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Stainless Stainless Steel

"Stainless" means stain-resistant, not stain-proof. In kitchen use, the steel can still discolour or pit if exposed to acidic environments — citrus, vinegar, or salt water — for extended periods. Wash and wipe dry after every use, and avoid leaving the blade soaking in water. With basic care, a stainless knife is very low-maintenance and a great everyday choice.
PM / Powder Steel Powder Metallurgy (PM)

A modern steel-making process where the alloy is atomised into a fine powder and then compressed under high pressure before sintering. This creates an exceptionally uniform carbide distribution — far finer and more even than conventionally cast steel. The result is a blade that achieves higher hardness without sacrificing toughness, holds a keener edge for longer, and is more resistant to chipping. PM steels are generally considered a step up in performance, though they can be harder to sharpen on coarse stones.
Nachi-Fujikoshi, Japan 🇯🇵

SRS-13

Hardness ? Rockwell C Hardness(HRC) measures how resistant a steel is to permanent deformation. For kitchen knives:

55–58 HRC — Soft. Easy to sharpen and forgiving of rough use, but dulls faster. Typical of most German knives.
59–61 HRC — Balanced. Good edge retention with manageable sharpening. Common in mid-range Japanese knives.
62–64 HRC — Hard. Excellent edge retention, holds a very fine edge. Requires more care and a fine stone to sharpen.
65+ HRC — Very hard. Exceptional edge longevity but more brittle — more prone to chipping if used roughly.

Higher is not always better — it depends on how you use and maintain your knife.
63–64 HRC
555759616365+
SRS-13 steel is a high-end, powder metallurgy stainless steel known for its excellent balance of hardness, toughness, and corrosion resistance. It combines the best attributes of both high-carbon and stainless steels, making it a versatile choice for kitchen knives. SRS-13 contains a notable amount of chromium for rust resistance, alongside carbon, molybdenum, and vanadium to enhance its edge retention and wear resistance. This steel is capable of being hardened to a high degree, allowing knives made from SRS-13 to achieve a sharp, durable edge that lasts. Its powder metallurgy process results in a uniform grain structure, contributing to its ability to take on a fine edge and maintain it through extensive use. SRS-13 steel is favored for premium kitchen knives, appealing to professional chefs and cooking enthusiasts seeking a blend of performance, ease of maintenance, and longevity.
Composition

SRS-13 Element Composition

Compare with
    SRS-13
    13.0% 9.8% 6.5% 3.3% 0
    C Carbon 1.3%
    Primary hardening element. Raises hardness and wear resistance — but too much increases brittleness and corrosion susceptibility. As a reference: German 1.4112 (~0.5%) sits at the low end; VG-10 (~1.0%) is a common mid-range; SG2 (1.25–1.45%) and ZDP-189 (~3.0%) represent high and extreme ends respectively.
    C
    1.3%
    Cr Chromium 13.0%
    Raises corrosion resistance; 13%+ qualifies steel as stainless. Also improves hardenability and wear resistance. In kitchen use, higher chromium levels contribute to a slight drag or sticking sensation when cutting — a trade-off for the rust resistance it provides.
    Cr
    13.0%
    V Vanadium 1.5%
    Forms extremely hard carbides for superior edge retention. Also refines grain structure, improving toughness.
    V
    1.5%
    Mo Molybdenum 2.75%
    Improves hardenability and toughness. Boosts corrosion resistance and helps the steel hold hardness under heat.
    Mo
    2.75%
    W Tungsten 1.25%
    Forms hard carbides for wear resistance and edge retention. Gives the steel hardness even at elevated temperatures.
    W
    1.25%
    Mn Manganese 0.3%
    Aids hardenability and strength. Acts as a deoxidiser during smelting. Excess can reduce toughness.
    Mn
    0.3%
    Si Silicon 0.3%
    Strengthens the steel matrix and acts as a deoxidiser. Improves hardness and resistance to oxidation.
    Si
    0.3%
    C — Carbon Cr — Chromium V — Vanadium Mo — Molybdenum W — Tungsten Mn — Manganese Si — Silicon
    Hardness 63–64 HRC
    555759616365+
    Steel
    SRS-13
    Category
    Stainless
    Process
    Powder Metallurgy (PM)
    Manufacturer
    Nachi-Fujikoshi, Japan 🇯🇵
    Hardness
    63–64 HRC