Latrobe Specialty Steel (historically) / USA

0170-6C

High Carbon Tool Steel57–60 HRCConventional Ingot Steel Process

Composition

Core alloying elements define the baseline trade-off between wear resistance, corrosion behavior, and toughness.

Material Overview

0170-6C is a traditional American high-carbon steel historically associated with hard-use fixed blades, particularly older military and survival knives. It offers strong toughness and edge stability while remaining easy to sharpen in the field. Due to its low chromium content, it is not stainless and requires regular maintenance to prevent rust. Though largely replaced by modern tool steels and PM steels, it remains respected for its rugged reliability and simple heat treatment behavior.

Performance Radar

Use four core metrics to understand the usable operating envelope of this steel at a glance.

Edge Retention

Toughness

Corrosion Resistance

Sharpenability

Edge Retention

6.0

Toughness

8.0

Corrosion Resistance

2.0

Sharpenability

9.0

Advantages

Excellent toughness
Easy to sharpen
Good impact resistance
Reliable field performance
Strong edge stability for hard use

Disadvantages

Very low corrosion resistance
Requires regular maintenance
Moderate edge retention only
Largely outdated compared to modern steels

At A Glance

0170-6C is a tough high-carbon tool steel known for good impact resistance, easy sharpening, and reliable performance in hard-use fixed blades.