
Cold-Work Tool Steel Selection Guide
Cold-work tool steel — the AISI D-series, A-series, O1, DC53. Compare chemistry, heat treatment, wear life and toughness for industrial blade applications.

Cold-work tool steel — the AISI D-series, A-series, O1, DC53. Compare chemistry, heat treatment, wear life and toughness for industrial blade applications.

A structured method to match substrate, geometry, hardness, edge prep and operating speed to a production line. The 5-Factor Blade Selection Framework —…

AISI 630 / UNS S17400 — precipitation-hardening martensitic stainless, 1,300 MPa UTS. Compare with 440C for high-strength structural blades.

AISI 420 (UNS S42000) — basic martensitic stainless, HRC 48–54, food-grade toughness. Compare with 440A/B/C for your cutting application.

AISI 440A (UNS S44002) — lowest-carbon 440 grade, HRC 54–56, optimised for corrosion over hardness. Compare with 440B/C for food-contact blades.

AISI 440B (UNS S44003) — mid-carbon 440 grade, HRC 56–58. Compare with 440A and 440C for industrial knives and bearings.