Steel Composition
| carbon | 0.15 % |
|---|---|
| chromium | 16.00 % |
| molybdenum | 0.10 % |
| nickel | 7.00 % |
H1 is a stainless steel developed by Myodo Metal Industries Co., Ltd. in Japan specifically for rust resistance in knife blades. H1 for EDC knives is particularly popular due to its lack of need for maintenance and exceptional corrosion resistance, even in saltwater environments where many steels would fail.
Advantages of H1 as Knife Steel
The H1 blade steel offers impressive resistance to corrosion, especially saltwater corrosion, making it perfect for knives used in marine environments. It can be considered a workhorse material for EDC knives. These knives won't need as much maintenance due to H1's exceptional rust-resistance.
Another notable benefit of the H1 knife steel is it's renowned for retaining good toughness even after long-term use. It's well-balanced, combining hardness, toughness, and corrosion resistance effectively.
Disadvantages of H1 for Knives
Despite its many benefits, there are a few drawbacks to H1 steel. Edge retention is its most significant issue, as it doesn't hold an edge as well as some other high-quality knife steels. Sharpening it may require more effort and frequency.
The material is not the hardest steel available, having a Rockwell hardness rating in the mid-50s. Therefore, it might not give the topmost performance in terms of scratch resistance.
Steel Rating
Steels with good edge retention will stay sharp longer, reducing the need for frequent sharpening
Edge Retention
3/6 PointsToughness is the steel's ability to absorb energy and deform without breaking
Toughness
4/6 PointsCorrosion Resistance measures how well the steel can resist rust and oxidation
Corrosion Resistance
6/6 PointsSharpenability refers to how easily a knife blade can be sharpened to its desired edge
Sharpenability
4/6 PointsThis is a relative measure based on typical market values. The actual price can vary widel
Price
3/6 PointsA higher HRC number typically indicates a harder steel, which can hold a sharper edge
Hardness
57 - 59 HRCIs H1 Rust Resistant?
H1 is one of the few knife steels that offer true rust resistance. This is due to its unique characteristic of replacing carbon with nitrogen in its makeup. This quality makes H1 an excellent choice for knives exposed to harsh environmental conditions, particularly marine applications where saltwater would normally wreak havoc on a blade's surface.
How Durable is H1?
The H1 knife steel typically has an HRC rating of 57-59. This hardness ensures a decent edge holding capability and good toughness. It also means that while it may not have the highest level of hardness, it also avoids being too hard and becoming brittle, a problem commonly seen in harder blade steels.
Reputation
The reputation of H1 steel primarily centers around its exceptional corrosion resistance. It is known as a 'fit-and-forget' steel in EDC circles because once it's on your knife, you don't need to worry about rust or other corrosion issues. It's ideal for those who frequent harsh conditions or waterlogged environments.
Conclusion
Overall, the H1 knife steel is an outstanding choice for those who need a blade that requires minimum maintenance and ensures significant rust resistance. Its unique attributes make it a reliable steel for outdoor and marine knives. While it might not offer the best edge retention, its ease of sharpening and toughness balances out this minor shortfall.
