K340 Böhler Uddeholm

Chemical Composition

Like any other steel, K340 Böhler Uddeholm is a combination of basic elements – iron and carbon, with additional various alloying components. A relatively high carbon content of 1.1% classifies this alloy as carbon steel. Besides these elements, the composition of K340 Böhler Uddeholm includes the following elements:
• Silicon - 0.9%, used to remove oxygen from metal, making it homogeneous and increasing strength;
• Manganese - 0.4%, improves principal characteristics such as wear resistance and hardness;
• Nickel - 0.19%, increases tolerance to high mechanical loads and corrosion resistance;
• Vanadium - 0.5%, makes the alloy more durable and improves the quality of steel processing;
• Chromium - 8.3%, increases resistance to rust, hardness, and tensile strength;
• Molybdenum – 2.1%, used to increase strength during hardening and improve machinability and corrosion resistance.

Phosphorus and sulfur - additives that noticeably deteriorate every property, are entirely eliminated from the chemical composition of K340 Böhler Uddeholm. The inclusion of a rare and expensive component – niobium – significantly increases the metal’s hardness. K340 Böhler Uddeholm steel is obtained using macro-
segregation - removing excess portions of alloying additives from the composition. As a result, the alloy structure becomes homogeneous, increasing strength and slightly improving other technical indicators.

Properties of K340 Böhler Uddeholm Steel:
• High strength - 63 HRC;
• Excellent wear resistance;
• Resistance to oxidation and corrosion;
• Good flexibility and strength, allowing the metal to be used in various industrial sectors;
• Structural integrity, which greatly simplifies the processing of the alloy.

Due to these properties, K340 Böhler Uddeholm is a very good choice for making knives. The advantages of the alloy are particularly evident in the production of hunting models with fixed blades. A hunting knife made of K340 Böhler Uddeholm steel, properly sharpened, will easily cut through a thick rope, and open a can, cut through an animal bone - without losing its initial sharpness. Knives made from this alloy do not chip, break, and exhibit excellent wear resistance.