°C (1250°F-1700°F)

Carburizing at 899°C – 927°C (1650°F-1700°F)

Hardening at 788°C – 816°C (1450°F-1500°F)

applications

ASTM A36 steel has the following applications:

carbon steel and alloy steel

Marco is a supplier of carbon steel wire mesh and grating. We stock a variety of carbon steel grades including: 1018, A36, 1144, 12L14, A366/1008, A513 and 8620.

There are four types of carbon steel based on the amount of carbon present in the alloy. Lower carbon steels are softer and easier to form, and higher carbon steels are harder and stronger but less ductile and are more difficult to machine and weld. Below are the properties of carbon steel grades:

Low carbon steel: composition of 0.05% – 0.25% carbon and up to 0.4% manganese. Also known as mild steel, it is an inexpensive material that is easily formed. Although not as hard as higher carbon steels, carburizing can increase its surface hardness.

Composition of 0.05% – 0.25% carbon and up to 0.4% manganese. Also known as mild steel, it is an inexpensive material that is easily formed. Although not as hard as higher carbon steels, carburizing can increase its surface hardness. Medium carbon steel: composition of 0.29% to 0.54% carbon with 0.60% to 1.65% manganese. Medium carbon steel is ductile and strong, with durable properties.

Composition of 0.29% – 0.54% carbon, with 0.60% – 1.65% manganese. Medium carbon steel is ductile and strong, with durable properties. High carbon steel: composition of 0.55% – 0.95% carbon with 0.30% – 0.90% manganese. It is very strong and has good shape memory, making it ideal for springs and wire.

Composition of 0.55% – 0.95% carbon, with 0.30% – 0.90% manganese. It is very strong and has good shape memory, making it ideal for springs and wire. Very high carbon steel: composition from 0.96% to 2.1% carbon. Its high carbon content makes it an extremely strong material. This grade requires special handling due to its brittleness.

A36 mild steel

ASTM A36 steel is the most commonly available hot rolled steel. It is generally available in square bar, rectangular bar, as well as steel shapes such as I-beams, H-beams, angles and channels. Due to the hot rolling process, the surface of this steel is somewhat rough. Note that its yield strength is also well below 1018 – meaning it will bend much more quickly than 1018. Finally, this material is noticeably more difficult to machine than 1018 steel, but the cost is typically significantly less.

ASTM A36 Mild (low carbon) steel

Minimum Properties Tensile Strength, psi 58,000 – 79,800 Yield Strength, psi 36,300 Elongation 20.0% Chemical Iron (Fe) 99% Carbon (C) 0.26% Manganese (Mn) 0.75% Copper (Cu) 0.2% Phosphorus (P ) 0.04% max Sulfur (S) 0.05% max

1018 mild steel

Alloy 1018 is the most commonly available cold rolled steel. It is generally available in round bar, square bar and rectangular bar. It has a good combination of all the typical properties of steel – strength, a certain ductility and comparatively easy machining. Chemically it is very similar to A36 hot rolled steel, but the cold rolling process produces better surface finish and properties.

1018 Mild (low carbon) steel

Minimum Properties Tensile Strength, psi 63,800 Yield Strength, psi 53,700 Elongation 15.0% Rockwell Hardness B71 Chemical Iron (Fe) 98.81 – 99.26% Carbon (C) 0.18% Manganese (Mn) 0.6 – 0.9 % Phosphorus (P) 0.04% Sulfur max (S) 0.05% max

1144 (stress resistant equivalent) steel

This material is actually pretty cool, at least for steel. It is a higher strength alloy than 1018 or A36 but also has improved ductility. However, the main characteristic of 1144 steel is that it has very little deformation or warping after machining due to a combination of chemistry, manufacturing process and heat treatment. Finally, 1144 is relatively easy to machine, with a machinability rate of 83% of AISI 1212 steel.

1144 (duty equivalent) steel

Minimum Properties Tensile Strength, 115,000 psi Yield Strength, 100,000 psi Elongation 8.0% Rockwell Hardness B95 / C17 Chemical Iron (Fe) 97.54 – 98.01% Carbon (C) 0.4 – 0.44% Manganese (Mn) 1 .35 – 1.65% Phosphorus (P) 0.04% max. Sulfur (S) 0.24 – 0.33%

Free cutting steel 12L14

Lead is added to this alloy to improve machinability. In fact, it is rated at 160% machinability of AISI 1212 steel. However, the addition of lead reduces the strength of this alloy, although it is generally stronger than 1018.

12L14 free cutting steel

Minimum Properties Tensile Strength, psi 78,300 Yield Strength, psi 60,200 Elongation 10.0% Rockwell Hardness B84 Chemical Iron (Fe) 97.91 – 98.7% Carbon (C) 0.15% max Manganese (Mn) 0.85 – 1 .15% Phosphorus (P) 0.04 – 0.09% Lead (Pb) 0.15 – 0.35% Sulfur (S) 0.26 – 0.35%

A366/1008 steel

This alloy is generally used for “commercial grade” cold rolled steel sheet. It is known for its very good formability and comparatively high strength. It has a very good surface finish far superior to hot rolled A36.

ASTM A366 (Alloy 1008) steel

Minimum Properties Tensile Strength, psi 43,900 – 51,900 Yield Strength, psi 26,100 – 34,800 Elongation 42 – 48% Chemical Iron (Fe) 99% Carbon (C) 0.08% Manganese (Mn) 0.6% max Phosphorus (P) 0.035% max Copper (Cu) 0.2% minimum Sulfur (S) 0.04%

A513 (Alloy 1020-1026) steel

This alloy is commonly used for DOM tubes. Its higher carbon content means higher strength but lower weldability and machinability.

ASTM A513 Alloys 1020 – 1026 Mild (low carbon) steel

Minimum Properties Tear Strength, psi 87,000 Yield Strength, psi 72,000 Elongation 10.0% Rockwell Hardness B89 Chemical Iron (Fe) 99.08 – 99.53% Carbon (C) 0.18 – 0.23% Manganese (Mn) 0.3 – 0.6% Phosphorus (P) 0.04% max. Sulfur (S) 0.05% max

8620 alloy steel

This material features a hard outer surface combined with a ductile interior for greater strength.

Alloy Steel 8620 (Chromium Nickel Molybdenum).

Tool Steel Service Inc. A36 Steel Grade Shapes, Sizes and Technical Information.

A36 is one of the most commonly available steels. A36 bends faster than 1018 and is a cheaper alternative. We offer this product in the ground condition, saving you both time and machining costs. A36 is typically used in the construction of bridges, buildings, oil rigs, railroad tracks, forming tanks and many other structural and mechanical applications.

We can help you determine if the properties of A36 steel are right for you to learn more and get a free quote. CONTACT US HERE AT TOOL STEEL SERVICE INC.

A36 steel shapes and sizes

A36 comes in many shapes and sizes such as round, square and rectangular. Custom orders welcome.

Technical data of steel grade A36

Below are the technical specifications for our A36 steel.

Typical analysis of A36 steel

Typical Analysis C Cu Mn Si S I P (0.25 – 0.29%) 0.20% 1.03% 0.28% 0.05% 98% 0.04%

C – carbon, Cu – copper, Mn – manganese, Si – silicon, S – sulfur, I – iron, P – phosphorus

General properties of A36 steel

Below are other properties of A36 steel that may help you with your purchasing decision. Did you know that A36 is sometimes referred to as “soft steel”?

General Properties ASTM A36 steel is the most commonly used mild and hot rolled steel. It is a low carbon steel characterized by good strength, formability and excellent weldability. It is an easy steel to machine, fabricate and weld. A36 is suitable for grinding, tapping, drilling, stamping and machining processes. This steel can be electroplated for increased corrosion resistance. ATSM 36 steel is commonly available in the following forms: square bar, rectangular bar, round bar, H-beam and I-beam.

Typical applications of A36 steel

Below are some of the most typical uses of A36 steel. As mentioned above, A36 is more likely to be used in the construction of larger structures such as bridges, tanks and buildings.

Typical Applications ASTM A36 is typically used in machine parts, structural applications, buildings, bridges, automobiles, railroad tracks, oil rigs, tanks, farm equipment, poles, gears, forgings, base plates and more.

Heat Treating A36 Steel (in Fahrenheit)

It is not advisable to heat treat A36 steel as it is low carbon, but there are other ways to treat A36 that will not damage the steel.

A36 steel stock

CHECK OUR STOCK OF A36 STEEL GRADES

Low carbon or mild steel contains 0.3% or less carbon by volume.

Medium carbon steel contains 0.3% to 0.6% carbon.

High carbon steels contain more than 0.6% carbon.

Differences between hot rolled and cold rolled steel

Hot rolled steel process

Cold rolled steel process

Hot rolled steel grades

A36 Hot Rolled Steel

truck frame

Agricultural equipment

shelves

Walkways, ramps and crash barriers

structural support

follower

General Manufacturing

1018 Hot Rolled Carbon Steel Bar

transmission

pinion

ratchets

Oil tool slips

pencils

chain pins

liners

rivets

anchor pins

1011 hot rolled steel sheet

Building & Construction

Automotive & Transportation

cargo containers

canopy

domestic appliances

heavy equipment

Hot rolled steel ASTM A513

engine mounts

sockets

building construction/architecture

Cars and associated equipment (trailers, etc.)

Industrial equipment

Frame for solar panels

domestic appliances

Aerospace

Agricultural implements

Hot rolled steel ASTM A786

flooring

catwalk

1020/1025 hot rolled steel

tools and matrices

machine parts

car equipment

Industrial equipment

Your Trusted Resource for Hot Rolled Steel

Steel is an alloy of iron that contains a small amount of carbon. Steel comes in different grades based on the percentage of carbon it contains. The different grades of steel are categorized according to their respective carbon content. Hot rolled steel grades are divided into the following carbon groups: Small amounts of other alloying materials such as chromium, manganese or tungsten are also added to make many more steel grades. Different grades of steel offer several unique properties such as tensile strength, ductility, formability, durability, and thermal and electrical conductivity. Most steels are produced in two main ways: hot rolling or cold rolling. Hot rolled steel is a rolling process in which the steel is roll pressed at high temperature. Generally, the temperature for hot rolled steel exceeds 1700°F. Cold rolled steel is a process in which steel is roll pressed at room temperature. It is important to note that both hot rolled and cold rolled steel are not grades of steel. They are the prefabrication techniques used for a variety of steel products. In hot rolled steel, the steel slabs are formed into a long strip and rolled while being heated above their optimum rolling temperature. The glowing slab is fed through a series of rolling mills to form and stretch it into a thin strip. After forming, the steel strip is water-cooled and wound into a coil. Different water cooling rates develop different metallurgical properties in the steel. Normalizing hot rolled steel at room temperature allows for increased strength and ductility surfaces or precise shapes and tolerances. Cold rolled steel is heated and cooled like hot rolled steel, but then further processed by annealing or temper rolling to develop higher tensile strength and yield strength. The additional labor and time involved in processing increases costs, but allows for tighter dimensional tolerances and a wide range of finishing options. This steel form has a smoother finish and is used in applications that require a specific surface finish and dimensional tolerance. Common applications for cold rolled steel include structural parts, metal furniture, home appliances, automotive parts, and engineering applications where precision or aesthetics are required. Hot rolled steel is available in multiple grades to meet your project specifications. The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) or the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) establish the standards and grades according to each metal’s physical structure and capabilities. ASTM steel grades begin with the letter “A” which stands for ferrous metals. The SAE rating system (also known as the American Iron and Steel Institute or AISI system) uses a four-digit number for classification. Plain carbon steel grades in this system begin with the digit 10 followed by two whole numbers denoting carbon concentration. The following are common grades of hot rolled steel. cold rolled options. A36 hot rolled steel is one of the most popular hot rolled steels available (it also comes in a cold rolled version which is much less common). This low carbon steel retains less than 0.3% carbon content, 1.03% manganese, 0.28% silicon, 0.2% copper, 0.04% phosphorus and 0.05% sulfur by weight. Common industrial A36 steel applications include: Along with A36, one of the most common steel grades is AISI/SAE 1018. Typically this grade is preferred over A36 for bar or strip forms. 1018 steel is available in both hot-rolled and cold-rolled finishes, although cold-rolled steel is more commonly used. Both versions have better strength and hardness than A36 and are better suited to cold forming operations such as bending or upsetting. 1018 contains only 0.18% carbon and 0.6-0.9% manganese, less than A36. It also contains traces of phosphorus and sulfur but fewer impurities than A36. Typical applications of 1018 steel include: 1011 Hot rolled steel sheet and plate offers a rougher surface than cold rolled steel and plate. Galvanized, it is also used where corrosion resistance is required. High strength and high formability HR steel sheets and plates are easy to drill, form and weld. Hot rolled steel sheets and plates are available as standard hot rolled or hot rolled P&O. Some of the advantages associated with 1011 hot rolled steel sheet and plate include improved formability, high production rate and lower compared to cold rolling. Applications include: The ASTM A513 specification is for hot rolled carbon steel pipe. Hot rolled steel tubing is manufactured by passing heated sheet metal through rollers to achieve specific physical dimensions. The finished product has a rough surface finish with rounded corners and is of either welded or seamless construction. Because of these factors, hot rolled steel tubing is best suited for applications that do not require precise shapes or tight tolerances. Hot rolled steel pipe is easily cut, welded, formed and machined. It is used in numerous industrial applications including: Hot rolled ASTM A786 steel is hot rolled to high strength. It is commonly manufactured for steel tread plates for the following applications: 1020/1025 DOM steel is ideal for structural and engineering applications and is commonly used for the following applications: Industrial Metal Supply is an industry leading leader in hot rolled A36 and 1018 steel steel products . We offer next day delivery and call pickup for convenient purchasing options. Call or visit one of our 6 locations for more information on our hot rolled steel products or request a quote today for more pricing details.

If you are new to knife making, the number of tools and components that go into the process can be overwhelming.

Even if you’ve dabbled in knifemaking for a while, it’s difficult to put this knowledge to practical use unless you have prior experience, and you’ll likely seek help.

And that’s why we love to help our customers with the process, as we’ve done in our guide to making a knife, our roundup of the best blacksmiths, and more. And in this article, we’re going to talk about one of the essential components of the process, and that’s steel.

To start, we tried different types of steel and selected the six that we had the best experience with.

We preferred the 1084 knife steel for its ease of heat treatment. However, your situation might be different from ours, so follow us as we review the best steel for knife making!

Here are the best steels for beginner knifemakers – tried and tested

1. Messerstahl 1084 – Best overall value

1084 Knife Steel Check Lowest Price Key Specifications: Rockwell Hardness: 50 HRC @ 650°F (343°C) to 65 HRC @ 300°F (149°C)

50 HRC at 650°F (343°C) to 65 HRC at 300°F (149°C) Toughness: Medium to high

Medium to high wear resistance: Dependent on heat treatment

Depends on heat treatment. Edge retention: High

High Corrosion Resistance: Low

Low Sharpening: Easy

1084 knife steel is one of the most popular types of knife steel and every knife maker has probably encountered it at least once. It’s also often referred to as a beginner’s steel, but what justifies that name?

Firstly, 1084 knife steel is high in carbon and is one of the simpler steels in terms of composition and is widely available commercially and you can easily find it online as well.

Additionally, the simple composition means that 1084 steel is very forgiving of heat treating, which is ideal for beginners as heat treating is a complicated process to begin with.

The downside to 1084’s simplicity is that it’s not as strong or tough as other popular steels. It’s also not very resistant to corrosion, so you’ll need to take care of your blade and oil it frequently.

However, we think the trade-offs are worth it for beginners, as the 1084’s forgiveness will make your life a whole lot easier.

composition

Carbon 0.8-0.93% Manganese 0.6-0.9% Silicon 0.5% Phosphorus 0.05% Sulfur 0.04%

Pros Beginner-friendly

Affordable and readily available

Forgiving heat treatment process

High toughness and edge retention

Allows adjustment of hardness and wear resistance

Easy to sharpen Cons High carbon content makes it relatively soft

Low corrosion resistance

bottom line

Often referred to as a beginner’s steel, 1084 is an excellent choice for beginner knife makers because it’s relatively easy to work with, cheap, and easy to find.

—-

2. 1095 Steel – Best mild steel

1095 Steel Check Lowest Price Key Specifications: Rockwell Hardness: 55 HRC, can reach 58 HRC

55 HRC, can reach 58 HRC Toughness: High

High wear resistance: Low to average

Low to Average Edge Retention: High

High corrosion resistance: Very low

Very Low Sharpening: Easy

1095 knife steel has a long history of popularity, simplicity, and effectiveness.

And while 1095 steel is a bit harder to handle than 1084 for beginners, it’s still a good choice because it’s not very demanding. Also, you should know it either way since it’s so popular!

You can tell that 1095 steel has a high carbon content by the 95 in the name, which refers to 0.95% carbon. Some metallurgists even produce it with up to 1.03% carbon, which is relatively high.

Due to the high carbon content, the blade is softer but harder and retains its sharpness for a long time.

However, due to the relatively low hardness, the blade is not as wear-resistant as other common types of steel, but should still withstand outdoor use for a while.

Still, 1095 is a good choice and one to consider if you’re looking for mild steel.

composition

Carbon 0.95-1.03% Manganese 0.5% Sulfur 0.4% Phosphorus 0.3-0.04%

Pros Very popular and widely used

Relatively easy to process

High carbon content increases toughness

Great edge retention

Easy to sharpen Disadvantages Relatively low wear resistance

Will rust quickly if not coated properly or cleaned frequently

bottom line

1095 knife steel is an old and popular type of steel that is often used for blades that need to stay sharp for a long time. It’s also a good choice for beginners looking for soft steel, although it’s a bit more difficult to machine than 1084 steel.

—-

3. W2 Steel – Best hard steel

W2 Steel Check Lowest Price Key Specifications: Rockwell Hardness: 62-65 HRC

62-65 HRC Toughness: Low to Average

Low to Average Wear Resistance: High

High edge retention: High

High Corrosion Resistance: Low

Low Sharpening: Difficult

W2 belongs to the family of water-hardening tool steels (W), which are characterized by a high carbon content, often in excess of 1%, which gives the blade strength.

In general, high carbon steels are praised for their incredible hardness and the W2 is no different as it can reach 65 HRC, which is extremely high for a knife blade.

Of course, the downside to a blade this hard is that it’s generally more brittle and a bit more difficult to machine and sharpen. However, metallurgists often add molybdenum to increase the toughness of the steel.

In any case, W2 is a good choice if you’re looking for a tough blade that will stay sharp for a while and withstand wear and tear.

composition

Carbon 1.15% Manganese 0.25% Silicon 0.25% Copper 0.2% Nickel 0.2% Chromium 0.15% Tungsten 0.15% Vanadium 0.15% Molybdenum 0.1% Sulfur 0.025%

Advantages Very hard steel grade

Good wear resistance

Good edge retention

Excellent for larger knives Disadvantages Low corrosion resistance

Low toughness

Slightly harder to sharpen

bottom line

If your focus is on hardness, wear resistance and edge retention, consider W2 knife steel as it has incredibly high hardness levels of 62-65 HRC.

—-

4. 80CRV2 Knife Steel – Best for small knives

80CRV2 Knife Steel Check Lowest Price Key Specifications: Rockwell Hardness: 55-57 HRC

55-57 HRC Toughness: High

High wear resistance: Average

Average edge retention: Depends on heat treatment

Depends on the heat treatment. Corrosion Resistance: Low

Low Sharpening: Easy

In a way, we can compare 80CRV2 steel to several other types that share some of its properties, such as: B. 1084 and stainless steel.

80CRV2 is similar to 1084 in its high carbon and low alloy structure. The two types are 0.85% and 0.84% ​​carbon respectively.

However, 80CRV2 has a more complex composition and, more importantly, contains vanadium (the V in its name) which improves the steel’s hardenability and wear resistance.

Also, 80CRV2 has a low chromium content of around 0.6% (in most cases), so we can’t consider it a stainless steel either. Instead, we consider it a carbon steel alloy. In comparison, stainless steels typically contain at least 12-18% chromium.

With a Rockwell hardness of 55-57 HRC, 80CRV2 is not the hardest steel on the market. It’s not a terribly low rating either, though, and the steel makes up for that by being tough, reliable, and well-balanced.

In our opinion, 80CRV2 steel is therefore excellent for making smaller knives for lighter use.

The downside of this steel is that it cannot resist rust and you must use an anti-corrosion coating to keep the blade clean.

composition

Carbon 0.85% Chromium 0.6% Manganese 0.5% Nickel 0.4% Silicon 0.3% Sulfur 0.3% Vanadium 0.25% Molybdenum 0.1% Phosphorus 0.025%

Benefits Ideal for smaller, lighter knives

Great toughness

Good balance between hardness and toughness Disadvantages Poor corrosion resistance

bottom line

Due to the relatively low hardness of 80CRV2 steel, we believe it is best suited for smaller knives and light use as it is very tough.

—-

5. Small Parts 54305 O1 Tool Steel Sheet – Best for error-prone users

If you’re looking for steel with a slightly different heat treatment process that uses oil instead of water, check out O1 tool steel.

Oil curing can be a little different than water curing because it allows you to use relatively low temperatures in the process and gives your end product more dimensional stability.

What also distinguishes O1 tool steel from other common types is its high manganese content. If you recall the other types we’ve covered so far, none of them exceeded 1% manganese. But O1 trumps that at 1.2%, sometimes hitting 1.4%.

This high manganese content increases the hardness of the steel. But with it the brittleness increases, so nickel is used in a small amount to compensate.

One of our favorite properties of O1 tool steel is that it slows down the machining process. So if you are the error prone type and have made mistakes in this process in the past, you will like O1 Steel as you will have more time to correct your mistakes before it’s too late.

composition

Manganese 1.2-1.4% Carbon 0.95-1% Chromium 0.5% Tungsten 0.5% Silicon 0.4% Phosphorus 0.3% Vanadium 0.2% Sulfur 0.03%

Advantages Good balance between hardness and toughness

Good edge retention

Gives error-prone users some leeway Cons Relatively poor corrosion resistance

Not the best wear resistance

bottom line

What is striking about O1 tool steel is how it acts as an inhibitor during the machining process, slowing it down. This makes it an excellent choice for users who are prone to errors or slight miscalculations, as it gives you some time to fix your mistakes.

—-

6. 440C Stainless Steel – Best corrosion resistance

440C Stainless Steel Check Lowest Price Key Specifications: Rockwell Hardness: 58-60 HRC

58-60 HRC Toughness: Average

Average Wear Resistance: High

High edge retention: High

High Corrosion Resistance: High

High Sharpness: A bit difficult

The 4xx family, particularly the 440 subfamily, may not be the oldest in the world of knife steel. However, there was a time when it was among the most popular types in the States as knife makers of the time popularized it.

440C steel is high carbon steel and also a type of stainless steel that has a whopping 17% chromium in its composition. This also makes 440C a great anti-corrosion steel.

And with a high carbon content of 1.1%, 440C gets a relatively high hardness of 58-60 HRC, depending on the heat treatment process. Because of this hardness, 440C is excellent in wear resistance and edge retention.

However, since the inverse relationship between hardness and toughness is natural, a high hardness means you have to sacrifice some toughness. But luckily, smart metallurgists often balance this out with a decent amount of molybdenum to add some toughness to the steel.

Overall, 440C steel is most notable for its corrosion resistance.

composition

Chromium 17% Carbon 1.1% Manganese 0.8% Molybdenum 0.7% Silicon 0.5% Phosphorus 0.2% Sulfur 0.02%

Benefits Outstanding corrosion resistance

High hardness

Good wear resistance and edge retention

Affordable Cons Only decent toughness

Difficult to sharpen

bottom line

440C is on the harder side as it can reach up to 60 HRC. Despite this high level of hardness, the high molybdenum content provides additional toughness, and the 17% chromium provides plenty of corrosion resistance.

—-

Buying guide: What should a novice knifemaker look for in a steel?

No type of steel stands out as a one-size-fits-all for knife making. So before you go shopping for knife steel, here are five features to look for before you buy.

hardness

Hardness refers to the material’s ability to resist damage from other materials without being permanently deformed and is often measured using the Rockwell hardness scale. Steel hardness is precisely measured with the Rockwell C scale, or HRC for short.

For reference, soft steels are around 45 HRC, while harder steels are closer to the 58-62 mark.

You might think that the best knife is one with an exorbitantly high Rockwell hardness of, say, 65 HRC. However, harder steels are more difficult to sharpen and are more brittle. Although they can retain their sharpness over long periods of time, they are susceptible to wear and tear.

On the other hand, softer steels can be easier to sharpen, but they tend to dull faster than their hard counterparts, requiring frequent sharpening and honing.

The trick is to find the ideal point on the Rockwell scale that suits your needs.

toughness

When you first hear about toughness, it might sound like it’s the same as hardness, but it’s not, although toughness and hardness are often inversely related.

Toughness refers to the steel’s ability to resist chipping or cracking in the event of a sudden impact. Therefore, a harder blade can hold its shape longer because it doesn’t chip as easily with use.

wear resistance

Wear resistance is related to hardness as it refers to the steel’s ability to resist abrasive damage such as cuts, which is normal and part of everyday knife use.

Even if you don’t use your knife every day for heavy-duty applications, it will wear out over time, as it often does. But you can extend the “longevity” of your blade (so to speak) by using a more wear-resistant type of steel.

However, just like hardness, wear resistance is often inversely proportional to toughness, so you should look for a balance between all of these.

edge retention

Most of the time, a knife is as useful as its blade is sharp. After all, why own a knife if it doesn’t have a sharp edge to cut things with?

For example, a knife looks fancy and fancy at first glance, but dulls after prolonged use. And that’s why you should pay attention to the edge retention of steel.

Unfortunately, there isn’t a defined standard measure of edge retention for steel, so you’ll have to spend more time studying the materials yourself.

corrosion resistance

Steel is essentially an alloy made up of iron, carbon and possibly other metals.

However, the composition of steel is mostly iron, which is known to oxidize, rust and corrode if you expose it to certain conditions like moisture or if you don’t clean it often enough.

To combat this problem, you can use a steel grade that has anti-corrosion properties. But unfortunately, anti-corrosion elements are notoriously brittle (compared to other knife steels), so you would sacrifice strength and wear resistance in favor of corrosion resistance.

In the end it depends on your situation. If you need a robust knife that can withstand damage, you should regularly clean your blade and protect it from moisture.

If you don’t use your knife for heavy work, however, you can choose a more corrosion-resistant, softer steel like stainless steel.

frequently asked Questions

Which steel is good for beginner knife making? Steels 1075, 1080, and 1084 are often considered the best steels for beginners in knife making because they are all relatively easy to heat treat and do not require advanced tooling. In addition, many beginners look for these types because they are cheap and commercially plentiful. Is 1095 steel good for beginner knifemakers? Although 1095 steel is one of the most popular steels for knife making, it is not the best choice for beginners as it is not as forgiving as 1075 or 1084, especially when it comes to heat treating. What gauge of steel should I use for knife making? As a beginner you should aim for a blade gauge of ⅛ inch (3.175mm) or less, as more than that would be difficult to sharpen, especially with limited equipment. Can you make knives from cold-rolled steel? Most cold-rolled steels have too little carbon to make a good knife blade. However, you can find some cold rolled steel grades that can, but be careful as they are much less forgiving of heat treatment than other common steel grades.

Verdict

We’ll finish here with our guide to the best steel for beginner knifemakers.

To summarize briefly, there is no single type that turns out to be the best as your situation will dictate the type you should use. However, as a beginner we recommend 1084 knife steel, which is often referred to as the beginner’s steel as it is the most forgiving when it comes to heat treating and is fairly cheap and plentiful commercially.

If you want soft steel to start with, check out 1084’s brother, 1095 steel, which is characterized by its high carbon content, moderate hardness, and very high toughness.

However, if you are looking for hard steel then there is W2 steel which has a complex composition giving it incredibly high hardness at the cost of less toughness.

Written by Timothy Martinez Jr.

(This guide was written by Zvi of zknives.com and edited by Tim Martinez of Knife Depot. For more information and details on blade steels, we highly recommend visiting Zvi’s website zknives.com or downloading his knife steel app.)

For an average person unfamiliar with steel classifications, standards and properties, this can become very confusing. The same knife design is often offered in more than one alloy. More expensive doesn’t necessarily mean better performance, and steels with different names can end up being the same alloy. The confusion goes on and on.

This guide aims to help you make a more informed choice when it comes to blade steel. Most of the points apply equally to folding knives and fixed blade knives, particularly smaller fixed blades designed for light/medium cutting. Large, heavy-duty knives used for chopping, prying, and beating are not covered in this guide.

Thousands of alloys are used in modern knifemaking, but since non-steel blade materials (ceramic, cobalt, or titanium-based alloys) are still rather rare, this guide focuses primarily on steel. Obviously it is not realistic to cover a few thousand alloys in one article, but you can refer to the knife steel composition table for alloy composition data and to look up alternative names for the alloys mentioned here.

Definition of knife steel performance

When discussing knife performance, there are two main factors:

Ability to maintain a sharp edge Cutting ability

A distant third factor is ease of sharpening, but it’s not too difficult to put a good edge on any steel with modern sharpening tools. Most sharpening difficulties arise when you need to remove a significant amount of metal when thinning out a bevel or repairing a badly damaged edge. However, both are very rare. Even with extremely wear-resistant alloys like CPM S125V, it takes less than five minutes to restore a sharp edge.

Many factors determine the cutting performance and edge retention of a folding knife. The number of variables makes selecting the steel for a Folder more complicated, but once you understand these variables and how they affect knife performance, it’s not too difficult to select the optimal fit for your needs and budget.

Rather than simply dividing alloys into stainless steel and non-stainless steel, it is more beneficial to review what makes a knife and give you the option to choose between stainless steel and carbon steel.

In fact, neither term is technically correct, at least when it comes to knife steels. There are few truly stainless steels used in knives and all steels are technically carbon steels as steel is a mixture of iron (Fe) and carbon (C) plus optional alloying elements.

Factors when choosing a blade steel

We look at five aspects of what you should consider when choosing the right blade steel. See the following sections for more information, but here’s a quick look at each consideration:

Intended Use – What to cut, push cutting vs slicing. Affects blade and edge geometry as well as steel choice; Blade Geometry – Not directly related to the steel, will affect use, sharpening; Edge geometry – edge type, angle and roughness are important factors determined by the steel, heat treatment and intended use; Corrosion Resistance – Influences steel selection when moisture or aggressive environments are a concern; Types of Steels Used in the Blades – Affects all of the above to varying degrees.

1. Proper use of the knife

I think that influences all other factors. To put it another way: use the right tool for the job.

Before buying, you should generally know the primary purpose of the folder. It won’t be a single task, of course, but you can optimize for specific cutting tasks or aim for an all-around folder. Either way, you can do better than picking a random alloy.

That’s not to say that I’ve never bought a knife just because I liked it. I’ve actually bought a lot of knives without having anything specific in mind. Even then I would still consider a possible use and choose an alloy based on it.

Sometimes it’s out of your control because you choose a knife you want or get one as a gift. Either way, it’s still a good idea to know what this steel is good at and how to get the most out of it.

Push-cutting vs. slicing is an important consideration when using knives. People usually have a favorite style of cut, even if they don’t pay attention to it. From what I’ve observed, most people use push-cutting to begin with, but they cut hard when (or when) the knife gets dull. Of course, it’s best to use whatever is more appropriate for a particular cutting task.

Here’s a rather simplistic generalization: For butt cutting, a fine, highly polished, convex edge works better. This means that high edge stability is required. A rough edge is better for cutting. A coarse edge is by definition not as sharp as the fine 100K grit, but for cutting a rope a coarser edge is more efficient. However, sometimes you prefer a very sharp, thin edge.

Apparently, at the microscopic level, even 100-150,000 edges are toothed enough to act as a micro saw. However, because they are very fine compared to 1000 grit edges, the pressure generated by these fine edges is greater and therefore the edges have better impact cutting performance. On the other hand, larger teeth work better when sawing rough edges. The point is that steel should be able to work on highly polished edges and not all alloys are optimized for this.

Which brings us back to steel. While all steels can work with rough edges, very fine edges with low angles do not work well on high carbide volume, high alloy alloys. You need fine grain alloys with low carbide volume to get the best results. This includes the 1095 and 10xx series in general, M2, W1-W7, 52100 and Hitachi Shirogami/Aogami from the non-smudge resistant category. The dirt-resistant group includes the 12C27, 13C26, AEB-L, M390 series and more. Unfortunately, these steels don’t always fare well in the wear resistance department, at least not when compared to alloys like CPM 10V, CPM S110V, CPM S125V, K294, M4, M2, etc.

If you have a lot of abrasive material to cut, like cardboard or rope, consider a more wear-resistant alloy. Then again, you really don’t want to shave with a razor sharpened to 700 or even 1000 grit! A razor is an extreme example, but if you need a very sharp edge you need it to be thin and very fine. Polishing is just a side effect, not a goal.

Finally, before we delve into other performance factors, it’s important to note that putting a proper cutting edge on any knife will yield most of its performance, regardless of alloy. So far there is no alloy that does not become blunt.

Sooner or later you will need to sharpen your knives. A dull knife made of high-quality steel performs worse than a sharp household knife. Better steel allows for either a thinner or more durable edge, or both, but it needs to be sharpened and properly cared for. As simple as that.

blade geometry

An important aspect of blade geometry is blade thickness. No matter what steel is used, thicker knives are stronger but cut less well than thinner ones. Heavy-duty folders feature thicker blades and sacrifice some cutting ability for strength.

If you are concerned about the strength of your armored binder you can always opt for a harder steel such as CPM 3V or A2. However, a thickness of 3/8″-1/4″ offers plenty of strength for a semi-decent steel binder.

edge geometry

Edge geometry is defined by the shape and angle at which the edge is sharpened.

As for angles, thin edges cut better, while thick edges are stronger and more durable. However, because thicker edges require more force to cut, they don’t last proportionately longer than thinner edges. As for the possible edge configurations, there are quite a few to choose from. Charts can be viewed on the Nose Edge Types page.

Chisel edge is the sharpest, followed by V grind. You need a grinding system to make V-edges because the human hand just can’t make a straight angle. If you want a V-cut, choose a fine-grain alloy. In terms of edge angle, not all alloys can support edges below 15° per side or 30° inclusive. That being said, the intended use should dictate what type of cutting edge you want for your knife.

Edge geometry is independent of edge finish, but for maximum sharpness you’ll need a chisel or V, and then you’re probably looking for a very fine edge as well. Convex edges are a kind of perfect middle ground that strikes a good balance between cutting ability and durability.

In summary, edges angled 30° and above can be supported by all alloy types discussed here unless they are underhardened. If you want a thinner edge you need to go to fine grain low alloy steels like 1095, W1, W2, O1, Aogami, Shirogami, 52100, AEB-L, 12C27 and similar, also you need high hardness like Gut.

For EDC use, a 30° inclusive edge with a coarse/medium finish of 600 to 1200 grit for the final finish will suffice, any of the alloys will do. If you know the steel is a little softer you can always use a double bevel edge which will give you a stronger, more durable edge. It cuts almost the same or even better than a single bevel, depending on the thickness of the blade. In other words, thickness behind the edge plays a big part in overall cutting performance and a low-angle secondary bevel enhances this aspect and aids in cutting ability.

corrosion resistance

Stain-resistant alloys are more common in binders because they require less maintenance and can handle more abuse (from environmental exposure and neglect).

The general perception is that stainless steels are more brittle, harder to sharpen and more prone to breakage. In reality, none of this is true, or at least represents the true state of affairs. Failure to do so will rust all stainless steels used in knives except H1 and TN15X.

How brittle a knife is depends on heat treatment, geometry, blade strength, and other design considerations. Yes, stain-resistant alloys aren’t as tough as some of the carbon or tool steels, but that doesn’t mean they’re inherently brittle. More important is the fact that the fine edge is the most susceptible to corrosion than the rest of the blade.

If you do some research, you’ll find some puzzled reports of razor-sharp carbon steel knives dulling just sitting in the drawer. This can be avoided if you keep them oiled in the drawer; However, if you anticipate humid or aggressive environments for your knife, stain-resistant steel may be a better option.

There are numerous stainless steels to choose from: 420HC, 425M, 440C, 12C27, 13C26, AUS-6 and AUS-8. Each of these offer decent performance for budget knives. Typically these are around 55-58 HRC, although some of them can be taken to 60-61 HRC. If you want to squeeze something more out of these steels you can always use a double bevel edge, with a primary bevel at an angle of 20° to 30° inclusive and a secondary at around 40°. It will definitely beat a single 40° bevel including the edge.

Mid-range and high-end stainless steels are also plentiful; There is CPM154 (which is not 154CM but a CPM version of it and the Japanese version ATS-34), VG-10, CPM S30V and CPM S35VN. The CPM154 and VG-10 can accommodate very fine, polished edges, while the S30V and S35VN work best with coarser edges for utility use or highly polished edges for kitchen use.

D2, a semi-stainless alloy, can also achieve very good results. It works well for utility purposes in the 58-62 HRC range with a coarse edge, but I have used 64 HRC D2 kitchen knives with 100,000 polished edges with excellent results.

Then there are high-end alloys like ZDP-189, CPM S90V, CPM S110V, CPM S125V. ZDP-189 can reach up to 67-68 HRC. While hemmers aren’t quite in that hardness range, even at 63-64 HRC, ZDP-189 performs very well in butt cutting. Keep in mind that despite its very high chromium content of 20%, ZDP-189 is still susceptible to corrosion in humid environments. The reason is simple, 3% carbon in ZDP-189 locks up a lot of chromium in carbides, leaving less free chromium to resist corrosion.

If you prefer rough edges or plan to cut a ton of rope or cardboard, you can opt for the CPM S110V, M390 or Elmax.

With the exception of M390 (and its equivalents of Carpenter and Latrobe CTS-204p, Duratech 20CV) the alloys mentioned in the last paragraph work best at around 30° including edge. Sharpening these steels (CPM S90V, CPM S110V, CPM S125V) to anything over 1000 grit results in a loss of performance and time. I’ve done it more than once, alternating between 700-800 grit and 100K edges, and in terms of aggressiveness and durability, rough edges are very difficult to achieve on these steels. At high grits they lose most of the carbides and are left with a less wear-resistant steel matrix that looks shiny and sharp but no longer has the bite, although it can still push reasonably well.

ZDP-189 works well with a highly polished edge, but after some experimentation it is agreed that even for kitchen use 24° including edge is the lower threshold for it, at least when the hardness is in the 64-66 HRC range, any lower than that and microchipping causes excessive matting. I haven’t used ZDP-189 any softer than that, but softer steel doesn’t help with thin edges either.

carbon and tool steels

If corrosion resistance is not a concern, there are many very good alloys to choose from. There is no official rule separating carbon steels from tool steels (except for the 10xx series, but even these are sometimes referred to as spring or tool steels).

Overall, tool steels are a very large category and have a few subgroups. None of these alloys were designed for use in knives, but some of them work very well. More specifically, high speed and cold work steels offer a whole range of good opportunities.

Low-alloy tool steels also look good in folders. Keep in mind that opinels are traditionally made from this type of alloy. In terms of value for money, they’re hard to beat as they combine reasonable toughness and edge stability.

There is also a shockproof group like S1, S7, L6, but in folders they do not offer any advantage over other groups. Impact-resistant alloys are best for large, heavy-duty blades and swords. Shock resistance alone does not detract from knife performance, but when it comes at the expense of other features that are more useful in a small knife like a folding knife, it is undesirable.

From the tool steel category, you can select the most powerful for special applications or very good all-round alloys. You can opt for better toughness, edge stability, high wear resistance, edge stability or a combination of these. While wear resistance is an important factor, it is not the sole determinant of edge retention. Toughness and strength are also key factors. If the cutting edge is chipping or rolling off due to lack of toughness or strength, high wear resistance alone won’t do you any good.

Simple, low-alloy steels are fairly easy to heat treat and are therefore less expensive, and there is less chance of anything going wrong during the HT process. Low alloy steels like 1095, W1 and others are also very versatile alloys. In the low/medium hardness range, they are suitable for large blades or heavily used folders. With a maximum hardness of 64-65 HRC, they are very good high-performance milling cutters.

They also have an amazingly sharp edge. Hitachi Shirogami series, Aogami Super and Aogami 1, 2 are excellent examples. I suppose the 1095 wouldn’t be the best choice for cutting abrasive materials like rope or cardboard unless I strictly adhered to butt cutting, but that’s rather counterproductive. CPM 10V or M4 perform much better for these jobs and you will end up cutting faster and end up feeling less tired.

More complex (medium and high alloy) steels include cold work, high speed, ball bearing and other steels. High speed steels are interesting because they have very high hardness combined with reasonable toughness and contain enough carbides to also have solid wear resistance.

M4 was a steel of choice in several knives by cutting competition winners. M2, formerly used in Benchmade and Gerber knives, was also an excellent performer. But that doesn’t mean that a good knife steel has to be a high-speed steel.

Böhler-Uddeholm K390 is a cold work steel and one of the best performers on the market, especially when cutting abrasive material. D2 is another cold work steel and offers solid performance with proper heat treatment. 52100 is still popular when refined edges with high stability are desired. CPM 3V is another very good and versatile alloy. Known primarily for its toughness and wear resistance, it is an excellent choice for large knives, but at around 62-63 HRC it performs very well for small knives and binders. There is CPM 4V and its counterpart Vanadis 4E from Böhler-Uddeholm, which is even better suited for small knives and reaches a working hardness of 65-66 HRC.

Another group of steels that some see as a direction in future steel development are nitrogen steels. Nitrogen has long been used in steels: Busse INFI has ~0.75%, Cronidur – 0.40%, etc. However, if earlier the nitrogen content in the alloy was typically below 0.5%, newer alloys have a much higher nitrogen content, nitrobes 77 – 0.90%, Vanax 35 – 1.90% and the latest, Vanax 75 – 4.20%. The last is an excellent performer, but rarely in folders; However, neither Vanax 35 nor Nitrobe 77 are slippers.

A final word on tool steels in general. While many tool steels are good for knives, just because a steel falls into a tool steel category doesn’t automatically make it a good choice for knives intended for humans. Humans cut very differently than machines, and industrial tools in general are often nothing like knives, even though they are both designed to cut things.

Common types of knife steels

Every knife owner knows that the blade makes or breaks a knife. Before purchasing any type of knife, you should always know what material the blade is made of, as each type has its own pros and cons.

Although each category often has numerous qualities and variations, it is important to have a general knowledge of blade materials. Below is a brief breakdown of the most common types of knife blade materials.

stainless steel blades

The stainless steel blade is one of the most popular blades for knives due to its durability and resistance to corrosion. Stainless steel is a metal alloy generally composed of at least 11% chromium, iron, nickel, molybdenum and carbon. However, there are many different grades and compositions of stainless steel, which vary depending on the properties used to make the material.

Although these blades are preferred for their resistance to rusting, they tend to discolor in certain environments and are typically not as sharp as other materials such as carbon or ceramic. Knives that commonly use stainless steel blades include cutlery, dive knives, and pocket knives.

Carbon steel blades

Before the popularity of stainless steel, carbon steel was used for most blades. Carbon steel blades are some of the sharpest blades on the market and are much easier to sharpen than stainless steel blades. The lack of chrome in the blades means they are very susceptible to rust and corrosion and require careful cleaning after each use. Carbon steel also discolours easily, which is why it is rarely used for high quality kitchen knives. However, its general durability and sharpness make it a popular blade material for survival knives, hunting knives, and pocket knives.

titanium blades

Titanium is a very strong material that resists rust and is easily distinguished from other blade types due to its dark, silver hue. Titanium blades tend to be softer and not as sharp as other types, so they are sometimes coated with a different material. Titanium’s non-magnetic and durable properties make these blades popular in dive knives, pocket knives and even bomb disposal knives.

Properties of knife steel

Without going deep into metallurgy, here is a brief overview of the key steel properties that affect knife performance.

Grain Size – Steel is made up of grains, and smaller is better. Reducing grain size increases toughness and strength.

Strength – Ability to resist deformation and rolling. This is primarily controlled by Rockwell hardness.

Toughness – Ability to resist chipping and/or fracture.

Wear Resistance – Ability to withstand abrasive wear.

Edge Stability – Ability to hold a fine, sharp, polished edge.

Ideally you need the smallest grit and everything else as high as possible. Unfortunately, things don’t work that way in real life. Increasing strength by increasing hardness reduces toughness, and high wear resistance is associated with high carbide volume. So you’d have to compromise and decide which property is more important, and that’s where intended use, edge geometry, and the other factors come into play.

About standards and names of knife steel

Unfortunately, there isn’t a single rule that can clarify the naming conventions for steel. The actual picture is very complicated and quite messy. There are dozens of national steel standards and they are constantly changing. Some countries have more than one standard. (For example, USA has AISI, ASTM, UNS; Germany has Din and W-Nr; etc.)

Generally, the steel standard specification defines alloy compositions, groups them in some way, and then individual steelmakers use these standards as a guide, while allowing the actual steel composition to vary within the specification limits. Therefore, there is no D2 steel per se. D2 is a standard specification for an alloy from the AISI standard. Anyone wishing to make an alloy within these specifications can do so, be it Crucible or Böhler-Uddeholm. They can call their product the D2 or another name like CPM D2 (Crucible) or K110 (Bohler-Uddeholm).

Because many steel compositions are similar, the standard specifications for many alloys are very similar. This allows cross-referencing alloys and making sense of different names. For example, the same AISI D2 is very similar to Japanese JIS SKD11 or German W-Nr 1.2379 standard specifications. However, they don’t agree 100% either.

Strictly speaking, there is no international book of equivalents for steel standards, but we can match alloys based on their specifications within a few tolerances. Sometimes a single specification of one standard covers several more stringent specifications of another. For example, AISI W1 has a carbon content of 0.70% to 1.50%, more than 100% variation is allowed. The standards of several European countries have half a dozen or more individual specifications that fall under the W1 standard. And to make things even better, AISI also has its own specifications like W107, W108, W109 and so on, which are just stricter versions of W1.

Aside from standards, there are proprietary alloys that do not fall under any standard specification. In fact, alloys designed specifically for knives, including CPM S30V, CPM S35V, Aogami Series, Shirogami Series, VG-10, ZDP-189, and others, do not fall under any national standard. There are also a lot of other very good alloys that aren’t specifically designed for knives and don’t conform to any standard specification but work well in knives.

As you can see, each steel standard can and will have its own naming conventions, and proprietary alloys basically have whatever name their manufacturers want. Due to the scope of this article, it’s not realistic to cover all naming conventions, but a few simple rules for the most common steel standards (for knife blades, at least) are out there.

AISI standard

It has been replaced by UNS, but in the knife world, AISI names are very popular. 1xxx stands for carbon steels, where the last two digits indicate the average carbon content in %, 1095 means carbon steel with about 0.95% carbon.

5xxx or 51xxx or 52xxx indicates chrome steels

Ax denotes air-hardening, medium-alloy tool steel, e.g. A2.

Fx stands for carbon/tungsten tool steel

Dx indicates cold work steel, with Cr between 10% and 13%;

Hx denotes hot work steel

Lx designates low-alloy tool steel

Sx stands for high-impact tool steel

Ox stands for oil hardening tool steel

Px denotes plastic mold tool steel

Mx denotes high-speed molybdenum-based tool steel

Tx stands for Tungsten-Based High Speed ​​Tool Steel

Wx denotes water-hardening tool steel

DIN/EN standards

Cxx or CKxx indicate plain carbon steels, where xx or xxx indicate carbon content multiplied by 100. CK90 would be 0.90% carbon, which is roughly equivalent to AISI 1095 or 1090.

Steel names preceded by an X indicate high-alloy steel. The first number after X is always carbon, with a multiplier of 100. (For example, X105CrMoV17 has 1.05% carbon, 17% chromium, and an unspecified amount of molybdenum. You’ll have to dig up the standard specification for an exact composition.)

W number standard

There are no real rules to decrypt content, just numbers. However, groups can be identified by numbers:

1.0xxx, 1.1xxx, plain carbon steels

1.2xxx – medium-alloy tool steels

1.3xxx – high speed steels

1.4xxx – Stainless steels

summary

Unless you are interested in a specific alloy for one reason or another, you have a wide variety of steels to choose from. There are no scrap steels per se used in knife making today, unless it’s one of those “surgical stainless” steel knives made by who knows where and how.

There are your base or entry level alloys that offer solid performance for everyday EDC applications including 420HC, 440C, 8Cr13MoV, 8Cr17, 12C27 and many others. Sharpen them properly and you’ve got solid performance.

After that, it only gets better with high-end alloys like ZDP-189, M390, K390, K294, Aogami, and Shirogami.

What really matters is whether you like the knife and whether you can properly maintain and sharpen it. The rest is just looking for improvement and perfection.

Damascus steel is a combination of two or more steels that are layered and forged together multiple times. This combination gives it functional and aesthetic advantages.

The multi-layer forged steel composition gives Damascus steel the multiple rings and lines of various steel-like colors; This is one of the reasons it is so popular. The steels used in Damascus steel are often a mixture of a high carbon steel and a nickel alloy steel. The former gives it excellent hardness and the latter gives it toughness that resists brittle fracture and some resistance to corrosion.

A Brief History of Damascus Steel

The name “Damascus” comes from its ancient roots as it was thought to have come from the Damascus region of Syria. It is known for its unique patterns created by forging different types of steel together, resulting in an impressive looking finish. It also has a great blend of ductility and hardness that also makes it desirable for certain applications.

How is damascus steel made?

Damascus steel is not usually manufactured on a large scale. It is more common for Damascus steel to be made by artisans with blacksmithing equipment. The process begins with the selection of two or more grades of steel like those mentioned above. These relatively thin pieces of steel are stripped of their oxides and then alternately stacked in some fashion.

Next, the clean, layered steels are heated to forging temperature. Once the temperature is reached, flux is added to further remove the oxides from the steel.

After the addition of flux, forge welds are made to join the layers together. This is typically done with a hammer and anvil or a press. The hammer and anvil or press are used to lengthen the steel by reducing its thickness. Then the steel is folded onto itself and the process repeats itself and can be repeated several times until the desired number of layers is achieved. It is also common to twist the welded steel layers at this point to increase the uniqueness of the pattern.

After all these steps, the steel is continuously hot worked until the desired dimensions are reached. Various heat treatment processes are used to control distortion and achieve the desired mechanical properties for the finished product.

What is damascus steel used for?

Damascus steel is used in craft metal products that require ductility and toughness. One of the most common uses is in knife making. Cookware and utensils are other popular types of products made from Damascus steel. Ornaments and jewelry are also sometimes made from Damascus steel.

Read on: Metals for making knives

REPLY:

The difference between an A and SA designation has to do with endorsement of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code. When A36 steel meets the SA specification for ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section II, it can be designated SA36 and used in boilers and pressure vessels.

Learn more about the difference between A36 and SA36.

carbon steel and alloy steel

Marco is a supplier of carbon steel wire mesh and grating. We stock a variety of carbon steel grades including: 1018, A36, 1144, 12L14, A366/1008, A513 and 8620.

There are four types of carbon steel based on the amount of carbon present in the alloy. Lower carbon steels are softer and easier to form, and higher carbon steels are harder and stronger but less ductile and are more difficult to machine and weld. Below are the properties of carbon steel grades:

Low carbon steel: composition of 0.05% – 0.25% carbon and up to 0.4% manganese. Also known as mild steel, it is an inexpensive material that is easily formed. Although not as hard as higher carbon steels, carburizing can increase its surface hardness.

Composition of 0.05% – 0.25% carbon and up to 0.4% manganese. Also known as mild steel, it is an inexpensive material that is easily formed. Although not as hard as higher carbon steels, carburizing can increase its surface hardness. Medium carbon steel: composition of 0.29% to 0.54% carbon with 0.60% to 1.65% manganese. Medium carbon steel is ductile and strong, with durable properties.

Composition of 0.29% – 0.54% carbon, with 0.60% – 1.65% manganese. Medium carbon steel is ductile and strong, with durable properties. High carbon steel: composition of 0.55% – 0.95% carbon with 0.30% – 0.90% manganese. It is very strong and has good shape memory, making it ideal for springs and wire.

Composition of 0.55% – 0.95% carbon, with 0.30% – 0.90% manganese. It is very strong and has good shape memory, making it ideal for springs and wire. Very high carbon steel: composition from 0.96% to 2.1% carbon. Its high carbon content makes it an extremely strong material. This grade requires special handling due to its brittleness.

A36 mild steel

ASTM A36 steel is the most commonly available hot rolled steel. It is generally available in square bar, rectangular bar, as well as steel shapes such as I-beams, H-beams, angles and channels. Due to the hot rolling process, the surface of this steel is somewhat rough. Note that its yield strength is also well below 1018 – meaning it will bend much more quickly than 1018. Finally, this material is noticeably more difficult to machine than 1018 steel, but the cost is typically significantly less.

ASTM A36 Mild (low carbon) steel

Minimum Properties Tensile Strength, psi 58,000 – 79,800 Yield Strength, psi 36,300 Elongation 20.0% Chemical Iron (Fe) 99% Carbon (C) 0.26% Manganese (Mn) 0.75% Copper (Cu) 0.2% Phosphorus (P ) 0.04% max Sulfur (S) 0.05% max

1018 mild steel

Alloy 1018 is the most commonly available cold rolled steel. It is generally available in round bar, square bar and rectangular bar. It has a good combination of all the typical properties of steel – strength, a certain ductility and comparatively easy machining. Chemically it is very similar to A36 hot rolled steel, but the cold rolling process produces better surface finish and properties.

1018 Mild (low carbon) steel

Minimum Properties Tensile Strength, psi 63,800 Yield Strength, psi 53,700 Elongation 15.0% Rockwell Hardness B71 Chemical Iron (Fe) 98.81 – 99.26% Carbon (C) 0.18% Manganese (Mn) 0.6 – 0.9 % Phosphorus (P) 0.04% Sulfur max (S) 0.05% max

1144 (stress resistant equivalent) steel

This material is actually pretty cool, at least for steel. It is a higher strength alloy than 1018 or A36 but also has improved ductility. However, the main characteristic of 1144 steel is that it has very little deformation or warping after machining due to a combination of chemistry, manufacturing process and heat treatment. Finally, 1144 is relatively easy to machine, with a machinability rate of 83% of AISI 1212 steel.

1144 (duty equivalent) steel

Minimum Properties Tensile Strength, 115,000 psi Yield Strength, 100,000 psi Elongation 8.0% Rockwell Hardness B95 / C17 Chemical Iron (Fe) 97.54 – 98.01% Carbon (C) 0.4 – 0.44% Manganese (Mn) 1 .35 – 1.65% Phosphorus (P) 0.04% max. Sulfur (S) 0.24 – 0.33%

Free cutting steel 12L14

Lead is added to this alloy to improve machinability. In fact, it is rated at 160% machinability of AISI 1212 steel. However, the addition of lead reduces the strength of this alloy, although it is generally stronger than 1018.

12L14 free cutting steel

Minimum Properties Tensile Strength, psi 78,300 Yield Strength, psi 60,200 Elongation 10.0% Rockwell Hardness B84 Chemical Iron (Fe) 97.91 – 98.7% Carbon (C) 0.15% max Manganese (Mn) 0.85 – 1 .15% Phosphorus (P) 0.04 – 0.09% Lead (Pb) 0.15 – 0.35% Sulfur (S) 0.26 – 0.35%

A366/1008 steel

This alloy is generally used for “commercial grade” cold rolled steel sheet. It is known for its very good formability and comparatively high strength. It has a very good surface finish far superior to hot rolled A36.

ASTM A366 (Alloy 1008) steel

Minimum Properties Tensile Strength, psi 43,900 – 51,900 Yield Strength, psi 26,100 – 34,800 Elongation 42 – 48% Chemical Iron (Fe) 99% Carbon (C) 0.08% Manganese (Mn) 0.6% max Phosphorus (P) 0.035% max Copper (Cu) 0.2% minimum Sulfur (S) 0.04%

A513 (Alloy 1020-1026) steel

This alloy is commonly used for DOM tubes. Its higher carbon content means higher strength but lower weldability and machinability.

ASTM A513 Alloys 1020 – 1026 Mild (low carbon) steel

Minimum Properties Tear Strength, psi 87,000 Yield Strength, psi 72,000 Elongation 10.0% Rockwell Hardness B89 Chemical Iron (Fe) 99.08 – 99.53% Carbon (C) 0.18 – 0.23% Manganese (Mn) 0.3 – 0.6% Phosphorus (P) 0.04% max. Sulfur (S) 0.05% max

8620 alloy steel

This material features a hard outer surface combined with a ductile interior for greater strength.

Alloy Steel 8620 (Chromium Nickel Molybdenum).

Standard for structural steel

A36 steel is a common structural steel alloy used in the United States.[1] The A36 standard was established by ASTM International. The standard was published in 1960 and has been updated several times since then.[2] Before 1960, the prevailing standards for structural steel in North America were A7 (until 1967[3]) and A9 (for buildings, until 1940[4]).[5] Note that SAE/AISI A7 and A9 tool steels are not the same as legacy ASTM A7 and A9 structural steels.

Chemical composition [ edit ]

Chemical Composition (%, ≤) for Molds Standard C Si Mn P S Cu ASTM A36/A36M 0.26 0.40 1.03 0.04 0.05 0.20

Note: Molds with a flange thickness greater than 3 inches (76 mm) require 0.85-1.35% manganese and 0.15-0.40% silicon.

Properties[edit]

Like most steels, A36 has a density of 7,800 kg/m3 (0.28 lb/cu in). The modulus of elasticity for A36 steel is 200 GPa (29,000,000 psi).[6] A36 steel has a Poisson’s ratio of 0.32 and a shear modulus of 78 GPa (11,300,000 psi).

A36 steel in plate, bar, and shapes less than 203 mm (8 in) thick has a minimum yield strength of 250 MPa (36,000 psi) and an ultimate tensile strength of 400–550 MPa (58,000–80,000 psi). Plates greater than 8 inches thick have a yield strength of 220 MPa (32,000 psi) and the same tensile strength of 400–550 MPa (58,000–80,000 psi).[1] The electrical resistance of A36 is 0.142 μΩm at 20 °C. A36 bars and shapes maintain ultimate strength up to 343°C (650°F). After that, the minimum strength drops from 58,000 psi (400 MPa): 54,000 psi (370 MPa) at 700 °F (371 °C); 310 MPa (45,000 psi) at 399°C (750°F); 260 MPa (37,000 psi) at 427°C (800°F).

Fabricated forms[ edit ]

A36 is manufactured in a variety of forms including:

plates

Structural Shapes

bars

carrier

angle iron

T iron

Connection methods[ edit ]

A36 can be easily welded with all welding processes. As a result, the most common welding methods for A36 are the cheapest and simplest: gas-shielded arc welding (SMAW or stick welding), metal-shielded arc welding (GMAW or MIG welding), and oxyacetylene welding. A36 steel is also commonly bolted and riveted in structural applications. High-strength bolts have largely replaced mild steel rivets. In fact, the latest steelwork specifications published by AISC (the 14th edition) no longer cover their installation.

See also[edit]

Low carbon or mild steel contains 0.3% or less carbon by volume.

Medium carbon steel contains 0.3% to 0.6% carbon.

High carbon steels contain more than 0.6% carbon.

Differences between hot rolled and cold rolled steel

Hot rolled steel process

Cold rolled steel process

Hot rolled steel grades

A36 Hot Rolled Steel

truck frame

Agricultural equipment

shelves

Walkways, ramps and crash barriers

structural support

follower

General Manufacturing

1018 Hot Rolled Carbon Steel Bar

transmission

pinion

ratchets

Oil tool slips

pencils

chain pins

liners

rivets

anchor pins

1011 hot rolled steel sheet

Building & Construction

Automotive & Transportation

cargo containers

canopy

domestic appliances

heavy equipment

Hot rolled steel ASTM A513

engine mounts

sockets

building construction/architecture

Cars and associated equipment (trailers, etc.)

Industrial equipment

Frame for solar panels

domestic appliances

Aerospace

Agricultural implements

Hot rolled steel ASTM A786

flooring

catwalk

1020/1025 hot rolled steel

tools and matrices

machine parts

car equipment

Industrial equipment

Your Trusted Resource for Hot Rolled Steel

Steel is an alloy of iron that contains a small amount of carbon. Steel comes in different grades based on the percentage of carbon it contains. The different grades of steel are categorized according to their respective carbon content. Hot rolled steel grades are divided into the following carbon groups: Small amounts of other alloying materials such as chromium, manganese or tungsten are also added to make many more steel grades. Different grades of steel offer several unique properties such as tensile strength, ductility, formability, durability, and thermal and electrical conductivity. Most steels are produced in two main ways: hot rolling or cold rolling. Hot rolled steel is a rolling process in which the steel is roll pressed at high temperature. Generally, the temperature for hot rolled steel exceeds 1700°F. Cold rolled steel is a process in which steel is roll pressed at room temperature. It is important to note that both hot rolled and cold rolled steel are not grades of steel. They are the prefabrication techniques used for a variety of steel products. In hot rolled steel, the steel slabs are formed into a long strip and rolled while being heated above their optimum rolling temperature. The glowing slab is fed through a series of rolling mills to form and stretch it into a thin strip. After forming, the steel strip is water-cooled and wound into a coil. Different water cooling rates develop different metallurgical properties in the steel. Normalizing hot rolled steel at room temperature allows for increased strength and ductility surfaces or precise shapes and tolerances. Cold rolled steel is heated and cooled like hot rolled steel, but then further processed by annealing or temper rolling to develop higher tensile strength and yield strength. The additional labor and time involved in processing increases costs, but allows for tighter dimensional tolerances and a wide range of finishing options. This steel form has a smoother finish and is used in applications that require a specific surface finish and dimensional tolerance. Common applications for cold rolled steel include structural parts, metal furniture, home appliances, automotive parts, and engineering applications where precision or aesthetics are required. Hot rolled steel is available in multiple grades to meet your project specifications. The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) or the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) establish the standards and grades according to each metal’s physical structure and capabilities. ASTM steel grades begin with the letter “A” which stands for ferrous metals. The SAE rating system (also known as the American Iron and Steel Institute or AISI system) uses a four-digit number for classification. Plain carbon steel grades in this system begin with the digit 10 followed by two whole numbers denoting carbon concentration. The following are common grades of hot rolled steel. cold rolled options. A36 hot rolled steel is one of the most popular hot rolled steels available (it also comes in a cold rolled version which is much less common). This low carbon steel retains less than 0.3% carbon content, 1.03% manganese, 0.28% silicon, 0.2% copper, 0.04% phosphorus and 0.05% sulfur by weight. Common industrial A36 steel applications include: Along with A36, one of the most common steel grades is AISI/SAE 1018. Typically this grade is preferred over A36 for bar or strip forms. 1018 steel is available in both hot-rolled and cold-rolled finishes, although cold-rolled steel is more commonly used. Both versions have better strength and hardness than A36 and are better suited to cold forming operations such as bending or upsetting. 1018 contains only 0.18% carbon and 0.6-0.9% manganese, less than A36. It also contains traces of phosphorus and sulfur but fewer impurities than A36. Typical applications of 1018 steel include: 1011 Hot rolled steel sheet and plate offers a rougher surface than cold rolled steel and plate. Galvanized, it is also used where corrosion resistance is required. High strength and high formability HR steel sheets and plates are easy to drill, form and weld. Hot rolled steel sheets and plates are available as standard hot rolled or hot rolled P&O. Some of the advantages associated with 1011 hot rolled steel sheet and plate include improved formability, high production rate and lower compared to cold rolling. Applications include: The ASTM A513 specification is for hot rolled carbon steel pipe. Hot rolled steel tubing is manufactured by passing heated sheet metal through rollers to achieve specific physical dimensions. The finished product has a rough surface finish with rounded corners and is of either welded or seamless construction. Because of these factors, hot rolled steel tubing is best suited for applications that do not require precise shapes or tight tolerances. Hot rolled steel pipe is easily cut, welded, formed and machined. It is used in numerous industrial applications including: Hot rolled ASTM A786 steel is hot rolled to high strength. It is commonly manufactured for steel tread plates for the following applications: 1020/1025 DOM steel is ideal for structural and engineering applications and is commonly used for the following applications: Industrial Metal Supply is an industry leading leader in hot rolled A36 and 1018 steel steel products . We offer next day delivery and call pickup for convenient purchasing options. Call or visit one of our 6 locations for more information on our hot rolled steel products or request a quote today for more pricing details.

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and American Society for Mechanical Engineers (ASME) SA36 sheet steel grades are widely used in construction because of their strength and hardness. Both A36 and SA36 are available through Kloeckner Metals in a variety of shapes, thicknesses, widths and lengths, most commonly in sheet steel.

Download our mild steel data sheet

Kloeckner Metals is a full-line steel supplier and service center. Download our Structural Plate Technical Data Sheet to see in more detail what Kloeckner Metals routinely stocks.

Because of their strength and value, A36 and SA36 are extremely versatile metals that can be found in a wide variety of applications. Here’s what we routinely deliver:

Item Brief Description Quality Product Brief Description (Thickness “) Width ” Length ” Coil SA36 3/16″ – 1/2″ 84″, 96″ Cut to any length SA36 3/16″ – 1/2″ 84″ – 96″ Any hot rolled (strip mill ) A36 / SA36 3/16″, 1/4″, 5/16″, 3/8″, 7/16″, 1/2″ 48″, 60″, 72″ Any Discrete (Roll Rolled) A36 / SA36 3 /16″, 1/4″, 5/16 84″ – 120″ 240″ – 480″ Discrete (roll rolled) A36 / SA36 3/8″ – 12″* 72″ – 144″ 240″ – 480″

What is the difference between ASTM A36 and ASME SA36?

Let’s start with A36. A36 carbon steel plate is a common structural steel plate that you will find in a number of applications and industries as it brings rigidity and strength to projects at a better price than other grades of steel plate. You will typically find A36 bolted and riveted in various structural applications. It can be easily welded with all welding processes, including inert gas shielded arc welding, gas metal arc welding and oxyfuel welding.

SA36 steel is simply a variant of A36 that has virtually all of the same properties but one important difference.

How are the steel grades A36 and SA36 defined differently?

ASTM and ASME standards for steel and other metals are very similar or even appear to be identical. However, the A36 and SA36 classes may have slight differences due to each organization’s criteria. In fact, technically only ASTM A36 and ASME SA36 exist; You won’t find ASTM SA36.

ASTM A36 covers construction grade carbon steel shapes, plates and rods for use in riveted, bolted or welded construction of bridges and buildings and for general building purposes. In comparison, ASME publishes design codes and standards for pressure applications. ASME standards are generally based on corresponding ASTM standards, but standard numbers are preceded by the letters “SA” rather than just the “A” of the ASTM standards.

The difference between an A and SA designation has to do with a material’s ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code approval. When a material is supplied to an SA material specification, it meets the requirements of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section II, and may be used in articles manufactured to the standard. When a material is supplied with an A designation, it meets the lower requirements of ASTM A36 – it is generally similar or the same, but has not been recommended by ASME for boiler and pressure vessels.

That’s it!

In some cases the material designations A and SA can be equivalent; in other cases, an A designation may not be acceptable for use in code production. In other words, SA36 could be used on any project requiring A36, but ASTM A36 could not be used on projects requiring ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code endorsement. A reference source is the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Codes, Part 2, Section II – Materials and Specifications.

What are some common uses for ASTM A36 and ASME SA36?

Steel designation A36 is one of the most used in construction due to its strength. Common uses include bridges, buildings and other general structural uses. However, it is not intended for use as a cable. In addition to the same uses as A36 steel, SA36 steel can be used in the construction of boilers and pressure vessels.

A36 mild steel appears in:

build frame

bridges

construction machinery

machinery

truck parts

crane boom

transmission towers

Freight wagons

SA36 can be used in all of the above cases and also:

Boilers & Pressure Vessels

How Does ASTM A36 and ASME SA36 Compare Steel Densities?

A36 steel and SA36 steel both have a physical density of 7.85 g/cc (metric) or 0.284 lb/in³ (English).

What are the yield strengths for A36 steel and SA36 steel?

ASTM A36 steel and ASME SA36 steel both have a yield strength of 250 MPa, which is 36,300 psi.

What is the tensile strength for A36 steel and SA36 steel?

Tensile strength for A36 steel measures between 400 and 550 MPa (58,000 to 79,800 psi). SA36 steel measures a tensile strength of 400-650 MPa.

Hardness of A36 steel and SA36 steel

ASTM A36 steel and ASME SA36 steel measure between 119-159 on the Brinell hardness scale and 67-83 on the Rockwell hardness scale.

Modulus of elasticity of steel A36 and steel SA36

The modulus of elasticity for ASTM A36 and ASME SA 36 steel is 200 GPa (29,000 ksi).

Which ASTM A36 and ASME SA36 steel plates does Kloeckner have in stock?

Due to its versatility and popularity, Kloeckner Metals stocks A36 steel and SA36 steel at its more than 40 North American locations. It is available in a variety of forms, most commonly sheet steel.

Contact our qualified team now

On the market for A36 steel? Kloeckner Metals is a full-line steel supplier and service center. We combine a national presence with the latest manufacturing and processing technologies and the most innovative customer service solutions.