420 Surgical steel

First of all, "surgical steel" is just a marketing ploy. It usually means that 420J2 was used: extremely soft. Not a good choice for almost any type of knife. ATS-34 is much better.
420HC (high carbon) is better than 420J2 and quite serviceable, but still nothing great.
 
"Surgical steel" used without more, could be any cheap stainless because it is not a term with any fixed meaning. They could as well say "stainless steel."

In practice, it's a red flag warning of Severe Cheapness Ahead.
 
"surgical steel" means a very low-carbon-content, very rust-resistant steel that can withstand the intense sterilization techniques required for surgical instruments without rusting.
 
I had the same question a long while ago. Listen to everyone here, they've already said what needs to be said. If you like you can look at a comparison of steels at A.G. Russell Knives.
 
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