Sandvik 12c28m suitable for folders?

[Andybrock]

I’ve been given a couple of meters of 2.5mm Sandvik 12c27m, I understand it’s mainly used for tool making and kitchen knives but would it be suitable for slip joint blades and back springs?
Thanks

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Buck uses it, so I would say it is fine for folders.

 

[beeinak]

Boker uses it for the Plus Tech City line as well.

 

[tltt]

Benchmade, Gerber, and a few others used a decent amount of it in the late 90's, early 2000's. It's a pretty nice general purpose steel.

 

[Roamad]

Boker uses it for the Plus Tech City line as well.

I have one of these in my EDC rotation. It’s a great slicer and holds an edge better than whatever steel Victorinox uses.

 

[Larrin]

Some of the knives mentioned are in 12C27 not 12C27M. They are somewhat different. 12C27M has less carbon and more chromium so it doesn’t get as hard.

 

[beeinak]

Some of the knives mentioned are in 12C27 not 12C27M. They are somewhat different. 12C27M has less carbon and more chromium so it doesn’t get as hard.

I apologize! I posted about the Boker Plus Tech line, which are indeed 12C27 (no M).

Larrin, thank you for correcting that!

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Correct, some of those knives are 12C27. Buck switched to 12C27m. I think it was part cost and part consistency of product.

The difference is small. The modified version is more corrosion resistant, has slightly higher toughness, but gets slightly less hard.
12C27 = 0.6% carbon and 13.5% chromium
12C27mod = 0.52% carbon and 14.5% chromium

All the common knife steels in this range - 420HC, 425m, 12C27, 12C27m - will make a good EDC folder. They are lower carbon range and minimal stainless range. These make a cheaper steel for basic stainless knives. They will be tough, but sharpen easily. The edge will hold up to normal use of a pocket knife or kitchen knife. They are not "high-end" knife steels.
It is a matter of cost in manufacturing that determines which they use.

BTW, 12C27m and 425m may be the same formula ... or not ... depending on who made the 425m.