What is the strongest steel CAS Hanwei uses?
All of our steels are strong in the general sense of the word, but for sword applications we have to consider the various properties that make up “strong” in the context of the requirements that a particular blade must meet. The suitability of a blade for a certain application is determined by not only the type of steel used but, equally importantly, the heat treating process that the blade undergoes. Cutting swords require high edge hardness and resilience (the capability of absorbing a shock force without breaking or bending). Sparring and fencing swords do not need hard edges but need to be tough, flexible and again resilient. Knives very rarely see shock loads but must be capable of holding a very sharp edge for extended periods but not be difficult to re-sharpen when necessary, at the same time maintaining a high degree of corrosion resistance. All of these different properties are achieved by careful steel selection and precise heat treatment. Hanwei is now making some of its own
