440C Steel Knives

440C steel is a high-carbon martensitic stainless steel known for its excellent hardness,wear resistance,and moderate corrosion resistance.It contains 0.95–1.20%carbon and 16.00–18.00%chromium,allowing it to achieve a hardness of 58–60 HRC after heat treatment.This steel is superior to 440A in terms of hardness and wear resistance due to its higher carbon content.However,it is more prone to rust if not properly maintained.The optimal heat treatment process for 440C involves austenitizing at around 1050°C,followed by oil quenching and tempering at 150–370°C to achieve the desired hardness and toughness.It is widely used in applications such as high-quality knife blades,surgical instruments,bearings,and valve components where high strength and durability are required.