AISI 52100 Knife Steel
Composition Analysis Graph, Equivalents And Overview

52100(AISI) - Knife Steel FAQ - Formerly a ball-bearing steel, and as such previously only used by forgers, it's available in bar stock now. It is similar to 5160 (though it has around 1% carbon vs. 5160 ~.60%), but holds an edge better. It is less tough than 5160. It is used often for hunting knives and other knives where the user is willing to trade off a little of 5160's toughness for better wear resistance. However, with the continued improvement of 52100 heat treat, this steel is starting to show up in larger knives and showing excellent toughness. A modified 52100 under the SR-101 name is being used by Jerry Busse in his Swamp Rat knives. German equivalent 1.3505 is discontinued.

Manufacturing Technology - Ingot

Country - United States(US)

^* - Listed as an equivalent or replacement for alloys in this group.