Description
1090 Powder Steel - 2.2kg
This steel is manufactured in fine powder form and is sold in 5 lb. containers. The powder is finely meshed, making it ideal for specialized applications such as forge-welded steel and canister Damascus. Its high carbon content ensures excellent hardness and edge retention, making it a great choice for knife makers looking to create detailed patterns and dark contrast in Damascus steel.
1090 Powder Steel is widely used for the dark layers in pattern-welded steel, creating a beautiful contrast against other lighter-colored steels. It offers similar heat treatment characteristics to 1095 steel, making it straightforward to work with for bladesmiths familiar with high-carbon steel. The fine mesh powder format allows for uniform distribution in canister Damascus, contributing to a consistent and visually appealing final product.
Composition
- Carbon – 0.90%
- Manganese – 0.50%
- Phosphorus – 0.040% max
- Sulfur – 0.050% max
- Iron – Balance
Performance Characteristics
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Toughness 6/10 – Like 1095, 1090 offers reasonable toughness for a high-carbon steel, making it a good choice for knives and tools where a hard edge is needed. It is somewhat less tough than lower-carbon steels but performs well in medium-sized to smaller blades or in pattern-welded designs that require contrast and detail.
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Edge retention 7/10 – 1090 provides good edge retention due to its high carbon content, holding a sharp edge for a prolonged period. It is slightly more forgiving than 1095, making it easier to work with during forging and heat treatment, while still offering excellent edge stability and sharpness.
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Corrosion resistance 2/10 – Like most high-carbon steels, 1090 is prone to rust and corrosion if not properly cared for. Regular maintenance, such as oiling and keeping it dry, is essential to prevent rust, especially in humid or wet environments. It is not stainless and will require more upkeep than modern alloyed steels.
Recommended Heat Treatment
- Heat blade or material to 800-830°C (non-magnetic stage)
- Quench immediately in medium-speed oil like canola or parks 50 to achieve optimal hardness
- Temper at 150-200°C for 2 hours, twice, depending on the desired hardness
Note: 1090 Powder Steel can be heat-treated similarly to 1095 steel. It is well-suited for blades that require high hardness and edge retention. The powder format allows for easy incorporation into canister Damascus, where its dark layers create a stunning visual contrast with other metals.
Approximate As-Quenched Hardness Before Tempering:
- 800-830°C followed by oil quench – 62-65HRC
Recommended Working Hardness
58-62HRC
