ocel 420 J2
420J2 steel is a stainless steel that is often used in the manufacture of knives, especially those intended for general domestic use or outdoor activities. It is known for its high resistance to corrosion, making it popular for knives that come into frequent contact with moisture or food.
Characteristics of 420J2 steel:
- Composition: 420J2 steel contains approximately 0.15-0.4% carbon, making it a low carbon steel. This makes it not as hard as some premium cutlery steels, but very resistant to corrosion.
- Hardness: This steel reaches a hardness of approximately 54-56 HRC after hardening, which is sufficient for common kitchen knives that do not need extreme hardness.
- Corrosion resistance: The high chromium content (12-14%) makes 420J2 extremely resistant to corrosion, making it suitable for knives that are frequently washed or used in wet environments.
- Easy sharpening: 420J2 steel is easy to sharpen, which means that even with conventional abrasives, it is easy to restore its edge.
Use of 420J2 steel in the cutlery industry:
- Kitchen Knives: 420J2 steel is used in medium grade knives that are designed for everyday cooking. It is popular among home users due to its easy maintenance and resistance to stains.
- Outdoor and Hiking Knives: It is often used for knives designed for camping and outdoor activities where resistance to the elements is important.
- Decorative and training knives: Due to the low cost of production, it is also used for knives that are not primarily intended for cutting (e.g. replica or training knives).
Advantages:
- High corrosion resistance.
- Low cost and availability.
- Easy to sharpen and maintain.
Disadvantages:
- Lower hardness compared to premium cutlery steels, which means the blade dulls faster.
- Less suitable for knives that require high cutting performance and long blade life.
420J2 steel is ideal for users looking for reliable, durable and easy to maintain knives without the need for frequent maintenance. However, if you are looking for higher performance or longer blade life, more premium steels (e.g. VG10, SG2) may be a better choice.
