Rockwell hardness of xm-18 blade?

zyhano

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I can't seem to find it on the site or this forum, so anyone here knows?
Third gen.
 
NEW STEEL: The XM18 is now being made from Stainless D2 from Carpenter Steel (US company). It has all the properties of D2 as well as being stainless, which will resist corrosion. The hardness is 59-60 Rc. These blades are now marked CTS-XHP.

I am unsure of the Duratech hardness. I am sure Rob will chime in with the answer !!!
 
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CTS-XHP is now discontinued on the XM-18.It was a limited run.
20CV is the standard again now.
 
CTS-XHP is now discontinued on the XM-18.It was a limited run.
20CV is the standard again now.

I haven't sharpened either but have cut a finger & few toothpicks from litttle apple tree twigs. The appearance of Duratec 20CV on a production blade is much more "mirror-like" (to my eyes) than the CTS-XHP. Rick has them both sharp as h*ll! :eek:

Is CTS-XHP inferior? Why is it discontinued I wonder? I read some good things about it - like being similar to D2 but stainless. :)
 
I'd be surprised if Rick thinks there's anything wrong with it, while it may be discontinued on the XM-18 it has been and continues to be the standard on the XM-24.
 
I'd be surprised if Rick thinks there's anything wrong with it, while it may be discontinued on the XM-18 it has been and continues to be the standard on the XM-24.

Ah-hah - thanks for that bit of info. :thumbup:
 
Hey guys! to answer your questions....CTS-XHP is not discontinued...It is being used on the next batch of 3.5 in XM-18's....that being said Duratech 20cv is NOT being discontinued either....I decided to offer 2 different steels...both of which are great steels!

The Rc of the duratec 20cv is 59-60...

Thanks

Rick Hinderer
 
ok, thanks rick. any way to distinguish between both steels when you are buying a new blade?
 
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