Knife steel compared to steel in Diamond USA and other tool brands?

[Uncle Bill]

I've got several pair of pliers made by Diamond USA that just go and go and go. Incredibly tough. I've got tools made by other brands that seem really weak by comparison.

Do any of you guys know what steels (and tempering processes) are being used by Diamond USA, or by other makers of pliers, hammers, screwdrivers, files, etc?



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Bill

"You Americans are hard to understand. Ten years after the Berlin wall fell and socialist economic theory was discredited around the globe, you folks continue trying to prop up your 'public' schools. If private enterprise beats socialism in other arenas, why do you think it's any different with education?"

 

[sdw]

I've been interested in this also.My examples are tin snips and good quality screw drivers.I gouge holes in sheet metal with my screw driver and use snips every day and the ones I use are made of some tough stuff and seem to keep their sharp edges a long time.They will rust if you look at them though.Does any one know what types of steels are used in common hand tools?
scott w

 

[SDMatteson]

I know that Hart hammers and Stanley contractor grade nailsets are aprox. RC 57.

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Save The Whales !
Collect the whole set.

 

[Ed Severson]

Most of the hand tools on the market are medium carbon alloy steels, especially the ones that get forged and then chrome plated.

Nothing fancy alloy wise just high 50's RC and toughness.

 

[db]

Take a look at the edge angle on most tools, they are much thicker than on knives. This is why you see a differance in performance. Yes, the steel may be part of it, but I think it is more likly the edge thickness.

 

[johno]

Although I haven't measured it the edge angle on a cheap Stanley chisel that I have seems to be shallower than on some of my knives. It's a hard high carbon steel, 1/8in thick, I think it's a 3/4in chisel, it takes a lot of abuse and a very good edge.