GOST R6M5F3-MP Knife Steel
Composition Analysis Graph, Equivalents And Overview

R6M5F3-MP(GOST) - High speed, Tungsten-Molybdenum high speed tool steel. A bit an odd one in terms of specs. There is a non PM version of the same alloy, at least the name is the same without MP postfix, indicating non PM steel: R6M5F3 high speed tool steel. As one would think just a change in technology wouldn't warrant composition spec change, but in this case it does. R6M5F3-MP has slightly difference composition, including higher Carbon and Vanadium content, but a bit less Chromium, Tungsten and Molybdenum. R6M5F3-MP states up to 0.50% Cobalt, but that's rather trace amount. Still, the difference is not too significant, and R6M5F3-MP could be included in AISI M3:1 high speed steel group, although it is rather unusual to have PM technology be a part of a standard spec, hence the separate group. Performance wise, somewhere between AISI M2 and AISI M4 high speed tool steels. R6M5F3-MP is closer to AISI M2 actually, which is a well respected choice for many knives custom and production alike. R6M5F3-MP contains a bit more V and Mo than AISI M2, and for knife blade purposes, it'll be a bit more wear resistant than M2. AISI M4 however has even more C and V and a bit less Mo. I suppose that explains why M4 is more popular in knives.

Manufacturing Technology - PM

Country - Russia(RU)