Description
1090 Powder Steel + 4% Nickel - 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 forge-welded steel, especially for canister Damascus applications. 1090 + 4% Nickel Powder Steel is designed to create striking visual contrast in Damascus patterns, with the nickel content contributing to bright, shiny layers while the high carbon content forms the darker, harder areas of the steel. This powder provides excellent hardness, edge retention, and wear resistance, making it popular among knifemakers and bladesmiths looking for both performance and aesthetics.
The inclusion of 4% nickel helps to improve toughness and corrosion resistance slightly compared to standard high-carbon steels, while still offering the ability to heat treat and quench like 1095.
Composition
- Carbon – 0.90%
- Nickel – 4.00%
- Manganese – 0.50%
- Phosphorus – 0.040% max
- Sulfur – 0.050% max
- Iron – Balance
Performance Characteristics
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Toughness 7/10 – The addition of 4% nickel improves the toughness of 1090 steel, allowing it to handle impact better than traditional high-carbon steels. This makes it ideal for knives and tools that will see heavy use or for larger blades in Damascus patterns that need both durability and sharpness.
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Edge retention 7/10 – With a high carbon content, 1090 + 4% Nickel Powder Steel holds a sharp edge through extended use, similar to 1095. The nickel helps maintain strength without sacrificing the ability to achieve a fine edge, making it perfect for both functional and artistic blade designs.
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Corrosion resistance 3/10 – While not stainless, the nickel content offers a slight improvement in corrosion resistance over traditional high-carbon steels like 1095 or 1084. However, it will still require regular maintenance, including oiling and proper care, especially in humid or wet environments.
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: The 1090 + 4% Nickel Powder Steel is especially useful for canister Damascus or layered pattern-welded steel due to the strong contrast between the bright nickel layers and the dark carbon layers. Heat treat it like 1095 steel, and its fine mesh powder format allows for uniform distribution within canister Damascus projects.
Approximate As-Quenched Hardness Before Tempering:
- 800-830°C followed by oil quench – 62-65HRC
Recommended Working Hardness
58-62HRC
