Blue Steel
Blue Steel, also known as Blue Steel, is an excellent type of tool steel that is popular among craftsmen and knife collectors. This steel is characterised by its high hardness, excellent wear resistance and ability to hold an edge. Blue steel gets its name from the characteristic blue hoop on the surface that forms during hardening. This blue colour is due to the presence of specific elements in the steel, such as iron carbonate. In addition to the aesthetic effect, the blue colour also has a practical meaning, as it indicates a properly performed hardening process.
One of the important characteristics of Blue Steel is its hardness. Due to the higher content of carbon and other alloying elements, it reaches a hardness of up to 63-65 HRC (Rockwell hardness scale). This means that the blade of a knife made from this steel is very wear-resistant and retains its edge for a longer period of time. Another advantage of Blue Steel is its ability to maintain a fine edge. The structure of the steel allows for a significantly thinner blade than conventional steels. This is important for precision work such as cutting and grinding.
It should be noted that Blue Steel is a high carbon steel, which means it requires proper care and maintenance. Regular cleaning, lubrication and proper grinding technique are important to maintain the blade and protect against corrosion. Blue Steel is considered one of the highest quality tool steels on the market. It is mainly used for the production of knives, razors and other tools that require high durability and long blade life.