The origins of 52100 steel trace back to around 1905 when it was first introduced for use in roller ball bearings. Originating from Germany and France, these early chromium alloy steels, initially known as 5295, marked a shift in the materials used for bearings. 52100 has gone by various names, such as 100cCr6, 1,3505, 14116, GCr15, and SUJ2. In 1919, it officially became known as 52100 under SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) International designations. Despite being a lesser-known steel, it has gained prominence in the realm of knife making, thanks to the efforts of pioneers like Ed Fowler.

Ed Fowler played a pivotal role in popularizing 52100 steel in modern times. By utilizing 52100 in almost every knife he created, and with contributions to publications like Blade Magazine and Knife Talk forums, Fowler brought attention to the unique qualities of 52100. His introduction to this steel came in the form of ball bearings sent by fellow knifemaker Wayne Goddard. highlighting the practicality of using scrap steel such as roller ball bearings.

What sets 52100 apart from other high-carbon steels commonly used by bladesmiths is its chromium content. At 1% carbon and 1.5% chromium, it offers better hardening ability, allowing for a more forgiving water quench. Unlike air-hardening steels like A2 or D2, 52100 lacks carbides at forging temperatures, making it easier to work with under the hammer. Its forgiving nature extends to slower quenches, reducing the risk of blade warping, a common concern in the forging process.

Ed Fowler's influence also extends to the triple quenching technique applied to 52100. This process involves multiple austenization and quenching cycles to refine grain structure and enhance toughness. While 52100 isn't inherently more suited for triple quenching than other low alloy steels, Fowler's expertise has linked the two in the knife-making community.

Although this steel has been in use for an extended period, there is a limited availability of real-world studies regarding its toughness. Nevertheless, while its edge retention may not rival that of certain higher-end steels, it demonstrates commendable wear resistance, as substantiated by various tests.

In rope-cutting tests, 52100 has exhibited similar slicing-edge retention to other 60HRC steels, aligning its ideal hardness level when appropriately heat treated. With its toughness, wear resistance, and ease of forging, 52100 has become a reliable and favored steel for kitchen and pocket knife manufacturers such as Steelport and Coldsteel.

Written by Drew Clifton