We have already written about knife steels several times. Here is a review of the best foreign-made knife steels, here about damask steel. We even managed to write an article about the ideal hardness of blades and how sharpening is checked. Someday we will gather our strength and write an article about the best domestically produced knife steels, so subscribe to the channel and wait!
Today we want to compare two popular domestically produced knife steels with each other, and find out which one is better. This is the popular stainless steel 95X18, from which many Russian knife companies make knives, and X12MF, more popular among knife makers.
Characteristics of steel X12MF
Steel grade X12MF is called tool grade. It has unique technical characteristics, which is largely due to its chemical composition. The variety of chemical elements is strictly defined, and each component has its own functional load.
The chemical composition of X12MF includes:
- carbon;
- molybdenum;
- phosphorus;
- vanadium;
- chromium;
- silicon;
- nickel.
The highest specific indicators are for phosphorus, carbon, and chromium.
Carbon is present here within 1.6% and is responsible for the wear resistance and hardness of the metal. Chromium (12%) not only contributes to the steel's resistance to wear, but also enhances the cutting properties of the blade. The same amount – 12% – belongs to phosphorus. This element makes the metal ductile. Other additions are made to the steel to make it strong, elastic and not susceptible to temperature changes. Thanks to this composition of elements of the periodic table, Kh12MF knife steel can rightfully be called exclusive. It has virtually no analogues among other modern alloys.
According to knowledgeable people, hunting knives made of X12MF steel are distinguished by impeccable strength and durability. The ability of this steel to cut a wide variety of materials is unique, in addition, it is extremely resistant to corrosion. It should be noted that this brand is produced exclusively in strict accordance with GOST standards.
However, manufacturers also take into account the certain whimsical nature of the X12MF in processing. So forged steel X12MF, in fact, is very difficult to forge. Forging is largely complicated by the fact that this metal must be hardened at a temperature of no more than 950 degrees. If the blacksmiths allow the temperature to be exceeded, the alloy becomes brittle. And this will negatively affect the quality of the future steel product.
Many consumers ask which steel is better - X12MF or Damascus. It’s difficult to answer unequivocally here. It is known that Damascus knives are valued all over the world for their strength and elasticity. The steel of the marking in question is somewhat inferior to them in the level of fragility. However, Damascus is always much more expensive, but the X12MF has earned fame due to its functionality. And where the user regrets using a Damascus knife, he always successfully uses cutting weapons made from domestic steel.
Steel grade X12MF for knives: pros and cons
Like any other steel, the X12MF grade has its advantages and disadvantages.
Its advantages are:
- high cutting properties;
- reasonable price;
- long-term sharpening retention;
- increased blade strength.
Experts will confirm that steel knives have one peculiarity: a maximally sharpened edge does not hold an edge well and quickly becomes dull. This cannot be said about the X12MF knives. The optimal percentage of carbon provides special resistance to wear, so a product with this marking will remain sharp for a very long time. In camping conditions, you can safely cut down bushes with a knife for a long time, and the blade will still retain good cutting abilities. At the same time, if you still intend to improve the sharpness, then using a stone with diamond chips will speed up the sharpening time.
Steel has its drawbacks. In particular, you should not use a knife made of steel of this marking to cut hard objects (for example, bones) - there is a risk of chips on the blade. Despite a certain level of elasticity, try not to test the knife for bending. The reason for all this is some fragility of the metal.
Where is X12MF used?
During the Soviet period, knives were also produced from X12MF steel. However, most often, this alloy was used to create working tools - cutters, saws, various cutters, woodworking knives. Today the scope of use is much wider. Bearings, body dies, molding dies, and for electromagnetic and electrical equipment are made from steel of this alloy.
X12MF products are used in everyday life. First of all, these are knives - both hunting and utility. Most often, knives for hunters and fishermen are made from this steel. All of them have long been able to appreciate the advantages of marking products made from such a unique alloy. You can join their opinion by purchasing a quality knife at a reasonable cost.
Characteristics of steel X12MF
If you have already visited various knife sites, then you are very familiar with such a characteristic as HRC, if not, then I will give a short explanation. HRC is the hardness on the Rockwell scale, the higher it is, the stronger the steel, and the knife holds an edge longer, this characteristic fluctuates maybe from a little over 40 for a Chinese stamping to 65-70 for a Japanese samurai katana.
For knives made of X12MF steel, HRC varies from 61 to 64 units. Our products are manufactured with HRC 62. Considering the composition described above and the chemical elements used, X12MF is very easy to process and has good hardenability and wear resistance. Foreign analogs of X12MF: D2, K110, Z160
, Chinese
Cr12MoV
.
Choosing knife steel - which is better, X12MF or 95X18?
We have already written about knife steels several times. Here is a review of the best foreign-made knife steels, here about damask steel. We even managed to write an article about the ideal hardness of blades and how sharpening is checked. Someday we will gather our strength and write an article about the best domestically produced knife steels, so subscribe to the channel and wait!
Today we want to compare two popular domestically produced knife steels with each other, and find out which one is better. This is the popular stainless steel 95X18, from which many Russian knife companies make knives, and X12MF, more popular among knife makers.
Steel X12MF pros and cons
Well, now let’s move on to, perhaps, the most important pros and cons of the X12MF for the end user.
Pros:
- The cutting edge can be sharpened to a razor sharpness. It will hold an edge for an extremely long time.
- Dressing the knife will not cause problems - a diamond stone or a belt with GOI paste will return the knife to its factory sharpness.
- The strength of 62 units speaks for itself; the knife can easily cope with opening cans and cutting hard wood and bone.
- High performance at a low price. Knives under $100 are considered inexpensive, which is easily accomplished given the current exchange rate of the American currency.
Of course, we will not ignore the disadvantages either; if you look hard enough, they will be found in 99% of cases.
Minuses:
- The hardness of the knife makes sharpening it on the go
not the fastest thing, but this is the price to pay for a long-lasting sharpening. - Steel is intended for cutting; cutting large bones with it is not recommended. The knife will not crack, but chips on the cutting edge are possible.
- Steel does not rust, but it cannot be said that it does not care about all liquids. Lemon juice that is not wiped off the blade will leave marks. Editing the knife will eliminate this aesthetic defect, but it will take a lot of time.
Results:
- Good value for money.
- Holds an edge for a long time, but takes time to edit.
- Requires minimal care and is not intended for chopping or throwing.
- Capable of handling tasks from a picnic to professional hunting.
Need help on steels
Good day everyone!
One of these days I’m going to go to a metal depot to buy some steel. The question is: how can you visually distinguish steel grades (what are the verification methods) such as x12 (mf, f1), 40x13, 30x13, 95x18? how will they be different? Thanks in advance for your answers, if I wrote it in the wrong place please correct me! I'm interested because I'm afraid that when buying one steel they may slip in a completely different one!
choopokapra
How can you visually distinguish steel grades (what are the testing methods) such as x12 (mf, f1), 40x13, 30x13, 95x18? how will they be different?
choopokapra
I'm afraid that when buying one steel they may slip in a completely different one
choopokapra
How can you visually distinguish steel grades?
alex-wolff
yes nikah. there are only a couple of ways to check
Find a way out to the spectrum.
There are no options for spectral analysis, I was already interested
