Tool Steel
W1
Simple water-hardening high-carbon steel: cheap, easy to machine, and hardens to a very hard surface with a tough core. Files, simple tools, and knives.
Last verified: 2026-07-10
| AISI classTool-steel group (hardening method / application). | W — water-hardening |
|---|---|
| Carbon(%C)Nominal carbon content. | 1 |
| Key alloyingPrincipal alloying elements (nominal). | (plain carbon) |
| Working hardness(HRC)Typical hardened + tempered working range. | 58–64 |
| Wear resistance | Moderate |
| Toughness | Moderate |
| Typical uses | Files, reamers, simple cutting tools, knives, cold heading |
- Typical uses: files, reamers, simple hand and cutting tools, knife blades, cold-heading dies.
- Water-hardening gives a very hard case over a tough core; lowest cost and easy to machine.
- Shallow hardening and higher distortion risk — best for small, simple sections.
Other tool steels
Sources
- AISI tool-steel classification (type letters and nominal compositions)
- ASM International — Tool Steels / Heat Treater's Guide (typical properties and working hardness)