PM / Powder Steel
Powder Metallurgy (PM)
A modern steel-making process where the alloy is atomised into a fine powder and then compressed under high pressure before sintering. This creates an exceptionally uniform carbide distribution — far finer and more even than conventionally cast steel. The result is a blade that achieves higher hardness without sacrificing toughness, holds a keener edge for longer, and is more resistant to chipping. PM steels are generally considered a step up in performance, though they can be harder to sharpen on coarse stones. 히타치 특수강, 일본
A modern steel-making process where the alloy is atomised into a fine powder and then compressed under high pressure before sintering. This creates an exceptionally uniform carbide distribution — far finer and more even than conventionally cast steel. The result is a blade that achieves higher hardness without sacrificing toughness, holds a keener edge for longer, and is more resistant to chipping. PM steels are generally considered a step up in performance, though they can be harder to sharpen on coarse stones. 히타치 특수강, 일본
HAP-40 분말 하이스강 HAP-40
Hardness
Rockwell C Hardness(HRC) measures how resistant a steel is to permanent deformation. For kitchen knives:
55–58 HRC — Soft. Easy to sharpen and forgiving of rough use, but dulls faster. Typical of most German knives.
59–61 HRC — Balanced. Good edge retention with manageable sharpening. Common in mid-range Japanese knives.
62–64 HRC — Hard. Excellent edge retention, holds a very fine edge. Requires more care and a fine stone to sharpen.
65+ HRC — Very hard. Exceptional edge longevity but more brittle — more prone to chipping if used roughly.
Higher is not always better — it depends on how you use and maintain your knife.
55–58 HRC — Soft. Easy to sharpen and forgiving of rough use, but dulls faster. Typical of most German knives.
59–61 HRC — Balanced. Good edge retention with manageable sharpening. Common in mid-range Japanese knives.
62–64 HRC — Hard. Excellent edge retention, holds a very fine edge. Requires more care and a fine stone to sharpen.
65+ HRC — Very hard. Exceptional edge longevity but more brittle — more prone to chipping if used roughly.
Higher is not always better — it depends on how you use and maintain your knife.
64–68
HRC
555759616365+
HAP-40 강은 뛰어난 절단력 유지와 내구성으로 유명한 고속도 공구강으로 주방칼에 이상적입니다. 최대 HRC 68의 높은 경도를 달성하여 장기간 사용에도 날카로움을 유지합니다. 탄소, 크롬 및 텅스텐, 바나듐 등의 원소가 혼합되어 경도와 인성의 균형을 이루며 칼날 깨짐 위험을 줄여줍니다. 우수한 내마모성으로 장기적인 성능을 보장하지만, 높은 경도로 인해 연마 시 고급 도구가 필요할 수 있습니다. 조리 도구에 있어 절단 효율과 최소한의 관리를 중시하는 사용자들에게 적합한 강재입니다.
Composition
HAP-40 Element Composition
Compare with
HAP-40
—
8.0%
6.0%
4.0%
2.0%
0
C
1.3%
Cr
4.0%
V
3.0%
Mo
4.8%
W
6.0%
Co
8.0%
C — Carbon
Cr — Chromium
V — Vanadium
Mo — Molybdenum
W — Tungsten
Co — Cobalt
Hardness
64–68 HRC
555759616365+
