ACX 390 steel

Range of use:
Thanks to its particularly good corrosion resistance, this steel is ideal for knives that are exposed to a lot of moisture. In other words, this steel is a favourable alternative to expensive high-performance steels, especially for kitchen knives or in the outdoor sector. 

Components:
ACX 390 is a Spanish steel with properties very similar to 4034 steel. The chemical structure can be described as follows: 

Chromium 14%  
Improves tensile strength, cutting resistance, corrosion resistance and wear resistance.

Carbon 0.5%
Improves wear resistance, hardness and corrosion resistance. Too high a proportion, however, reduces strength

Manganese 0.1%
Improves hardness and brittleness.    

This means that this is a stainless (14% chromium) steel (less than 0.025% iron companion). 

Properties: 


Cut resistance:
With a hardness of 55 HRC, the cut resistance is not particularly outstanding. 

Corrosion resistance:
The corrosion resistance is particularly good thanks to the 14% chromium in this steel. 

Wear resistance:
The wear resistance is quite good due to 0.5% carbon. 

Toughness:
The toughness could be better, but is sufficient due to the high chromium content. 

Grindability:
As this is a softer low-budget steel, the grindability is outstanding.