Nitro-V

Nitro-V is a nitrogen-boosted martensitic stainless steel developed by New Jersey Steel Baron as an AEB-L successor, engineered for knives that face humidity, sweat, and salt daily. Adding ~0.11 % nitrogen and 14 % chromium creates a denser passive film, so blades resist pitting and staining even after days of neglect. With 0.68 % carbon, it hardens to 60–62 HRC, yielding razor edges that retain bite but remain fine-grained and chip-resistant. Niobium and vanadium carbides extend edge life without the sharpening struggle common to S30V, so a quick ceramic-rod touch-up restores scalpel sharpness. Civivi, GiantMouse, and Quiet Carry now craft Nitro-V into lightweight folders and kitchen knives whose thin geometry slices tomatoes, rope, or cardboard effortlessly. It delivers near-premium performance at mid-tier cost while demanding only a wipe and strop to stay pristine.