ApexUltra




Basic parameters:
- Thickness tolerance: 0/+0,2 mm (the surface is not precision ground)
- Cutting tolerance: we cut the steel on band saws to a tolerance of 0/+3 mm (width x length)
- Delivery conditon: steel in non-hardened condition (steel requires hardening)
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| 47.37 zł | 23 % | 58.26 zł | 93 | ||||||
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| 501.55 zł | 23 % | 616.91 zł | 8 | ||||||
| 613.01 zł | 23 % | 754.00 zł | 7 | ||||||
| 1,353.66 zł | 23 % | 1,665.00 zł | 0 | ||||||
| 62.23 zł | 23 % | 76.54 zł | 99 | ||||||
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| 324.65 zł | 23 % | 399.32 zł | 19 | ||||||
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| 405.81 zł | 23 % | 499.15 zł | 15 | ||||||
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| 405.81 zł | 23 % | 499.15 zł | 15 | ||||||
| 486.98 zł | 23 % | 598.98 zł | 12 | ||||||
| 568.13 zł | 23 % | 698.80 zł | 10 | ||||||
| 649.29 zł | 23 % | 798.63 zł | 9 | ||||||
| 784.57 zł | 23 % | 965.02 zł | 7 | ||||||
| 1,752.85 zł | 23 % | 2,156.00 zł | 0 |
OUR STEEL IS FOR YOU, IF:
| You value precisely cut material We cut steel using band saws, ensuring straight edges. We do not use guillotine shears, which can warp sheets and round their edges. |
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| Minor scratches or residue are not an issue for you Sometimes, a single steel sheet passes through the saw multiple times, which may cause slight surface scratches. Occasionally, delicate spot traces of surface corrosion (thin residue) may appear on the steel due to coolant remnants from the cutting process. Both scratches and residue can be easily removed during grinding. If you require steel with a perfectly clean surface, our product will not meet your expectations. |
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| You can straighten minor surface deviations yourself We strive to deliver perfectly flat steel pieces, but we cannot guarantee 100% flatness. Any slight surface curvature is not a material defect but rather a result of mill tolerances (flatness tolerances for rolled products). An experienced knifemaker can handle such a curvature in no time. |
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| You want to buy steel from trusted supplier We source our steel from the largest manufacturers in Europe and beyond. Each delivery is precisely marked with an industrial hand jet printer to prevent errors during cutting and storage. |
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| You don't like overpaying Our mission is to provide you with a piece of steel that is as close as possible to the shape of the knife you want to make. With us, you don't have to buy a large piece of steel and make unnecessary supplies or throw unnecessary surpluses in the trash. |
Example photo of a steel sheet:

ApexUltra Steel – High-Performance Steel for Knives with Excellent Edge Retention and Toughness
ApexUltra steel is a high-performance tool steel specifically designed for knifemaking. It features excellent edge retention, high toughness, and ease of machining, making it an ideal choice for a wide range of utility and specialized knives.
Chemical Composition of ApexUltra Steel – Key Features
| Element |
Composition |
| Carbon (C) | 1,25% |
| Manganese (Mn) |
0,30% |
| Silicon (Si) | 0,35% |
| Chromium (Cr) | 1,50% |
| Vanadium (V) | 0,40% |
| Tungsten (W) | 2,60% |
Apex Ultra steel has an optimized chemical composition that ensures exceptional cutting properties and wear resistance. The composition includes:
- Carbon (C): 1.25% – Provides high hardness and edge retention.
- Chromium (Cr): 1.50% – Increases wear resistance and stabilizes the steel structure.
- Tungsten (W): 2.60% – Improves wear resistance and edge stability.
- Vanadium (V): 0.40% – Enhances wear resistance and toughness.
- Manganese (Mn): 0.30% – Improves hardenability and steel strength.
- Silicon (Si): 0.35% – Enhances strength and structural stability.
Thanks to this composition, Apex Ultra steel offers an excellent balance between hardness and toughness, making it suitable for both heavy-duty knives and precision knives with high edge retention.
Heat Treatment of ApexUltra Steel
Heat treatment difficulty shown at the top of this page reflects the most common choice in our survey of Polish knifemakers, prepared with input from an experienced heat treater. Please treat it as community guidance, not a specification.
“EASY-TO-HARDEN” denotes a more forgiving steel — one that delivers predictable, useful results even with minor deviations in process parameters.
“DIFFICULT-TO-HARDEN” calls for tight process control; small mistakes can quickly degrade the final outcome.
A FEW WORDS ON HEAT TREATMENT
Heat treatment is as much craft as it is science. Results depend on many variables: steel grade, blade thickness, furnace and atmosphere, soak temperature and time, quench medium and its temperature, and the tempering schedule.
At IK STAL we value transparency and reliable sources. Rather than promising one-size-fits-all recipes, we share manufacturers’ baseline data so you can adapt it to your own workshop. However, the data provided by manufacturers is not always detailed enough to constitute a complete “recipe” for heat-treating a thin knife. For specific settings, we encourage you to consult an experienced heat treater.
Hardening of ApexUltra Steel
Austenitizing
The austenitizing process for ApexUltra steel involves heating to 780–880°C (1435-1615°F) and holding at the set temperature for 10 minutes, counting from the moment the steel reaches a uniform temperature.
Quenching
After austenitizing, ApexUltra steel is rapidly cooled. Quenching media: air or oil.
Cold Treatment (Optional)
Cold treatment is optional, but it’s effective at reducing retained austenite - especially after higher austenitizing temperatures. Immediately after quenching, transfer the steel to a sub-zero medium (freezer, dry ice, or liquid nitrogen) and hold for about 30 minutes.
In practice, this process is an extension of hardening to a lower temperature, so any delay between hardening and sub-zero treatment may reduce its effect.
Tempering of ApexUltra Steel
Tempering is the controlled reheating of a hardened blade to a chosen temperature and holding it for a set time to reduce brittleness and stresses from hardening and increase the knife’s impact toughness.
The manufacturer recommends tempering at 150–240°C (300–460°F) for 1 hour. Perform two cycles, allowing the steel to cool to room temperature between cycles.
Manufacturer’s recommendations for knives made by the “stock removal” method
Knives produced without forging - by cutting and grinding from flat stock (“stock removal”) - should be heat treated as follows:
- Austenitize at 830–885°C (1525–1625°F) for 10–15 minutes, then quench in oil.
- Temper at 150–240°C (300–450°F), depending on the desired hardness/impact-toughness balance.
- Properties are slightly inferior when heat treatment is performed from the as-received condition compared with heat treating from the “55°C/h (100°F/h) condition". For improved properties, carry out normalizing, grain refinement and annealing with the mentioned cooling rate of 55°C/h (100°F/h), as outlined below. These steps should be completed before austenitizing and quenching.
Normalizing, Grain Refinement and Annealing (Optional, prior to Austenitizing and Quenching)
Normalizing: 950°C (1750°F) for 10–15 minutes; air cool.
Grain refinement: Heat to 790°C (1450°F) for 10 minutes; air cool.
Annealing: Heat to 790°C (1450°F) for 15–30 minutes, then cool at 55°C/h (100°F/h) to 590°C (1100°F). Cooling rate below 590°C (1100°F) is not critical.
Below is the tempering chart for ApexUltra steel. For more details about the heat treatment of ApexUltra steel, please visit the manufacturer's website directly.
ApexUltra Steel Tempering Chart
TUTAJ WKLEJAĆ LINKI DO ZDJĘĆ
Comparison of ApexUltra Steel with Other Knifemaking Steels
ApexUltra Steel vs. M390 Steel
M390 steel is known for its excellent corrosion resistance and wear resistance. ApexUltra offers comparable hardness but features better toughness, making it more suitable for utility knives that must endure heavy use.
ApexUltra Steel vs. O1 Steel
O1 steel is a popular choice due to its ease of machining and edge retention. ApexUltra surpasses it in terms of hardness and wear resistance, making it a better option for knives requiring long-lasting sharpness.
ApexUltra Steel vs. A2 Steel
A2 is a tool steel that offers good impact resistance. ApexUltra provides better edge retention while maintaining good toughness, making it a more versatile choice for various knife applications.
Applications of ApexUltra Steel in Knifemaking – Best for Different Types of Knives
EDC (Everyday Carry) Knives
Apex Ultra steel is an excellent choice for everyday carry (EDC) knives due to its exceptional edge retention and ease of sharpening. EDC knives made from this steel are reliable and durable, even with daily, intensive use.
Hunting and Outdoor Knives
With high toughness and wear resistance, ApexUltra steel is ideal for hunting and outdoor knives that need to withstand demanding outdoor conditions. These knives perform well in skinning, cutting, and other tasks requiring high durability. However, proper maintenance of the knife must be remembered, as ApexUltra steel is not stainless steel.
How to Care for a Knife Made of ApexUltra Steel?
To ensure a long service life for a knife made of ApexUltra steel, proper care is essential:
- Cleaning – Thoroughly clean the knife after each use and dry it to prevent rust.
- Oiling – Regularly oil the blade to protect it from moisture, especially in humid environments.
- Sharpening – Use diamond or ceramic sharpeners to maintain a sharp cutting edge.
Summary – Why Choose ApexUltra Steel?
ApexUltra steel is an exceptional material for knife production, offering high hardness, excellent edge retention, and good toughness. It is an ideal choice for everyday carry, hunting and outdoor knives that require long-lasting sharpness and durability. With its advanced composition, ApexUltra steel is a versatile and reliable choice for various applications.

Apex Ultra steel stands out due to its high hardness, excellent edge retention, and good toughness, making it ideal for utility and specialized knives.
Apex Ultra steel reaches a hardness level of 66 HRC after proper heat treatment, providing excellent cutting properties.
Apex Ultra steel is ideal for everyday carry, hunting, outdoor, and kitchen knives due to its high hardness and edge retention.
Yes, Apex Ultra steel is relatively easy to sharpen with the right tools, such as diamond or ceramic sharpeners, which help maintain the blade in excellent condition.
A knife made of Apex Ultra steel should be regularly cleaned, dried, and oiled to prevent rust, and sharpened as needed to maintain its sharpness.