Explain Nitro-5 steel to me in layman’s terms

[Terry M.]

I read all about it on steel nerds but I’m too dumb to understand most of what I read. As I understand it, it’s fairly tough but how does it do on edge retention and ease of sharpening? just looking for something I’d understand. Thanks guys

 

[SCTorrero]

I read all about it on steel nerds but I’m too dumb to understand most of what I read. As I understand it, it’s fairly tough but how does it do on edge retention and ease of sharpening? just looking for something I’d understand. Thanks guys

Perhaps you are referring to Nitro V? I believe it is a AEB-L cousin with improved corrosion resistance. It seems some do not feel the trade offs were worth it compared to AEB-L. Regardless, the two are likely close enough that an understanding of one will give you an understanding of the other.

If the foregoing is correct, this is a tough steel that can get really sharp (fine grain structure). No exceptional abrasion resistance, but you are likely to get good real world edge retention if the blade is run hard and ground thin.

My personal experience with Nitro V has been good (NCC BBM V2, which is run hard and hollow ground/milled). It sharpens wonderfully and deburred in a long strip.

Hope this helps!

 

[Terry M.]

Nitro V yes my apologies. This helps, thank you very much.

 

[Monofletch]

Civivi makes a few in Nitro V. Pick one up and give it a a try.

 

[stabman]

Basic idea is to have carbon steel toughness in a stainless steel.

Edge retention is okay, but not amazing.
Sharpening it is fairly easy.

 

[Insipid Moniker]

Suits my needs very nicely. Doesn't hold an edge for long compared to something like S30V, but it sharpens up quickly and easily. No real worries about chipping or rust and I find it pretty easy to maintain the edge with a strop.

 

[King of the Cheese]

A good summary:

 

[MolokaiRider]

Pretty close to 14c28n, but not as corrosion resistant nor does it have the edge stability that 14c28n offers.

 

[King of the Cheese]

I’ve noticed that Civivi charges prices comparable to their Damascus line for nitro-v so it’s either costly.. or the “new hotness” that some manufacturers try to take advantage of.