X12MF what kind of steel

Steel X12MF

Even in the Soviet reference book on steels of the 195s, one of the recommendations for the use of X12M steel suggested the use of this steel for the manufacture of “knife blades”.

It was most likely about technological knives for woodworking enterprises or printing enterprises (cutters, stamps), but it is possible that numerous artels, which in the 50s were still producing table and utility knives, showed their interest in X12M (X12MF) steel .

What could interest them?

In the photo: Finnish blade “Vacha” by master Dmitry Zainullin, made with a blade made of X12MF steel.

Initially, steel was intended for the manufacture of cold-formed tools (saws, woodworking knives, cutters, cutters).

The steel contains 1.4-1.6% carbon and 11-13% chromium, which makes it quite resistant to humid environments, and the amount of iron carbides and proper heat treatment allow this steel to be hardened to 61-63 HRC. Foreign analogues of steel are designated D2 (American) and SKD11 (Japanese). And one of the most famous knife manufacturers, Bob Dozier (USA), worked almost exclusively with this grade of steel, achieving amazing results in its heat treatment.

Recently, in Russia, X12MF steel has become very popular for making knives. It is mainly small workshops and individual knifemakers who make their blades from it, but large eminent manufacturers have no particular desire to work with X12MF steel. And the point here is connected not only with certain difficulties in processing it, but also with certain disadvantages that owners of such blades face. Let's consider the pros, cons, chemical composition, and characteristics of X12MF steel.

pros

• High cutting characteristics (the cutting edge /hereinafter referred to as “RK”/ holds an edge for quite a long time);
• The RK is relatively easy to straighten/sharpen using diamond stones and a belt with GOI paste.
• Knives made from X12MF have “above average” characteristics and are quite affordable.

Minuses

• Relative corrosion resistance (pitting possible);

In the photo: pitting corrosion on a knife blade made of X12MF steel; a knife that has served well for many years in our office kitchen was left wet by company employees over the weekend, and a large stain on the blade of the knife is a lemon mark; fixing it is not a problem (sand it, polish it - it will be like new).

• Due to the high hardness of the steel, it is quite problematic to correct the RC in field conditions;
• Chips on the cutting edge are possible if the knife is used incorrectly, for example, when chopping on a bone.

Chemical composition

Source: https://klinok.zlatoff.ru/stal-h12mf

Characteristics and properties of steel X12MF

instrument.guru > Metalworking > Characteristics and properties of X12MF steel

X12MF steel has high strength . Many products are made from it, the most popular application being the making of knives. Such knives are impact resistant and do not require sharpening for a long time. Steel has a high density, which is why the product is so impact resistant.

• Characteristics and properties of steel X12MF
• Alloy corrosion resistance
• Application in industry of steel Х12МФ
• The use of knives made of steel X12MF in everyday life
• Conclusion
• Reviews

To obtain good characteristics, the strength is increased by hardening X12MF. It is necessary to heat the workpiece to forging temperature, punch it with a hammer - then you will get a very dense product.

Then they are heated again and cut into other blank products. Then they are normalized and sent for further work. When the required shape of the product is obtained, it is heat treated in a vacuum oven.

Thanks to the above characteristics, steel gains strength and resistance to dulling of the blade.

Any steel in its original composition contains iron and carbon. This is a common alloy. Depending on the task at hand, chemical compounds , which affect its further characteristics. Let's look at the main characteristics of Kh12MF steel:

• high product reliability;
• corrosion resistance (with proper care);
• long-term performance;
• maintaining sharp cutting ability for a long time;
• lends itself well to calcination;
• behaves well in hardening;
• wear resistant;
• wide range of industrial applications.

Kh12MF steel received these qualities due to the addition of alloying substances :

• carbon (C): 1.45%−1.65% steel becomes hard and wear-resistant;
• chromium (Cr): 11.00%-12.50% improves cutting properties and wear resistance;
• vanadium (V): 0.15%−0.30% evenly distributes particles, which reduces the sensitivity of steel to overheating. With an excess of V, steel loses its ductility;
• silicon (Si): 0.10%−0.40% increases resistance to tempering during heat treatment;
• copper (Cu): up to 0.30% increases strength;
• molybdenum (Mo): 0.40%−0.60% increases viscosity and hardenability when quenching X12MF. With an excess of Mo, the resistance of the alloy decreases;
• manganese (Mn): 0.15%−0.45% reduces warping when hardening X12MF;
• Nickel (Ni): up to 0.35% prevents the formation of carbides in steel;
• phosphorus (P): 11.00%−12.50% improves the ductility of steel;
• sulfur (S): up to 0.03% improves wear resistance and elasticity.

X12MF steel is manufactured in accordance with Russian GOST and TU, the abbreviation has the following meaning: the letter X means the predominance of the alloyed element chromium, M - molybdenum, F - vanadium. The value of the number indicates the amount of alloying substance content, in this case it is 12% chromium.

Alloy corrosion resistance

If a 16% carbon alloy contains 12% chromium, then such steel almost does not rust. And if the chromium in the alloy reaches 14%, then the steel becomes completely stainless , and corrosion disappears.

The excellent quality properties of X12MF steel allowed most manufacturers and buyers to appreciate the benefits of the alloy. The most popular are various knife products. They are particularly durable and well sharpened, and also have excellent cutting characteristics. But there are also nuances that should be taken into account when using a knife made of this alloy: steel is brittle , so you should absolutely not throw, bend or throw knives.

Although knives hardly rust, they are prone to darkening the blade . If it comes into contact with an acidic or alkaline environment, it must be washed, otherwise stains will appear and a rusty coating will form.

Application in industry of steel Х12МФ

This type of steel is used on an industrial scale mainly in heavy engineering , tool and machine-building production. This steel is used as a blank for:

• bearings;
• cutting tools;
• peepholes for calibrating bar metal;
• forming, bending and body dies;
• stamps for electrical machines, electromagnetic systems of electrical devices;
• hunting knives and so on.

The use of knives made of steel X12MF in everyday life

As practice shows, all new knives used in the kitchen become dull after 2-3 months. Therefore, this type of alloy is so in demand due to its durability and unpretentiousness. In addition, the knife must not only serve for a long time, but also be sharp. Therefore, among male hunters, preference is given to knives made of X12MF steel.

The uniqueness of the alloy lies in its carbon content (up to 16%). Carbon increases the hardness of steel , and its amount affects wear resistance. The higher the carbon penetration level, the longer it can be used in everyday life.

But this is one side of the coin. The other is that with an increased carbon content, steel undergoes corrosion. Therefore, 16% is the most favorable option for alloying. But chromium comes to the aid of the metal, making it almost stainless.

Strength and durability are the basis for the success of X12MF steel.

Numerous experiments with such a knife gave the following results:

1. Synthetic ropes (d=2 cm) have been cut more than 300 times.
2. Oak bars were cut more than 100 times.
3. Tin products were opened.
4. Numerous tree branches were cut off.
5. Subject to blade strikes against a metal rod.
6. The cutting quality of the knife was tested on the spine and bones of a wild boar

All these tests were carried out on one knife! Not a single notch appeared, the quality of the knife did not decline. Even the newspaper, under its own weight, was cut on it, without tears, in an even strip. Aren't these the wonders of this steel?

Conclusion

X12MF steel undoubtedly has phenomenal characteristics. The high quality properties and characteristics of steel have made it possible to become widespread in many areas of production and everyday life. Proper operation of the product will allow it to be used for a long time (many times longer than other types of steel) in everyday life and production, without losing its main qualities.

Reviews

“I had not previously encountered the operation of a Kh12MF steel knife and had not heard anything about the characteristics of the product. To my surprise, the knife showed its best side. In my work (construction industry), I had to cut ropes, cables and other products more than once.

Having reached 80 cuts, I noticed a slight deterioration in the cutting quality of the knife. I noticed the first signs of wear on the knife after the 140th cut of the cable; hooks began to appear on the cardboard and paper, and the paper began to tear. Only then did I sharpen the knife, and it became like new again! I am very pleased and recommend it to everyone.

It’s a pity that I didn’t have a chance to buy it earlier.”

Roman, Sverdlovsk

“It's good steel, I like it. I often came across knives of poor quality (overheated or underheated). And here everything is as it should be! The only negative is that it is difficult to sharpen. The knife has a correspondingly high price. But a good knife is not cheap.”

Damir, Yoshkar-Ola

“I wouldn’t say that this is a miracle knife, the most beautiful in the world. It is better to keep the blade dry and clean. Dropping it is dangerous, as it risks splitting. When I went to the sea, I took it with me and noticed that dark spots appeared. This is not particularly pleasant, although it did not affect the quality of the knife in any way. If you take proper care of it and protect it from moisture, then there will be no problems. But I think this applies to all high-carbon steels.”

Dmitry, Petrozavodsk

Source: https://instrument.guru/metalloobrabotka/harakteristiki-i-svojstva-stali-h12mf.html

X12MF: steel characteristics, pros and cons, is 95*18 better, where to get it, analogues, best knives from X12MF

X12MF steel was created in the 30s of the last century as a tool alloy for cold deformation. This material remains in demand today. Outstanding wear resistance characteristics allow the use of raw materials in mass and serial production.

X12MF alloy steel for knives, the pros and cons of which we will consider in this article, is one of the most popular materials.

Some well-known blade manufacturers prefer this particular brand, noting the sharpness of the cutting edge, as well as the ability to maintain this quality for a long time in any adverse conditions.

X12MF steel: characteristics

X12MF is a steel that was developed, created and put into production in the 30s of the last century. Initially, the metal was positioned as a tool alloy, optimally suited for cold deformation. The quality characteristics of steel are high, which makes it popular in modern production.

Characteristic	Short description
Brand and substitutes	X12MF. Substitutes – Х6ВФ, Х12ВМ, Х12Ф1
Class in official gradation	Die tool steel
Types of release	Calibrated, ground rods, silver, strips, forgings and forged blanks
Metal hardness	HB 10-1 (255 MPa)
Hardening temperature	At the beginning of the process 1140 degrees, at the end - 850
Cooling type	In wells or special thermostats
Fragility level	Very low, prone to temper brittleness

Initially, X12MF grade steel was intended for the manufacture of “knife blades”; this term meant cutters and stamps for printing, technological cutting tools for woodworking, saws, and so on. But already in the 50s of the last century, artisans began to use metal to make knives for household and kitchen purposes.

We recommend reading the article about types of knives. From it you will learn about the basic shapes of knives, their names and characteristics, blade materials by type of metal, as well as the rules and criteria for choosing a knife. And here is more information about the types of combat knives.

Properties, chemical composition

The high quality and properties of steel are ensured by its complex chemical composition:

Source: https://instanko.ru/drugoe/stal-h12mf.html

Characteristics of steel grade X12MF

In making knives, the most important thing is the material from which the blade is made.

Widely used for these purposes from the middle of the last century to this day remains X12MF - a steel whose characteristics are suitable for the manufacture of parts for machines, gears, punches and for cold forging of knives, saws, cutters and cutters.

Manufacturer Bob Dozier used this metal all his life to make knives, considering it the most worthy. An identical analogue of X12MF in America is D2 steel.

Chemical composition and characteristics of steel X12MF

According to GOST 5950-2000, X12MF is classified as alloyed ledeburite steel. Its formula includes 1.5% carbon and 12% chromium.

The alloy marking consists of letters and numbers that indicate the properties of the steel of this grade. These components are the main ones and affect its physical and mechanical properties:

• X - chromium;
• 12 - percentage of carbon;
• M - molybdenum;
• F - phosphorus.

Three elements that have the largest share in the structure of steel of this grade:

1. Chromium. The metal remains resistant to corrosion and increases the sharpness of the cutting edge if its content in the alloy reaches 14%. At a higher rate, steel moves into the stainless steel category.
2. Carbon. The hardness of the blade on the Rockwell scale reaches 62-63HRC due to the high presence of this element in the steel.
3. Phosphorus. Facilitates the process of smooth metal casting at the annealing stage.

The hardenability of steel is increased by inclusions of molybdenum, silicon and vanadium. Thanks to these chemical elements, the metal becomes less sensitive to overheating, and the bonds between particles are strengthened. Internal stress during deformation and processing is reduced by manganese.

Silicon, nickel and copper prevent the blade from becoming brittle when tempered.

Production technology

Forged steel X12MF is produced in a hot foundry at strictly controlled temperatures up to 950°C. The canvas will become brittle during the cooling stage after casting if this regime is violated. When forged, such knife steel will crumble.

The electroslag alloy method is most often used for casting. It consists in melting the metal in baths of electrically conductive slag.

The internal particles and grains of the crystal lattice are brought to a stable state through tempering after the preliminary processes of hardening and annealing. The sheet of hot metal then releases internal stress and hardens. To achieve maximum hardness, the steel is subjected to hardening and tempering procedures several times.

After beating with a hammer, the dendritic structure becomes stable. Solid metal sheets are cut into blanks and fired in a vacuum oven again to give the desired shape. In this form they are sent to metallurgical plants.

Due to complex technological requirements, steel according to GOST cannot be cast in artisanal forges. The original alloy is produced only by trusted knife manufacturers.

Pros and cons of steel

A good knife should be strong and durable. Other indicators that affect its quality are the ease of sharpening the blade and cutting properties. In Russia, the closest analogue of the X12MF is 95X18.

This stainless alloy steel is widely used for household and industrial purposes (in the chemical industry, the manufacture of parts for hot shops of factories). Its heat treatment also requires careful adherence to the established regimes, otherwise the alloy will irrevocably lose its properties.

If you choose between 95X18 or X12MF a suitable material for making a knife, then you should start from the purposes of its use.

Comparing stainless and conditionally stainless steels is appropriate when a knife is chosen for infrequent use: hiking, for going outdoors, but not for daily needs. For these purposes, 95X18 steel, which does not rust, is better suited. It holds an edge for a long time and does not deteriorate from exposure to acids, water and dirt.

This blade is easy to care for and you don’t have to take it out of the sheath for a long time unless necessary - the blade will remain like new. The hardness of such knives is 58HRC, which is enough for cutting food, ropes, and green growth in the forest. This is a tourist, fishing or hunting weapon.

X12MF has a number of strengths and weaknesses along with 95X18 and other steels.

Advantages

The high hardness of X12MF is indispensable in everyday life when quick and easy cutting of vegetables and fruits is required. The sharpness of the cutting edge allows you to use these knives every day in the kitchen, in the garden and outdoors, when working with wood and synthetic fabrics.

The blade made of X12MF does not become dull for a long time and does not require special care, as it belongs to the class of conditionally stainless steel and holds the edge well. When purchasing a knife from X12MF, the owner of a knife must stock up on a diamond stone and a belt with GOI paste - this is necessary for high-quality home sharpening.

X12MF steel is made from cheap components, as a result of which it is inexpensive. Compared to analogues made of Damascus steel, knives made of this metal are stronger, less afraid of water, more functional and have a lower cost. Availability and good cutting qualities allow us to turn a blind eye to some of the shortcomings of this variety.

Knife with a blade made of steel X12MF.

Flaws

The use of a blade made of X12MF steel as a kitchen blade shows its negative sides already after the first cutting of watery or acid-containing products. The metallic luster is washed out, and the steel surface of the blade becomes covered with streaks and stains due to poor corrosion resistance. Aesthetic imperfections do not in any way affect the cutting properties of the knife, but it will no longer be possible to polish the blade to a shiny appearance.

On a hike, weapons from the X12MF will be useful for quickly cutting down bushes and branches. It will not become dull even under intense loads. But if the blade has not been sharpened for a long time, this procedure will not be possible in the field. Unlike steel 95Х18, which can be sharpened even on cobblestones.

The X12MF blade does not withstand breaking loads well. If there is a strong impact with a bone or other object with high viscosity, the blade will break or a chip will form on the blade.

Scope of steel application

During the Soviet period, alloy steel X12MF was indispensable in machine production, the manufacture of electrical equipment and cold-forming tools: bodywork, molding dies, dies, rollers, cutters - and is still used for these purposes, like U12A steel, which is similar in composition. The latter is also used in the production of surgical equipment, engraving machines, springs, parts and surfaces with a cutting edge not intended for heating.

If metal is required for the manufacture of factory parts with better toughness, more resistant to abrasion and force impacts than Kh12MF, then its preferred variety is semi-heat-resistant steel Kh12F1.

Knife with a forged blade made of X12MF steel with a leather sheath.

X12MF is used in the areas of aircraft, motorcycle and shipbuilding, the production of edged weapons, fittings and alloys, and household tools.

Tourist, hunting or tactical knives made of this steel are suitable for cutting bushes, ropes, opening cans on picnics, fishing or hunting, in survival conditions. Folding knives will be useful to their owner in solving small problems in the workshop and at home.

Rules for the care and operation of knives made of steel X12MF

Weapons made of X12MF steel must be used and stored carefully to extend their service life. The sharper the blade, the easier it becomes dull. For knives made of metal of this brand, the optimal sharpening angle is 35 degrees.

For long-term use of edged weapons, storage and precautions should be taken into account.

1. If the knife was used as a lever, the base of the handle could easily become loose or the blade could break. You cannot apply force to the butt and try to cut through hard and blunt objects with it.
2. With frequent use in contact with acid and alkali, pitting corrosion actively appears on the blade, which spoils its appearance and leaves stains. It is necessary to polish the knife every six months before dark spots on the surface become noticeable. Fine-grained diamond belts are used for this purpose.
3. The knife should be washed, wiped dry and lubricated with mineral oil, Vaseline or Ballistol after each use.
4. The handle requires regular cleaning with antibacterial agents. To avoid the appearance of fungus on a wooden butt, you need to treat it with an antiseptic. The metal analogue of the handle requires the same care as the blade of a knife.
5. The blade should be kept in a sheath if used infrequently. This is another way to protect the sensitive blade from corrosion.

Knives made from overheated or underheated X12MF do not have the advantages that the original steel has, and will not last long. You need to order weapons made of this type of metal only from reputable factories that have many positive reviews.

Source: https://VashNozh.ru/stal/h12mf

Steel X12MF: characteristics, advantages and disadvantages, knife production

X12MF steel is an alloyed tool steel consisting of substances due to which it has excellent technical characteristics. This brand is often used to produce various household items. But usually knife blades are made from it. Since the material itself has excellent properties, the tools made from it are also high-quality products.

• Features and Specifications
• Advantages
• Flaws
• Knife production

Kh12MF, like any steel, is an alloy of two elements of the periodic table, namely iron and carbon. However, whether steel belongs to a particular grade is determined by the percentage of these elements. Of course, in addition to these two main components, the material may contain other components, which also affects the properties.

One of the main features of steel is the content of elements such as copper, sulfur, nickel, silicon, and molybdenum. All these components have a direct impact on the strength of the finished product, which most often is a knife blade. The presence of these substances affects both cutting ability and corrosion resistance.

X12MF steel is produced strictly according to GOST rules. During the production process, the material is heated to almost a thousand degrees Celsius, due to which it acquires a hardness of more than 60 HRC units. It is very difficult to create such steel, because you need to set the exact temperature and maintain it for a certain time. It’s no easier to make knife blades from ready-made steel. Only real professional blacksmiths can do this.

Advantages

Like any other material, X12MF steel for knives has its pros and cons.

Let's start with the advantages of knives made from this material:

1. Sharp blade . Thanks to this property alone, many knife collectors will begin to purchase products made from this steel. After all, sharpening is, perhaps, the main requirement for all knives. It must be said that there is usually some catch in this. The fact is that a too sharp blade quickly becomes dull, because when cutting, that is, with intense friction against the material being cut, it wears off. And the thinner the blade, the faster it will wear out. However, this does not apply to tools made from X12MF steel. After all, this material contains about 15% carbon, which increases wear resistance and maintains the integrity of the cutting part of the blade. Unfortunately, this amount of carbon in this alloy reduces the corrosion resistance. Therefore, you need to try to prevent the blade from coming into contact with water. And although it, of course, will not become completely covered with rust after interacting with moisture, its appearance can still deteriorate significantly, so such a blade must be properly cared for.
2. contains a sufficient amount of molybdenum . Thanks to this element, the alloy becomes uniform and homogeneous. And this property is very important for any cutting tool.
3. in an alloy of vanadium, which gives it a special strength . Many tests of such knives were carried out, the results of which made us finally convinced of unprecedented resistance to wear. In strength testing, these tools were repeatedly used to cut very hard objects, to open many metal cans, and even to cut oak wood. Despite everything, the blade of the knife retained its sharpness; scratches did not even appear on it.

In addition to molybdenum and vanadium, the composition also includes chromium, tungsten, manganese, and silicon.

Each of them has its own characteristics:

• chromium improves the cutting properties of knives and increases wear resistance;
• thanks to tungsten, hardenability increases;
• manganese reduces warping during hardening;
• silicon increases the resistance of the metal workpiece during heat treatment.

But the main components are still considered chromium, molybdenum and vanadium. The name of the steel grade itself speaks to this. The letter "X" stands for "chrome", the letter "M" stands for "molybdenum", and the letter "F" stands for "Vanadium".

Unfortunately, knives made of X12MF steel also have disadvantages, some of them very serious.

One of the most significant disadvantages of such products is the fragility of the blade. They can cut almost anything and in any quantity. But if you start using them for other than their intended purpose, then there is a considerable probability that the instrument will simply deteriorate overnight . Under no circumstances should these knives be checked for bending; throwing them is strictly prohibited.

Another serious drawback of cutting tools made from X12MF steel is the short length of the blades, which certainly indicates their cutting purpose.

Knife production

The positive characteristics of X12MF steel were appreciated by many companies involved in the production of knives. This material is popular among both manufacturing companies and buyers of cutting tools.

The strength of the material is ensured by its high density, and this steel becomes dense thanks to a special production technology. The workpiece is a round rod. It is fixed in a special furnace and then heated to the desired temperature. Once it is soft enough to be deformed, machining begins.

Using a heavy hammer, a metal rod is shaped into strips. Moreover, its density as a result of physical processing will be very large. And in order to give it the required length, it is again fixed in the forge and heated, and then, using a special tool, it is divided into several shorter parts.

It is these parts that will be the blades of future penknives, but first they must acquire a wedge-shaped shape. For this purpose they are also subjected to special processing.

Source: https://tokar.guru/metally/stal/stal-h12mf-osnovnye-harakteristiki-plyusy-i-minusy.html

Steel x12MF for knives: characteristics, pros and cons

First, let's figure out what steel is. Steel is a kind of alloy of iron and carbon, and the carbon concentration should not exceed 2%. Steel is also capable of changing its properties thanks to a person who adds special additives to it, and these additives give the steel the necessary strength, ductility, cutting ability, and so on.

As for x12MF steel, like any other type of steel it has its own unique chemical composition of elements:

1. Chrome . This is the most important thing, it allows the steel to improve its cutting properties and not rust for a long time, which is a feature of this grade of steel.
2. Vanadium . It, in turn, gives the steel a certain balance in ductility and strength, the main thing is not to overdo it, otherwise the steel will lose the ductility that x12MF steel simply must have.
3. Manganese . It is simply necessary to ensure that the steel does not lose its shape during hardening.
4. Molybdenum and tungsten . Needed to increase hardening.
5. Carbon . Allows steel to preserve itself for a longer time.
6. Silicon . Prevents carbon from starting the corrosion process.
7. Nickel . It also prevents the steel from rusting and, moreover, increases its strength.

If you do everything correctly and using the right proportions, you will get an excellent creation. But do not forget about the temperature and the number of hardenings during creation, this also greatly affects the result.

x12MF is used in heavy engineering or as raw material for production. But the most important thing is why you are reading this article, it is used in the manufacture of household and hunting knives. At the moment, this is the most relevant use of this steel.

Advantages of x12MF knives

Why are knives made from this steel better than others, you ask? Compared to other knives, its most important advantage is durability . The knife can serve you faithfully, will not become dull after the first 2 months of use and will be highly resistant to physical impacts.

And the blade is absolutely identical along its entire length, which allows the knife to have excellent cutting ability. If necessary, the knife can be sharpened quite easily. Many hunters claim that taking out this knife on a hunt and starting to work with it is a very pleasant experience.

Taking it with you, you can cut everything: from cucumbers to cutting fish. Therefore, you can without a doubt use the knife even normally in the kitchen. True, for use in the kitchen, use safety precautions, because the knife is essentially a hunting knife and is intended for completely different purposes.

So, let’s highlight the advantages of knives made of steel x12MF:

• Long-term performance.
• Due to the presence of chromium, steel practically does not rust.
• Strength.
• Same sharpening along the entire length.
• It can be easily calcined.
• Steel can easily withstand frost and heat.

Disadvantages and cons

Basically, all the mistakes of a knife with such steel are associated with poor production . Therefore, carefully choose the manufacturing company, otherwise the result will be sad. Therefore, it is better to choose a well-known company with good reviews for your purchase than a dubious company that no one knows anything about. After all, well-processed steel is the key to quality, otherwise you will lose your knife the first time you try to open a can of canned food.

So, let's highlight a few disadvantages:

• If steel is not properly cared for, rust may soon appear.
• If manufacturing rules were not followed during production, the blade will easily break.
• Again, due to a bad manufacturer, the blade may have poor sharpness.
• If you do not control the contact of the knife with moisture, corrosion will begin.
• Fragility. Therefore, it is not recommended to throw, throw, etc.

But in order for a knife to serve for a long time, you need to properly care for it. Here are some basic operating rules:

Results

Knives made of x12MF steel are truly universal in their essence. Such a knife may even become your only one in ten years. A lot of tests and checks were carried out on it, and usually people are surprised that the production made a really high-quality product. Mostly the reviews are only positive.

The knife can compete even with other well-known steel brands. For example, knives from the same Damascus. Experience shows that products made from x12MF steel can easily cope with any task. In general, this steel will always be recognizable in the knife production market and will find application in the hands of absolutely any person.

Source: https://plusiminusi.ru/stal-x12mf-dlya-nozhej-xarakteristiki-plyusy-i-minusy/

X12MF steel for knives: pros and cons

Various grades of steel are used to create knives. However, back in the middle of the last century, craftsmen noted the unique characteristics that X12MF steel has. However, at that time it was known under the X12M marking. It was from this metal that experts recommended producing blades for knives that were used in the printing and woodworking industries.

Characteristics of steel X12MF

Steel grade X12MF is called tool grade. It has unique technical characteristics, which is largely due to its chemical composition. The variety of chemical elements is strictly defined, and each component has its own functional load.

The chemical composition of X12MF includes:

• carbon;
• molybdenum;
• phosphorus;
• vanadium;
• chromium;
• silicon;
• nickel.

The highest specific indicators are for phosphorus, carbon, and chromium. Carbon is present here within 1.6% and is responsible for the wear resistance and hardness of the metal. Chromium (12%) not only contributes to the steel's resistance to wear, but also enhances the cutting properties of the blade. The same amount – 12% – belongs to phosphorus. This element makes the metal ductile.

Other additions are made to the steel to make it strong, elastic and not susceptible to temperature changes. Thanks to this composition of elements of the periodic table, Kh12MF knife steel can rightfully be called exclusive. It has virtually no analogues among other modern alloys.

According to knowledgeable people, hunting knives made of X12MF steel are distinguished by impeccable strength and durability. The ability of this steel to cut a wide variety of materials is unique, in addition, it is extremely resistant to corrosion. It should be noted that this brand is produced exclusively in strict accordance with GOST standards.

However, manufacturers also take into account the certain whimsical nature of the X12MF in processing. So forged steel X12MF, in fact, is very difficult to forge. Forging is largely complicated by the fact that this metal must be hardened at a temperature of no more than 950 degrees. If the blacksmiths allow the temperature to be exceeded, the alloy becomes brittle. And this will negatively affect the quality of the future steel product.

Many consumers ask which steel is better - X12MF or Damascus. It’s difficult to answer unequivocally here. It is known that Damascus knives are valued all over the world for their strength and elasticity.

The steel of the marking in question is somewhat inferior to them in the level of fragility. However, Damascus is always much more expensive, but the X12MF has earned fame due to its functionality.

And where the user regrets using a Damascus knife, he always successfully uses cutting weapons made from domestic steel.

Steel grade X12MF for knives: pros and cons

Like any other steel, the X12MF grade has its advantages and disadvantages.

Its advantages are:

• high cutting properties;
• reasonable price;
• long-term sharpening retention;
• increased blade strength.

Experts will confirm that steel knives have one peculiarity: a maximally sharpened edge does not hold an edge well and quickly becomes dull. This cannot be said about the X12MF knives.

The optimal percentage of carbon provides special resistance to wear, so a product with this marking will remain sharp for a very long time. In camping conditions, you can safely cut down bushes with a knife for a long time, and the blade will still retain good cutting abilities.

At the same time, if you still intend to improve the sharpness, then using a stone with diamond chips will speed up the sharpening time.

Steel has its drawbacks. In particular, you should not use a knife made of steel of this marking to cut hard objects (for example, bones) - there is a risk of chips on the blade. Despite a certain level of elasticity, try not to test the knife for bending. The reason for all this is some fragility of the metal.

Where is X12MF used?

During the Soviet period, knives were also produced from X12MF steel. However, most often, this alloy was used to create working tools - cutters, saws, various cutters, woodworking knives. Today the scope of use is much wider. Bearings, body dies, molding dies, and for electromagnetic and electrical equipment are made from steel of this alloy.

X12MF products are used in everyday life. First of all, these are knives - both hunting and utility. Most often, knives for hunters and fishermen are made from this steel. All of them have long been able to appreciate the advantages of marking products made from such a unique alloy. You can join their opinion by purchasing a quality knife at a reasonable cost.

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Source: https://kavkazsuvenir.ru/blog/stal-h12mf-dlya-nozhej

Steel x12MF for knives: pros and cons of use

It is not easy to give more information than there is about the X12MF steel grade, which has been known for 90 years, since the times of the Soviet Union. Over these decades, information about it has been repeatedly given in periodicals in the most expanded format; there is a lot of specialized literature. Used by most of our knife makers. The reason for this popularity is due to the affordability of steel and the stable quality of manufactured products.

X12MF steel was created by Soviet engineers for the needs of Soviet industry in the 30s of the 20th century. Initially intended for metal processing by stamping. According to the purpose, the biochemical component of the alloy and the entire technological process were developed.

Ratnikovsky knife

Later it was found that the characteristics of the alloy already introduced into production corresponded to the production of edged weapons on an industrial scale. Steel X12MF had all the necessary properties:

• appropriate viscosity;
• stable anti-corrosion properties;
• excellent performance on compression, elasticity, hardness and rigidity.

Therefore, in addition to industrial use, the alloy began to be used for knives made for special forces. For example, military personnel of the NKVD troops were armed with these weapons.

Characteristics of knife steel

Before considering the properties of x12MF steel, identifying the pros and cons, it is worth familiarizing yourself with the existing characteristics of the alloy. There are several types of it, which have certain differences in the types of alloying additives, heat treatment, and rolling.

There are five main properties of steel:

1. Hardness - resistance to physical influences.
2. Rigidity - resistance to mechanical damage (chips, cracks). Determined by the hardness of the steel.
3. Anti-abrasive, anti-adhesive resistance. The higher the hardness, the higher the quality of these properties. It also depends on the chemical composition: the higher the content of carbide and tungsten, the better the wear resistance.
4. Anti-corrosion resistance - resistance to rust. This indicator has its disadvantages: it has a bad effect on the properties of the blade tip.
5. Safety from “blockages” - the duration of use of the blade without sharpening.

You need to know that even the best knife steel cannot combine the high properties of all five characteristics. Only a compromise is possible in balancing stiffness with hardness.

This indicator is necessary, because you can make a product with an extremely hard blade that cuts iron, but can break simply by hitting a hard floor. Or the knife will be rigid, withstand strong bends, but will not be able to keep sharpened for a long time.

Worsman knife

Knife steel x12MF has the most optimal characteristics for making high-quality knives, although, along with positive qualities, it has some disadvantages, which we will discuss below.

Steel x12MF

This type of metal is an alloyed tool type. Its excellent technical characteristics are due to its composition. Products made from this alloy have perfectly demonstrated their qualities in all areas of industry where the stamping method is used.

Knives made of steel X12MF

This metal is produced by reusable welding. Alloy composition:

Chemical element%

Carbon (C)	1,45 — 1,65
Vanadium (V)	0,15 — 0,30
Silicon (Si)	0,1 — 0,4
Copper (Cu)	0,3
Manganese (Mn)	0,15 — 0,45
Molybdenum (Mo)	0,4 — 0,6
Nickel (Ni)	0,35
Phosphorus (P)	0,03
Chromium (Cr)	11,0 — 12,5
Sulfur (S)	0,03

Thanks to the presence of these elements, the products have excellent characteristics: corrosion-resistant, durable, hard and rigid. X12MF steel is produced in accordance with Soviet GOST standards. Hardening is carried out at + 950° degrees, which gives the steel a hardness of up to 64 HRC units.

This steel is quite difficult to process and is extremely difficult to forge. Heat treatment, including heating to the required temperature, and all other necessary operations are also extremely difficult. Although there are craftsmen who make magnificent products from such an alloy that is difficult to process.

In industrial production it is used in the manufacture of:

• drawing boards;
• dies - flexible forming dies;
• calibration eyes;
• body stamp parts.

Although today this steel is more often used in the manufacture of mainly hunting and tourist knives.

Kitchen steel knives

pros

Blades made of X12MF steel have many advantages.

The main quality of any knife product is hardness and the length of time it retains its sharpness. It is known that a sharp blade becomes dull faster. However, this cannot be said about blades made of X12MF steel. The duration of sharpening is ensured by a carbon concentration of up to 14.5 - 16.5%, which guarantees wear resistance and safety of the blade.

At the same time, these same characteristics reduce the anti-corrosion properties of the product. It would be wrong to classify this steel as completely stainless, but it will not instantly become covered with rust from being in contact with water.

The hardness of knives made of X12MF steel is 50 units, but even with this indicator, cutting properties are retained after chopping hundreds of test objects.

Additional components in the composition that give the following characteristics:

• molybdenum, which contributes to the homogeneity of the metal;
• vanadium, which improves the hardness of the alloy and service life;
• silicon, which increases strength.

Knife manufacturers have repeatedly tested their strength: they used them to chop bones, cut cans, and oak blocks. As a result, the knife does not become dull, and the sharp blade cuts a sheet of paper with the weight of the knife.

All metal knife set

Minuses

With all the advantages of knives made of this steel grade, there is one drawback - relative fragility. The products are not intended for throwing, flexibility testing or similar strength tests. Their main purpose is cutting action.

Tool steel X12MF

Tool steel X12MF has anti-corrosion characteristics. It is durable and does not require constant sharpening. In Soviet times, technological knives, cutters and dies were made from X12MF. Nowadays, this material is used to create high-quality knives and parts for mechanical engineering.

Steel X12MF

Features of steel

The main products made from X12MF alloy are knife blades. And the specific addition of metals to the alloy determines its place of application. For example, chromium is added to the alloy discussed in this article. As a percentage of other metals in this grade, steel is only twelve percent.

Many people are interested in whether X12MF steel rusts or not. Yes, the knife is prone to rust in the kitchen, where the knife will constantly be in dampness, it has no place .

X12MF steel is more suitable for hunters. Since the addition of chromium increases the wear resistance and cutting properties of the product.

With proper care, X12MF will not rust for quite a long time. And the decoding of the name of the metal alloy means the following:

• X – addition of chromium, where the number 12 means its percentage among all other metals;
• M – it contains molybdenum;
• F – vanadium.

Chemical composition

This X12MF steel is very diverse in composition and is rich in different types of metals. It has no analogues among other alloys. The following is the chemical composition of X12MF:

• Chrome – 12%. Added to improve cutting properties and wear resistance.
• Molybdenum - 0.6%. The viscosity and hardenability of the metal increases. If the concentration is too high, the durability decreases.
• Carbon - 1.6%. Gives hardness. Steel becomes wear-resistant.
• Vanadium - 0.3%. Reduces the sensitivity of steel to overheating.
• Silicon – 0.4%. Provides resistance to tempering during heat treatment.
• Copper – 0.3%. Strengthening.
• Manganese – 0.45%. When manganese is added, the alloy is less subject to warping when it is hardened.
• Nickel 0.35%. Prevents the formation of carbides.
• Phosphorus – 12%. Adds plastic qualities.
• Sulfur – 0.3%. Improves elasticity.

The percentage is indicated in the maximum values ​​​​of its presence in steel. In fact, it can range from one tenth to four tenths of a percent of a given metal content. Each of the metals affects a certain property of X12MF.

Mechanical characteristics

In terms of mechanical characteristics, X12MF steel has the following advantages:

• High strength.
• Good cutting ability.
• High corrosion resistance.
• Durability.

Alloy steel X12MF is created in strict accordance with GOST and TU requirements.

Knife "Chef"

Technological properties

Steel is an alloy of carbon and iron. And this alloy is made by adding many more metals, which were listed above. Therefore, X12MF is very capricious in processing. Characteristics of X12MF:

• Hard to forge.
• It is subjected to complex heat treatment, since it is necessary to maintain extremely precise temperatures of tempering, holding and other parameters.
• It is hardened at a temperature of 950 degrees Celsius. Overheating should not be allowed. Since excessive temperature greatly affects the structure of the alloy, making it more brittle.
• Has a hardness of up to 64 HRC.

Despite the fact that it is very difficult to make piece goods from this steel, there are still blacksmiths who make excellent knives. Thanks to the properties of steel, especially the presence of chromium (X12), the resulting products are famous for the strength and sharpness of the blade. These characteristics of Damascus steel knives allow you to instantly cut the flesh of a killed animal. For a hunter, this is simply an excellent weapon.

Due to its physical properties, this grade of stainless steel X12MF is not intended for throwing or testing for bending. If during production the rules of hardening and maintaining temperature accuracy were not followed, then such an oversight will have a bad effect on the hardness of the alloy. The blade of the knife can be easily broken.

Knife "Navaja"

A product made from this alloy will serve its owner for a long time if two conditions are met:

• All technologies were followed during production.
• The owner carefully monitors and cares for his instrument.

And also X12MF can:

• Easy to carry out planing and polishing work (used in woodworking factories).
• Does not require frequent sharpening.
• It can easily withstand 40-degree frosts and the same heat.
• When the metal is exposed to high temperatures, the steel does not deteriorate or warp.
• Long service life. This property of this steel is due to the presence of vanadium.
• A person can sharpen the tool himself.
• Has resistance to corrosion.
• It does not break if the alloy is homogeneous in structure.

This type of steel and products made from it are used both in everyday life and in industry. In everyday life, X12MF is famous for its excellent and wear-resistant knife blades. Knives made of this steel can be used both at home and while hunting or fishing.

Sharp steel easily cuts through delicate green shoots, reeds, and thin branches. The main thing is not to get carried away and not to cut bones with it, and not to use it as an ax. Because chips then appear on its canvas.

This will ruin not only the aesthetics of the blade, but also its functionality.

Knife made of steel Х12МФKnife “Marmot”

Knives made from X12MF tool steel require a special approach to caring for them. The knife blade is treated with mineral oil. To sharpen or straighten it, fine-grained diamonds, leather belts and GOI paste are used. The correct sharpening angle is the basis for its sharpness and wear resistance. It is equal to thirty-five degrees in tilt.

In addition, below are some recommendations for caring for such knives:

• After use, the knife is washed under running water. Then it is wiped with a paper napkin. Because this particular product absorbs moisture well, unlike fabric. And the blade should under no circumstances be connected for a long time to water elements for apartment buildings. Since it contains chlorine, which will definitely interact with this alloy. The blade will become stained and may darken.
• In order for it to regain its original appearance, it must be lubricated with a special compound, which is sold in a gun store.
• It needs to be polished once every four months.
• Do not use a dishwasher to clean it. Otherwise, the blade may become dull or even damaged.
• It must be stored in special knives that came with it when sold.
• The wooden handle must be treated with antiseptics so that it is not damaged by bacteria and fungi, for which it is a favorite food. And, if the handle is metal, then it is necessary to eliminate chips and scratches. If rust appears in these places, it will soon reach the blade.

And in order to prove the advantage of this product made of X12MF tool steel over other products, numerous experiments were carried out. Data from which will be disclosed below. The Damascus steel blade has proven itself to be the best.

• This product was used to cut synthetic fiber ropes with a diameter of two centimeters.
• Oak bars were cut more than a hundred times.
• Numerous cans have been opened with this knife.
• The spine and bones of the boar were cut with this blade.
• The blade, under its pressure, cut the newspaper sheet lengthwise.

Bearing made of steel X12MF

Many products made from this alloy were tested. It has proven itself to be the most advanced alloy ever produced by mankind.

Industrial Applications

X12MF steel has found its application in industry. It is necessary where tools such as:

• Drawing boards.
• Forming dies.
• Bending dies.
• Bar metal calibration eyes for thread rolling.
• Sections of complex design of body dies.
• Dies for active parts of electrical machines are also made from it.
• Parts of electromagnetic systems of electrical devices.
• Bearings.
• Profile rollers.

Steel stamp X12MF

X12MF steel has proven that it is a durable, wear-resistant metal alloy that will serve humanity for a long time.

Source: https://stankiexpert.ru/spravochnik/materialovedenie/stal-kh12mf.html

Steel X12MF characteristics and application

The technical characteristics of X12MF steel have precisely those complex properties that determine its uniqueness. One of those steel grades that are popular not only at enterprises, but also among craftsmen.

The use of X12MF steel cannot be called universal: the limits of its use are limited.

A set of alloying elements determines its structure and determines its narrowly targeted purpose: it is a tool die steel. High manufacturability - machinability by cutting and pressure makes it possible to produce:

• stamps of complex shapes for matrices:
• hole-punching;
• perforated;
• bodywork;
• profile rollers;
• portages;
• punches;
• reference gears;
• rolling dies.

But steel grade X12MF has gained great popularity due to the fact that it is used for the manufacture of knives.

And the point is not even that the blade turns out to be very durable and does not need to be edited for a long time.

Corrosion resistance, good machinability by cutting and forging - these are the characteristics that position the X12MF brand as one of the best in this segment.

But the use of knives made from this grade of steel is characterized by high fragility: they cannot be bent or thrown into wood.

Chemical properties

Two components are responsible for obtaining the final properties of a X12MF product: the chemical composition of the alloy and thermomechanical processing (intermediate and final). Naturally, both components depend on each other, and this subtle relationship is determined as a result of numerous studies and experiments:

• at existing metallurgical and machine-building enterprises;
• in metallographic laboratories.

The above products have high requirements:

• in terms of strength when processing metal using cold stamping and rolling;
• good heat resistance. — The set of these properties of the X12MF brand is ensured by a high concentration of the following elements, each of which brings its own characteristics:

1. C - 1.45-1.65%;
2. Cr - 11–12.5%;
3. Mo - 0.4–0.6%;
4. Si - 0.1–0.4%;
5. V - 0.15–0.3%;
6. Mn - 0.15–0.45%;
7. Cu - 3%;
8. Ni - 0.35%.

Explanation of steel X12MF

In this case, only the main elements are indicated in the labeling:

1. index: X12 - chromium content 12%;
2. M - molybdenum (without digital index, content should be up to 1%);
3. F - tungsten (content also up to 1%).

Carbon is not indicated in this case, since by default its content is determined to be around 1.5%.

Carbon is the most important element that increases strength. His participation has both positive and negative effects. At the same time as strength, it reduces ductility, which makes the steel difficult to deform.

In addition, carbides at high concentrations are distributed unevenly, and also coagulate during further aging, which leads to heterogeneity of properties in the alloy itself: in the area of ​​segregation, the alloy is strongest, and the depleted area becomes vulnerable when heated above 300 ºC. Therefore, during intensive work, when the working surface heats up, softening occurs.    

But this deficiency is neutralized by adding chromium, manganese, molybdenum and tungsten.

The main alloying element of X12MF is chromium. It imparts corrosion resistance, increases hardenability and eliminates softening of steel. It is thanks to this chromium content that steel is characterized by high:

• heat resistance (no softening at high temperatures above 300 ºC);
• hardenability;
• resistance to warping during hardening.

Tungsten improves the cutting ability of steel, which is very important in the manufacture of knives. This is due to the ability of W to form refractory compounds, which, even when the cutting edge is heated, do not cause softening.

A high concentration of elements that increase strength gives the characteristics of steel negative qualities. They are neutralized by other elements, such as manganese and molybdenum. They also increase strength, but additionally work to increase hardenability (a property of steel that, when hardened, increases the thickness of the metal in which the necessary martensitic structure is formed). In addition, they reduce warping during hardening.

Vanadium, along with iron, forms VC carbides, which are characterized by even higher strength and refractoriness than FeC. Moreover, the content of this element in the range of only 0.3-0.5% does not reduce the ductility of steel.

Thermo-mechanical treatment

Molten metal is poured into molds to obtain:

1. blanks of simple geometric shapes (circles, squares, etc.), from which parts are subsequently made by forging;
2. finished products taking into account processing allowances.

When products are manufactured using the forging method, the structure is further improved. The changes that occur can be called an increase in density, because this eliminates defects:

• filling vacancies in the crystal lattice;
• dendritic segregation - grain refinement (elimination of the dendritic structure, which is inevitable during the crystallization of workpieces, ingots, increases plasticity, without loss of strength).

Complex molecular bonds in a saturated structure place high demands on temperature conditions. Heating of steel during forging should not exceed 1050 ºC. When the metal overheats, restructuring occurs, which causes brittleness; unfortunately, it is impossible to correct it.

The advantage of steel, such as low shrinkage, makes it possible to produce finished parts and precision workpieces by casting (dimensions taking into account allowances for processing). Then the final structure of the product is obtained by thermomechanical processing:

• Removing the excess layer ensures accurate dimensions and eliminates foundry costs;
• oil hardening increases the strength of the structure of the top layer;
• Vacation relieves internal stress.

Price

The popularity of X12MF steel exists due to its availability and the possibility of using recycled materials.

Source: https://prompriem.ru/stati/stal-h12mf.html

Pros and cons of X12MF steel for knives, key characteristics

06.01.2019

X12MF steel was created in the 30s of the last century as a tool alloy for cold deformation. This material remains in demand today. Outstanding wear resistance characteristics allow the use of raw materials in mass and serial production.

X12MF alloy steel for knives, the pros and cons of which we will consider in this article, is one of the most popular materials.

Some well-known blade manufacturers prefer this particular brand, noting the sharpness of the cutting edge, as well as the ability to maintain this quality for a long time in any adverse conditions.

Chemical composition of the material

Initially, X12MF steel was developed for the needs of the engineering industry. The alloy belongs to the ledeburite class of tool steels; its composition is determined by GOST 5950-2000. The table shows the percentage of alloying elements in the alloy.

C	Si	Mn	Ni	S	P	Cr	Mo	V	Cu
1,45-1,65	0,1-0,4	0,15-0,45	up to 0.4	up to 0.03	up to 0.03	11-12,5	0,4-0,6	0,15-0,3	up to 0.3

The addition of alloying elements to the alloy composition, their percentage, in a certain way affects the final properties of the material:

1. Carbon - its concentration determines the hardness after heat treatment. The quality of sharpening the cutting edge of the knife depends on it.
2. Silicon – its presence reduces the tempering fragility of the product at room temperature.
3. Manganese – reduces the tendency of steel to warp during heat treatment.
4. Nickel – prevents the formation of carbide compounds. Carbides are located along the grain boundaries and cause brittle fracture.
5. Sulfur – increases the elastic modulus.
6. Phosphorus – improves the casting properties of the melt.
7. Chromium – gives steel anti-corrosion properties. At concentrations above 14%, the steel becomes stainless. The combination of chromium with other alloying elements gives the blade the ability to hold a cutting edge.
8. Molybdenum – increases hardenability, affects the homogeneity of the alloy.
9. Vanadium – its addition reduces the sensitivity of the alloy to overheating.
10. Copper is introduced to increase the strength characteristics of the alloy.

If the established proportions are observed, excellent raw materials are obtained. Further quality of steel depends on the correct temperature and number of hardenings. Violations in the heat treatment process lead to the fact that the steel completely loses its key properties.

Advantages and disadvantages

Any alloy is a compromise between the various properties of each element included in its composition. The versatility of using this particular grade of steel is explained by the successful combination of strength and performance characteristics. However, the X12MF also has pros and cons.

Strengths of steel X12MF:

1. The alloy contains cheap components. Recycled raw materials are used in production. This significantly reduces the cost of producing blanks for processing. Knives made of X12MF steel are not expensive. At the same time, they have many useful characteristics.
2. The predictability of the performance characteristics of a knife made from this steel lies in a wide temperature range. Numerous tests on synthetic ropes, wooden blocks, field tests and long periods of use provide every reason for this claim.
3. The main requirement for knife sharpening is fully met. With proper heat treatment, it is possible to obtain blades with a hardness of HRC 63-64 units. Combined with optimal sharpening angles, the result is a cutting edge with unique wear-resistant characteristics along its entire length. The sharpness of the blade is maintained for a long time and depends little on the material being cut.
4. The alloy belongs to the group of conditionally stainless steels. This means that the maintenance of knives will be minimal.
5. Among the technological characteristics, good machinability and satisfactory grindability should be noted.

Thanks to this set of characteristics of the X12MF, knives made from it will serve their owners faithfully for a long time.

X12MF steel is not without its drawbacks. Her weaknesses:

1. Difficulty in carrying out technological operations related to heating the workpiece. During the forging process, cracking of the workpiece often occurs. This is an irreparable defect. Cracking occurs when it is not heated to forging temperature. When overheated, steel simply crumbles. This effect is caused by the peculiarities of the dendritic structure of the alloy. Another negative technological factor is complex heat treatment. Finding the right mode is quite difficult.
2. For high-quality sharpening of the cutting edge, special equipment is required.
3. High sensitivity of the canvas to bending loads. This imposes restrictions on the size of the blades and their scope.
4. The chemical interaction of steel with salts and acids leads to loss of presentation due to pitting corrosion. It is necessary to follow the rules for using and caring for the knife.
5. A blade made of X12MF cannot be polished to a mirror finish. It will always look a little dull.
6. Dressing the blade in the field becomes a problem due to its high hardness.

To obtain maximum hardness and wear resistance, it is necessary to carry out stepwise heating for hardening with prolonged exposure at each temperature. Hardening must also be carried out stepwise in boiling oil or salt with exposure and subsequent cooling in air.

Then measures should be taken to prevent warping. To relieve internal stresses after hardening, it is necessary to do a tempering. Not every workshop has such equipment. In addition, heat treatment operations are among the most expensive in the production cycle.

Piece production of high-quality knives from X12MF steel is expensive.

Knives have disadvantages due to the specific properties of X12MF steel. For the most part they are not critical. The consumer benefits outweigh the technological disadvantages. Only knowledge of all the pros and cons of steel and adherence to production technology will lead to the creation of a unique knife.

Production nuances

Industrial production of X12MF steel is established using a proven technical process. Depending on the delivery conditions and customer requirements, the melt is poured into molds or finished molds, taking into account allowances for machining. A small degree of shrinkage allows you to assign minimal allowances.

During cooling and crystallization, the formation of a dendritic structure is inevitable. In this case, the precipitation of carbides occurs unevenly across the cross section of the casting. To eliminate structural heterogeneity, annealing is performed.

Of interest is the production of castings using the electroslag remelting (ESR) method. Its use makes it possible to obtain an isotropic structure in all directions of casting. Metal produced by the ESR method has better forging characteristics. Similar results are obtained using the vacuum arc remelting (VAR) method.

During forging, the structure of the metal is further improved: heterogeneity in composition is eliminated, the dendritic structure is broken up, grains are refined, and voids in the crystal lattice are filled.

The performance properties of blades are significantly influenced not only by the chemical composition, but also by the smelting method. Preference is given to workpieces obtained by ESR, VDP and powder methods.

Application area

In industrial production, steel is widely used in the manufacture of cold forming tools:

• bending and forming dies;
• body die sections;
• perforated, cutting dies and punches;
• drawing boards and dies;
• calibration, profiling rollers of complex shape;
• rolling dies.

Blade manufacturers often prefer this steel in the manufacture of folding, tactical, hunting and camping knives. For example, the Leatherneck Marine tactical knife from Cold Steel. The famous American master Bob Dozier prefers to work with X12MF all his life. It is precisely this that distinguishes it from a number of other brands for its unique properties. His knives made of this steel will decorate any collection.

In Russia, knife production is carried out mainly in small designer workshops. The main products are hunting knives and survival knives. Serial production of knives has been established in Vorsma, Zlatoust, and Kizlyar. In these cities, the use of X12MF steel is justified by the presence of a good material and technical base and traditions. You should only order blades from manufacturers with a good reputation.

Rules for using knives made from this material

The main reason for knife failure is the blade breaking. This happens due to the application of bending forces. Steel is very sensitive to loads other than axial ones. Another common problem is loss of aesthetics. This happens when the knife is not properly cared for. To prevent this from happening, you must follow simple precautions:

1. The knife must not be thrown, thrown, dropped, or used as a lever. It is also not recommended to chop bones when cutting carcasses to avoid chips on the cutting edge.
2. It is important to avoid exposing the fabric to an acid-base environment. Pitting corrosion develops very quickly and can ruin the appearance of the product.
3. The ideal sharpening angle is 35 degrees. This value must be adhered to when restoring the cutting edge.

Ignoring these rules is guaranteed to lead to breakage of the knife. The properties and characteristics of a knife made of X12MF steel will help you maintain simple rules for storing the product:

1. It is best to store a knife in a sheath. This method will protect you from accidental falls and related chips.
2. After use, it is better to rinse the knife with running water, wipe it dry with a paper napkin, and lubricate it with petroleum jelly or ballistol.
3. Once every four months it is necessary to polish the blade with GOI paste and edit it on a leather belt. If necessary, use fine-grained diamonds. High-quality polishing reduces the risk of pitting corrosion.
4. The wooden handle of a knife should be regularly treated with an antiseptic. This procedure protects against mold and bacteria. Caring for a metal handle should be the same as caring for a blade.
5. If a corrosion spot is found on the canvas, this place must be lubricated with ballistol. After some time, the stain should come off.

Only recommended gun oils should be used. The use of poor quality oils will lead to a decrease in the quality and technical characteristics of a knife made of X12MF steel.

On a hunt, fishing, picnic, on a camping trip, or in the process of professional activities, a knife made of X12MF steel will become a friend and faithful assistant. With proper care and careful handling, it will retain its properties for a long time and will delight you with its appearance.

It is better to store knives in sheaths. The knife must be immediately washed with running water. The steel must be polished in time. Treat the handle with antiseptics. Pros and cons of X12MF steel for knives, key characteristics Link to the main publication

Source: https://posuda-gid.ru/nozhi/stal/312-h12mf-plyusy-i-minusy