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Stainless Steel 8Cr13MoV QT58-60HRC

Hardness band

GB 8Cr13MoV

Choose for razor/slicing edges and thin kitchen blades where edge retention outranks impact toughness.

Standard cost $$

Values for the QT58-60HRC condition

Other 8Cr13MoV tempers and conditions

8Cr13MoV is listed in 7 conditions; see the grade overview at 8Cr13MoV.

Compare all 7 conditionsHide
Condition · open for datasheetBest forYield MPaTensile MPaElong. %HardnessConductivity
AnnealedDefault
soft-annealed cold-rolled strip / bar (as supplied)
Standard mill delivery condition for blanking, stamping and machining blade blanks before hardening.43074020200 HB—
Stress relieved
Intermediate condition to remove cold-work stresses in strip or laser-cut blanks before final hardening.5008001620 HRC3 % IACS
Cold rolled
Pick for thin strip needing extra flatness/stiffness before hardening; harder to blank, must be stress-relieved or hardened.750950830 HRC3 % IACS
hardened and tempered soft (toughness biased)
Use for machetes, choppers, scissors and tools where chipping resistance matters more than edge holding.1,4501,750454 HRC—
standard cutlery hardening (≈1050 °C austenitize, oil/air quench, 180–200 °C temper)
The mainstream condition for kitchen and folding knives — best balance of edge retention, toughness and easy resharpening.1,6501,9502.557 HRC—
QT58-60HRCThis page
high-hardness temper (wear biased)
Choose for razor/slicing edges and thin kitchen blades where edge retention outranks impact toughness.1,8002,1001.559 HRC—
Hardened + sub-zero + temper
Specify when maximum hardness, dimensional stability and consistent edge stability are needed from this grade.1,8502,1501.260 HRC—

What is 8Cr13MoV QT58-60HRC?

8Cr13MoV QT58-60HRC is 8Cr13MoV heat treated to QT58-60HRC — choose for razor/slicing edges and thin kitchen blades where edge retention outranks impact toughness. 8Cr13MoV QT58-60HRC has a yield strength of 1,800 MPa (261 ksi) and a tensile strength of 2,100 MPa (305 ksi) — stronger than 100% of stainless steel grades. Elongation at break is 1.5% and the elastic modulus is 200 GPa (29 Msi). 8Cr13MoV QT58-60HRC has a density of 7.7 g/cm³ (0.278 lb/in³), lighter than 83% of stainless steel grades. It melts at 1,420°C (2,588 °F). Annealed is the default condition FabDigit quotes; QT58-60HRC is available on request or by drawing note.

Advantages

  • High strength — 1,800 MPa (261 ksi), better than 100% of stainless steel grades
  • High electrical conductivity — 3 % IACS, better than 95% of stainless steel grades
  • Polishes to a fine finish — 84/100, better than 95% of stainless steel grades
  • Conducts heat well — 24.5 W/m·K (14.2 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 85% of stainless steel grades
  • Low embodied carbon — 3.6 kg CO₂/kg, better than 83% of stainless steel grades

Limitations

  • Limited ductility — 1.5%, worse than 100% of stainless steel grades
  • Low fracture toughness — 17 MPa·√m (15.5 ksi·√in), worse than 100% of stainless steel grades
  • Limited service temperature — 160°C (320 °F), worse than 100% of stainless steel grades
  • Difficult to machine — 8/100, worse than 100% of stainless steel grades
  • Limited formability — 2/100, worse than 100% of stainless steel grades

8Cr13MoV QT58-60HRC properties

Typical room-temperature values for 8Cr13MoV QT58-60HRC; 13 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are 8Cr13MoV reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among stainless steel grades.

Physical3

8Cr13MoV QT58-60HRC has a density of 7.7 g/cm³ (0.278 lb/in³), lighter than 83% of stainless steel grades. It melts at 1,420°C (2,588 °F).

Density7.7 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³
Melting Point (Solidus)1,420°C2,588 °F
Liquidus Temperature1,490°C2,714 °F

Mechanical16

8Cr13MoV QT58-60HRC has a yield strength of 1,800 MPa (261 ksi) and a tensile strength of 2,100 MPa (305 ksi) — stronger than 100% of stainless steel grades. Elongation at break is 1.5% and the elastic modulus is 200 GPa (29 Msi).

Elastic (Young's) Modulus200 GPa29 Msi
Shear Modulus78 GPa11.3 Msi
Bulk Modulus160 GPa23.2 Msi
Poisson's Ratio0.29
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)2,100 MPa305 ksi
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)1,800 MPa261 ksi
Elongation at Break1.5%
Reduction in Area45%
Compressive Strength450 MPa65.3 ksi
Shear Strength460 MPa66.7 ksi
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)780 MPa113 ksi
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)17 MPa·√m15.5 ksi·√in
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)6 J4.4 ft·lbf
Hardness, Brinell200 HB
Hardness, Rockwell B93 HRB
Hardness, Vickers680 HV

Thermal6

8Cr13MoV QT58-60HRC is rated for continuous service to 160°C (320 °F). It conducts heat at 24.5 W/m·K (14.2 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 85% of stainless steel grades. Thermal expansion is 10.4 µm/m·K (5.78 µin/in·°F).

Thermal Conductivity24.5 W/m·K14.2 BTU/hr·ft·°F
Specific Heat Capacity460 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)10.4 µm/m·K5.8 µin/in·°F
Latent Heat of Fusion265 J/g114 BTU/lb
Max Service Temperature (continuous)160°C320 °F
Min Service Temperature-50°C-58 °F

Electrical3

8Cr13MoV QT58-60HRC conducts electricity at 3 % IACS, better than 95% of stainless steel grades.

Electrical Conductivity3 % IACS
Electrical Resistivity5.7×10⁻⁷ Ω·m22.4 µΩ·in
Magnetic Responseferromagnetic

Chemical & Environmental3

Corrosion resistance is fair (52/100), worse than 76% of stainless steel grades.

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)-0.35 V
Corrosion ResistanceFair52/100
Chemical Resistance SummaryPassive in fresh water, food acids and humid air; resists dilute organics and detergents, but pits in chlorides (seawater, salt, bleach) and is attacked by hydrochloric, sulfuric and hot concentrated acids — wipe dry after use.

Sustainability4

Producing a kilogram of 8Cr13MoV QT58-60HRC takes about 50 MJ of energy and emits 3.6 kg of CO₂ — less than 80% of stainless steel grades. Typical recycled content is 35%.

Embodied Energy (primary production)50 MJ/kg21,496 BTU/lb
Embodied Carbon (primary production)3.6 kg CO₂/kg
Embodied Water130 L/kg15.6 gal/lb
Typical Recycled Content35%

Manufacturability6

8Cr13MoV QT58-60HRC's machinability is not recommended (8/100, worse than 100% of stainless steel grades); weldability poor (20/100); formability not recommended (2/100).

MachinabilityNot recommended8/100
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)45%
WeldabilityPoor20/100
Formability (cold)Not recommended2/100
Brazeability / SolderabilityFair40/100
PolishabilityVery good84/100

Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.

Working with 8Cr13MoV QT58-60HRC

Is 8Cr13MoV easy to machine?

Machine, drill and grind in the annealed state with sharp carbide or cobalt HSS at moderate speed and generous coolant; after hardening only grinding/EDM/waterjet is practical.

Can 8Cr13MoV be welded?

Effectively non-weldable for structural joints — 0.8 % C martensite cracks; if unavoidable, preheat 250–300 °C, use 309L/410NiMo filler and temper immediately after.

Can 8Cr13MoV be formed, bent or molded?

Blank, stamp and bend only in the soft-annealed condition with generous radii (≥2 t); harden at 1030–1070 °C, quench in oil/plate/gas, temper 180–220 °C for cutlery hardness.

What surface finishes work on 8Cr13MoV?

Takes a fine satin or mirror polish after hardening; passivate or electropolish after grinding to restore the chromium film, and PVD/black-oxide coatings apply well below the temper temperature.

8Cr13MoV chemical composition (wt %)

Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.

ElementSpec limit (wt %)Nominal
Csome mills quote 0.75–0.850.7 – 0.850.78
Cr12.5 – 14.513.5
Mo0.1 – 0.30.18
Vgrain refinement, fine carbides0.1 – 0.30.15
Mn≤ 10.45
Si≤ 10.35
Niresidual≤ 0.50.15
P≤ 0.040.02
S≤ 0.030.01
Febalance—

8Cr13MoV QT58-60HRC — frequently asked

What is 8Cr13MoV QT58-60HRC used for?

8Cr13MoV QT58-60HRC is typically used for kitchen knives, scissors, outdoor/EDC knives, tools and cutlery. In short: low-cost cutlery stainless; between 420 and 440A; hardens to 58–60 HRC.

What is the yield strength of 8Cr13MoV QT58-60HRC?

8Cr13MoV QT58-60HRC has a typical yield strength of 1,800 MPa (261 ksi) and a tensile strength of 2,100 MPa (305 ksi) — stronger than 100% of stainless steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 7 listed tempers.

Is 8Cr13MoV QT58-60HRC easy to machine?

Not especially — machinability is rated not recommended (8/100, worse than 100% of stainless steel grades). Machine, drill and grind in the annealed state with sharp carbide or cobalt HSS at moderate speed and generous coolant; after hardening only grinding/EDM/waterjet is practical.

Can 8Cr13MoV QT58-60HRC be welded?

Not readily — weldability is rated poor (20/100). Effectively non-weldable for structural joints — 0.8 % C martensite cracks; if unavoidable, preheat 250–300 °C, use 309L/410NiMo filler and temper immediately after.

What surface finishes work on 8Cr13MoV QT58-60HRC?

Takes a fine satin or mirror polish after hardening; passivate or electropolish after grinding to restore the chromium film, and PVD/black-oxide coatings apply well below the temper temperature.

Can 8Cr13MoV QT58-60HRC be formed, bent or molded?

Blank, stamp and bend only in the soft-annealed condition with generous radii (≥2 t); harden at 1030–1070 °C, quench in oil/plate/gas, temper 180–220 °C for cutlery hardness.

What is the maximum service temperature of 8Cr13MoV QT58-60HRC?

8Cr13MoV QT58-60HRC is rated for continuous use to about 160°C (320 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.

What is the difference between 8Cr13MoV Annealed and 8Cr13MoV QT-CRYO?

Annealed is the default condition — standard mill delivery condition for blanking, stamping and machining blade blanks before hardening. QT-CRYO: specify when maximum hardness, dimensional stability and consistent edge stability are needed from this grade. Yield strength is 430 MPa in Annealed versus 1,850 MPa in QT-CRYO.

Sources

  1. GB/T 1220 / GB/T 4237 — Stainless steel bars and hot-rolled strip (2016)
  2. 8Cr13MoV cutlery strip technical data (Chinese stainless strip mills) — Ahonest Changjiang / Sinosteel-type suppliers (2022)
  3. ASM Handbook Vol.1 — Properties and Selection: Irons, Steels and High-Performance Alloys (420/440 martensitic stainless) — ASM International (1990)
  4. ASTM A276 / A959 — Stainless Steel Bars and Shapes — ASTM International (2017)
  5. Martensitic stainless cutlery steel comparative data (hardness/toughness compilations) — FabDigit internal compilation (2025)

Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.