KnifeSteelDBknife steels, by spec

A2 knife steel

A2 is a tool & high-speed knife steel, typically hardened to HRC 60-62.

TypeTool & high-speed
HardnessHRC 60-62
Edge retentionhigh
Corrosion resistancelow
Toughnessvery high
Ease of sharpeningmoderate
Price tierMid
Best forHard-use / survivalOutdoor / bushcraft

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Last verified 2026-06-11 · properties are documented consensus tiers; real performance depends on heat treat & geometry (methodology)

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