S7 tool steel's rust resistance?

[minimag03]

Hey guys!

Anyone have firsthand experience with S7 tool steel? I'm curious about it's rust resistance. Is it more like M4 (more rust prone) or Cruwear (more resistant than most tool steels)? I know heat treats and other things can affect it, just talking general experience.

 

[ferider]

Pretty similar to M4 or A2 if that helps. Great steel when well heat-treated. It will color/patina in use, but it’s much easier to keep rust free compared to basic carbon steels like O1, 1095, 5160, etc.

I have one custom in S7 and several Busse kin in SR77.

 

[minimag03]

I'm actually asking because it's being used for a sear on a high end paintball gun of mine. It was hardened, tho i don't know how well, so I'm confident it will hold up to long term use. But knowing it's more similar to M4 in rust resistance has me a lil concerned. I'll polish it and keep some oil on it. That should do the trick unless it's very humid/raining.

 

[dirc]

s7 has about 3.25% Chrome, it's not nearly enough to reach the typical 12.5% needed to be called 'stainless'

 

[minimag03]

s7 has about 3.25% Chrome, it's not nearly enough to reach the typical 12.5% needed to be called 'stainless'

exactly! that's why I came here. I knew multiple people here prob had experience with the steel (lets face it, doubt there is a steel at least one member hasnt tried lol).

and I also know not all tool steel's rust resistance is equal. so hearing y'alls experiences means a lot.

if S7 has similar rust resistance to M4, I doubt I'll buy more sears. I don't worry about immediately cleaning my paintball gear as soon as i get home cause the humid weather could begin to rust/pit the S7 sear.

 

[shinyedges]

Not good rust resistance at all