If you are in search of steel that has the perfect balance of toughness and wear resistance so that you get to experience ease in forging then it is the 52100 steel that you are looking for. The chemical composition and ideal balance of properties make the steel adored by knife makers. We will be going in-depth regarding all these details to get to know more about 52100.
What is 52100 Steel?
52100 is a ball-bearing alloy steel consisting of high carbon and high chromium. The 52100 is signified as chromium alloy steel due to the presence of high chromium. The steel has an outstanding capacity of holding the shape and edge of the blade while maintaining its integrity.
Initially, the 52100 was used for the production of ball bearings. But later the steel had supreme wear resistance, strength and great toughness level that is adequate for the manufacturing of knives when used individually or mixed with steels like 410 and 416. 52100 is most commonly used for making kitchen knives, customised knives and fixed knives as well. Some manufacturers also create large knives that are capable of tackling heavy impact.
Furthermore, 52100 steel can achieve smooth finishing on its surface and also gain proper edge and precise dimensions. For these properties, steel is used for manufacturing mechanical items as well which includes anti-friction bearings, asters, aeroplane components, dies, mill rolls, vehicle components, and tapes.
Chemical composition:
The numerals of 52100 steel indicate a lot about its chemical composition. The 5 stands indicate about the steel is a primary chromium alloy. The 2 shows the chromium percentage. The last 3 numerals show the average carbon percentage in the chemical composition of the steel.
52100 is a unique type of steel that consists of similar percentages of chromium and carbon but the per cent of carbon is higher than chromium making it carbon steel and not stainless.
- 1.1% of Carbon: Enhances the hardness level of the steel and also increases the ability of the steel to resist corrosion and wear.
- 1.5% of Chromium: Brings improvement to hardness, toughness, edge retention, tensile strength, and capacity of the steel to resist corrosion and wear.
- 0.45% of Manganese: Works for enhancing forge ability, hardenability, tensile strength and wear resistance of the steel.
- 0.3% of Silicon: Adds strength to steel.
- 0.3% of Nickel: Increases the toughness level of the steel.
- 0.3% of Copper: Increases corrosion resistance of the steel.
- 0.3% of Sulphur: Improves machinability and impact tolerance.
- 0.025% of Phosphorus: Increases hardness level, machinability and steel strength.
Steel Hardness:
According to the Rockwell C scale, the hardness of 52100 steel ranges between 62 to 64 HRC. The range can vary depending on the heat treatment provided to the steel and can boost up to 66 HRC, which demonstrates an insane amount of hardness. The high hardness level of the steel is because of the presence of elements like chromium, manganese and silicon.
Steel Properties:
- Good Toughness: You can easily get the implication that 52100 will have weak toughness because of its high hardness level. But this inversely proportional relationship does not apply to 52100. Surprisingly, 52100 has a good amount of toughness because of the fine grain surface. The toughness level does not match with well-known steels in the market. Yet, it is durable enough for the steel to endure heavy duty. For slicing and cutting jobs, the steel will not break, chip, or crack even after regular use. Due to all of these features, steel is used for making fixed blades and large ones as well.
- Top Wear Resistance: This feature makes 52100 stand out. The high-carbon steel is capable of giving an unbeatable performance for a long period without wearing out. Due to high wear resistance, the steel was used for the making of components that requires high endurance and working in difficult environments. When the matter is about knives manufacturers look for steel that is capable of resisting wear and tear even after regular use. The high wear resistance of 52100 ensures that the steel can maintain its shape even after several uses.
- Great Edge Retention: As the hardness level of 52100 is extremely high you will get to witness great performance in edge retention as well. The presence of fine carbides on the surface of the steel also ensures great edge retention. You will not require frequent sharpening even after heavy use for blades made out of 52100.
- Poor Corrosion Resistance: The steel is not stainless due to the low percentage of chromium in its composition. That is why 52100 is not classified as stainless steel and is not capable enough of resisting corrosion. Yet, it is possible to protect the steel from rust
- Ease of Sharpening: It does not come as a surprise regarding facing difficulty in sharpening steel that has high hardness. Even though you won’t be facing a lot of struggles with sharpening 52100 you will need a good quality sharpener for easy sharpening.
Comparison With Other Knife Steel Options
52100 vs 1095
Both of the steels are high carbon alloys that have a high toughness level. Both of the steels are used for making knives that will need to endure heavy duty. Yet, there are some obvious differences between these two steels. 52100 has a greater capacity for edge retention and corrosion resistance than 1095. But it is easier to sharpen 1095.
52100 vs S30V
S30V is stainless steel whereas 52100 is not. This makes S30V better at corrosion resistance and edge retention compared to 52100. On the other hand, it is difficult to sharpen S30V and is also less tough than 52100.
52100 vs 5160
5160 is spring steel and yet close to 52100 as both of them are carbon steels but 5160 has lesser carbon and chromium present. 5160 is better at toughness and ease of sharpening than 52100. On the other hand, 52100 is better at the rest of the aspects.
52100 steel vs. 440C
440C is a stainless steel that does better in resisting corrosion and is also tougher than 52100. But 52100, wins over 440C at edge retention, wear resistance and hardness level.
So, is 52100 Steel Good?
Yes, you can count on using 52100 for making knives undoubtedly. The steel is perfect for knives that are meant for tough use and heavy duty since it has great edge retention, wear resistance, and the right balance of hardness and toughness.