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A2 knife steel

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

TypeTool & high-speed
HardnessHRC 60-62
Edge retentionhighhigher than 19 of 48, tied with 17
Corrosion resistancelowamong the lowest of 49
Toughnessvery-highhigher than 40 of 48, tied with 8
Ease of sharpeningmoderate to sharpeneasier to sharpen than 20 of 48, tied with 14
Price tierMid
Best forHard-use / survivalOutdoor / bushcraft

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Knives in A2

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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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