steel 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, which makes it a low carbon steel. This makes it not as hard as some premium cutlery steels, but it is very resistant to corrosion.
- Hardness: after hardening, this steel reaches a hardness in the range of approximately 54-56 HRC, 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 grinding: 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 cutlery:
- Kitchen Knives: 420J2 steel is used for medium grade knives that are designed for everyday cooking. Its easy maintenance and stain resistance make it a favourite among home users.
- Outdoor and hiking knives: often used for knives intended for camping and outdoor activities where resistance to environmental influences is important.
- Decorative and training knives: due to its low production costs, it is also used for knives that are not primarily intended for cutting (e.g. replicas or training knives).
Advantages:
- High corrosion resistance.
- Low price and availability.
- Easy to sand and maintain.
Disadvantages:
- Lower hardness compared to premium knife 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.
