Cr8Mo2VSi is a Chinese high-carbon, medium-chromium cold-work tool steel developed as an upgrade to SKD11/DC53, engineered for blades that must endure heavy abrasion yet remain tough enough for impact. Its balanced analysis—1.0 % C, 8 % Cr, 2 % Mo, 0.9 % Si, 0.3 % Mn and 0.28 % V—oil-quenches to 60–62 HRC while refined grain and finely dispersed Mo/V carbides give knives extreme wear resistance without the brittleness common in high-alloy steels. After a 180–220 °C temper, residual austenite is almost eliminated, so the steel keeps high hardness yet retains ductility, often eliminating the need for costly cryogenic treatment . Makers use it for heavy-use chef’s cleavers, rugged outdoor choppers and replaceable-blade utility knives because a 15° edge survives board contact, rope cutting, and even light prying, while still touching up quickly on medium stones. Fine carbides also polish to a bright satin, giving budget blades the look and feel of far pricier alloys.
