LC200N

Spyderco’s extraordinary Salt Series revolutionized the cutlery industry with the introduction of a complete line of 100% rustproof knives featuring nitrogen-based H-1 steel. Although H-1 is still the steel of choice in most of the knives in the Salt family, it has recently been joined by another remarkable corrosion-resistant material: LC200N.

LC200N is a high nitrogen alloyed tool steel produced by a combination of the PESR (Pressurized Electric Slag Remelting) Process and “smart forging” technology. This results in an amazing increase in the steel’s purity and a very fine and homogenous microstructure. The material’s advantages include excellent machinability and polishability, outstanding dimensional stability after heat treatment, and superior corrosion resistance and toughness—even at high hardness.

Unlike H-1’s work-hardening properties, LC200N is a true martensitic steel that achieves its hardness through traditional heat treating. Regarded as the material of choice for applications that involve high static and dynamic loads in corrosive environments, LC200N is widely used in the food, chemical, recycling, and pharmaceutical industries, as well as in mirror-polished dies used in the plastics industry. It is best known, however, as NASA’s preferred material for the ball bearings used in their aerospace equipment.

LC200N’s unique alloy composition includes: 0.3% Carbon, 15% Chromium, 0.5% Nitrogen, 0.95% Molybdenum, 0.5% Nickel, and 1.00% Manganese. When this combination of elements is translated to knife blades, LC200N provides an exceptional blend of toughness, edge holding, and corrosion resistance. As a martensitic steel, it also allows the precise control of finished hardness through the hardening and tempering processes.

Spyderco first introduced LC200N in its popular Tusk™ mariner’s tool and proudly features it in the new Marcin Slysz-inspired Spydiechef. We are also incorporating it into select Exclusive models like our recent collaboration with Never Summer Industries.

LC200N is an exciting addition to Spyderco’s Salt Series and our ever-expanding selection of high-performance blade steels. Look for this remarkable material in more new models in the near future.

Originally appeared in the August 2016 Spyderco byte e-Newsletter.