Description
52100
52100 is a Carbon Alloy Steel originally developed in 1905 as a bearing steel for high pressure applications (which is why it is commonly referred to as ball bearing steel) but has since become legendary as a blade steel.
52100 would be considered a relatively simple hi-carbon steel (mainly just Iron+Carbon) if it weren’t for the small amount of Chromium added – 1.3-1.6%, not enough to interfere with anything, but just enough to increase the hardenability (for stability and edge retention) and help reduce the carbide grain size (for increased toughness and sharpenability).
