1.2842 (~NMV / ~O2)
Steel 1.2842 (90MnCrV8, equivalent to AISI O2) is a high-carbon tool steel with good hardenability, high toughness and dimensional stability, commonly used in knifemaking.




|
Thickness [mm]
|
Width [mm]
|
Length [mm]
|
Price without tax
|
Tax
|
Price
|
Available
|
Order quantity
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
| 13.06 zł | 23 % | 16.06 zł | 228 | ||||||
| 15.43 zł | 23 % | 18.98 zł | 193 | ||||||
| 18.40 zł | 23 % | 22.63 zł | 161 | ||||||
| 20.77 zł | 23 % | 25.55 zł | 143 | ||||||
| 26.11 zł | 23 % | 32.11 zł | 114 | ||||||
| 17.21 zł | 23 % | 21.17 zł | 173 | ||||||
| 20.77 zł | 23 % | 25.55 zł | 143 | ||||||
| 23.74 zł | 23 % | 29.20 zł | 125 | ||||||
| 27.29 zł | 23 % | 33.57 zł | 109 | ||||||
| 34.41 zł | 23 % | 42.33 zł | 86 | ||||||
| 21.37 zł | 23 % | 26.28 zł | 139 | ||||||
| 25.51 zł | 23 % | 31.38 zł | 116 | ||||||
| 29.67 zł | 23 % | 36.49 zł | 100 | ||||||
| 33.82 zł | 23 % | 41.60 zł | 88 | ||||||
| 42.13 zł | 23 % | 51.82 zł | 70 | ||||||
| 25.51 zł | 23 % | 31.38 zł | 116 | ||||||
| 30.26 zł | 23 % | 37.22 zł | 98 | ||||||
| 35.60 zł | 23 % | 43.79 zł | 83 | ||||||
| 40.35 zł | 23 % | 49.63 zł | 73 | ||||||
| 50.44 zł | 23 % | 62.04 zł | 59 | ||||||
| 29.67 zł | 23 % | 36.49 zł | 100 | ||||||
| 35.01 zł | 23 % | 43.06 zł | 85 | ||||||
| 40.94 zł | 23 % | 50.36 zł | 72 | ||||||
| 46.88 zł | 23 % | 57.66 zł | 63 | ||||||
| 58.75 zł | 23 % | 72.26 zł | 50 | ||||||
| 33.23 zł | 23 % | 40.87 zł | 89 | ||||||
| 40.35 zł | 23 % | 49.63 zł | 73 | ||||||
| 46.88 zł | 23 % | 57.66 zł | 63 | ||||||
| 53.41 zł | 23 % | 65.69 zł | 55 | ||||||
| 66.46 zł | 23 % | 81.75 zł | 44 | ||||||
| 41.54 zł | 23 % | 51.09 zł | 71 | ||||||
| 47.47 zł | 23 % | 58.39 zł | 62 | ||||||
| 53.41 zł | 23 % | 65.69 zł | 55 | ||||||
| 59.34 zł | 23 % | 72.99 zł | 50 | ||||||
| 77.14 zł | 23 % | 94.88 zł | 38 | ||||||
| 41.54 zł | 23 % | 51.09 zł | 71 | ||||||
| 53.41 zł | 23 % | 65.69 zł | 55 | ||||||
| 59.34 zł | 23 % | 72.99 zł | 50 | ||||||
| 71.21 zł | 23 % | 87.59 zł | 41 | ||||||
| 83.07 zł | 23 % | 102.18 zł | 35 | ||||||
| 53.41 zł | 23 % | 65.69 zł | 55 | ||||||
| 65.28 zł | 23 % | 80.29 zł | 45 | ||||||
| 77.14 zł | 23 % | 94.88 zł | 38 | ||||||
| 83.07 zł | 23 % | 102.18 zł | 35 | ||||||
| 106.81 zł | 23 % | 131.38 zł | 27 | ||||||
| 65.28 zł | 23 % | 80.29 zł | 45 | ||||||
| 77.14 zł | 23 % | 94.88 zł | 38 | ||||||
| 89.01 zł | 23 % | 109.48 zł | 33 | ||||||
| 100.88 zł | 23 % | 124.08 zł | 29 | ||||||
| 124.62 zł | 23 % | 153.28 zł | 23 | ||||||
| 83.07 zł | 23 % | 102.18 zł | 35 | ||||||
| 100.88 zł | 23 % | 124.08 zł | 29 | ||||||
| 118.68 zł | 23 % | 145.98 zł | 25 | ||||||
| 136.48 zł | 23 % | 167.87 zł | 21 | ||||||
| 166.15 zł | 23 % | 204.37 zł | 17 | ||||||
| 368.29 zł | 23 % | 453.00 zł | 2 | ||||||
| 15.47 zł | 23 % | 19.03 zł | 81 | ||||||
| 19.05 zł | 23 % | 23.43 zł | 41 | ||||||
| 22.02 zł | 23 % | 27.09 zł | 35 | ||||||
| 25.00 zł | 23 % | 30.75 zł | 8 | ||||||
| 30.95 zł | 23 % | 38.07 zł | 25 | ||||||
| 20.83 zł | 23 % | 25.62 zł | 37 | ||||||
| 25.00 zł | 23 % | 30.75 zł | 31 | ||||||
| 28.57 zł | 23 % | 35.14 zł | 27 | ||||||
| 32.74 zł | 23 % | 40.27 zł | 23 | ||||||
| 41.07 zł | 23 % | 50.51 zł | 19 | ||||||
| 25.59 zł | 23 % | 31.48 zł | 30 | ||||||
| 30.36 zł | 23 % | 37.34 zł | 25 | ||||||
| 35.72 zł | 23 % | 43.93 zł | 21 | ||||||
| 40.47 zł | 23 % | 49.78 zł | 19 | ||||||
| 50.59 zł | 23 % | 62.23 zł | 9 | ||||||
| 30.36 zł | 23 % | 37.34 zł | 25 | ||||||
| 36.31 zł | 23 % | 44.66 zł | 21 | ||||||
| 42.26 zł | 23 % | 51.98 zł | 18 | ||||||
| 48.80 zł | 23 % | 60.03 zł | 16 | ||||||
| 60.71 zł | 23 % | 74.67 zł | 12 | ||||||
| 35.11 zł | 23 % | 43.19 zł | 22 | ||||||
| 42.26 zł | 23 % | 51.98 zł | 18 | ||||||
| 49.40 zł | 23 % | 60.76 zł | 15 | ||||||
| 56.54 zł | 23 % | 69.55 zł | 13 | ||||||
| 70.24 zł | 23 % | 86.39 zł | 11 | ||||||
| 40.47 zł | 23 % | 49.78 zł | 19 | ||||||
| 48.21 zł | 23 % | 59.30 zł | 26 | ||||||
| 56.54 zł | 23 % | 69.55 zł | 13 | ||||||
| 64.28 zł | 23 % | 79.07 zł | 12 | ||||||
| 80.35 zł | 23 % | 98.83 zł | 9 | ||||||
| 47.62 zł | 23 % | 58.57 zł | 16 | ||||||
| 53.57 zł | 23 % | 65.89 zł | 14 | ||||||
| 65.47 zł | 23 % | 80.53 zł | 11 | ||||||
| 71.42 zł | 23 % | 87.85 zł | 10 | ||||||
| 89.28 zł | 23 % | 109.81 zł | 8 | ||||||
| 53.57 zł | 23 % | 65.89 zł | 14 | ||||||
| 59.52 zł | 23 % | 73.21 zł | 7 | ||||||
| 71.42 zł | 23 % | 87.85 zł | 10 | ||||||
| 83.33 zł | 23 % | 102.49 zł | 9 | ||||||
| 101.19 zł | 23 % | 124.46 zł | 7 | ||||||
| 65.47 zł | 23 % | 80.53 zł | 3 | ||||||
| 77.37 zł | 23 % | 95.17 zł | 10 | ||||||
| 89.28 zł | 23 % | 109.81 zł | 8 | ||||||
| 101.19 zł | 23 % | 124.46 zł | 7 | ||||||
| 124.99 zł | 23 % | 153.74 zł | 6 | ||||||
| 77.37 zł | 23 % | 95.17 zł | 10 | ||||||
| 89.28 zł | 23 % | 109.81 zł | 8 | ||||||
| 107.14 zł | 23 % | 131.78 zł | 7 | ||||||
| 119.04 zł | 23 % | 146.42 zł | 6 | ||||||
| 148.80 zł | 23 % | 183.02 zł | 5 | ||||||
| 101.19 zł | 23 % | 124.46 zł | 7 | ||||||
| 119.04 zł | 23 % | 146.42 zł | 6 | ||||||
| 142.85 zł | 23 % | 175.70 zł | 5 | ||||||
| 160.71 zł | 23 % | 197.67 zł | 4 | ||||||
| 202.37 zł | 23 % | 248.91 zł | 3 | ||||||
| 443.90 zł | 23 % | 546.00 zł | 2 | ||||||
| 17.16 zł | 23 % | 21.11 zł | 80 | ||||||
| 20.72 zł | 23 % | 25.48 zł | 66 | ||||||
| 23.67 zł | 23 % | 29.12 zł | 58 | ||||||
| 27.22 zł | 23 % | 33.48 zł | 50 | ||||||
| 33.73 zł | 23 % | 41.49 zł | 40 | ||||||
| 22.49 zł | 23 % | 27.66 zł | 61 | ||||||
| 26.63 zł | 23 % | 32.76 zł | 51 | ||||||
| 31.37 zł | 23 % | 38.58 zł | 43 | ||||||
| 35.50 zł | 23 % | 43.67 zł | 38 | ||||||
| 44.38 zł | 23 % | 54.59 zł | 30 | ||||||
| 27.81 zł | 23 % | 34.21 zł | 49 | ||||||
| 33.14 zł | 23 % | 40.76 zł | 41 | ||||||
| 39.06 zł | 23 % | 48.04 zł | 35 | ||||||
| 44.38 zł | 23 % | 54.59 zł | 30 | ||||||
| 55.03 zł | 23 % | 67.69 zł | 24 | ||||||
| 33.14 zł | 23 % | 40.76 zł | 41 | ||||||
| 39.65 zł | 23 % | 48.77 zł | 34 | ||||||
| 46.16 zł | 23 % | 56.78 zł | 29 | ||||||
| 52.67 zł | 23 % | 64.78 zł | 26 | ||||||
| 66.28 zł | 23 % | 81.52 zł | 20 | ||||||
| 38.46 zł | 23 % | 47.31 zł | 35 | ||||||
| 46.16 zł | 23 % | 56.78 zł | 29 | ||||||
| 53.85 zł | 23 % | 66.24 zł | 25 | ||||||
| 61.54 zł | 23 % | 75.70 zł | 22 | ||||||
| 76.93 zł | 23 % | 94.63 zł | 17 | ||||||
| 43.79 zł | 23 % | 53.86 zł | 31 | ||||||
| 52.67 zł | 23 % | 64.78 zł | 26 | ||||||
| 61.54 zł | 23 % | 75.70 zł | 22 | ||||||
| 69.83 zł | 23 % | 85.89 zł | 19 | ||||||
| 87.59 zł | 23 % | 107.73 zł | 15 | ||||||
| 53.26 zł | 23 % | 65.51 zł | 25 | ||||||
| 59.18 zł | 23 % | 72.79 zł | 23 | ||||||
| 71.02 zł | 23 % | 87.35 zł | 19 | ||||||
| 82.85 zł | 23 % | 101.90 zł | 16 | ||||||
| 100.60 zł | 23 % | 123.74 zł | 13 | ||||||
| 59.18 zł | 23 % | 72.79 zł | 23 | ||||||
| 65.10 zł | 23 % | 80.07 zł | 21 | ||||||
| 76.93 zł | 23 % | 94.63 zł | 17 | ||||||
| 88.76 zł | 23 % | 109.18 zł | 15 | ||||||
| 112.44 zł | 23 % | 138.30 zł | 12 | ||||||
| 71.02 zł | 23 % | 87.35 zł | 19 | ||||||
| 82.85 zł | 23 % | 101.90 zł | 16 | ||||||
| 94.68 zł | 23 % | 116.46 zł | 14 | ||||||
| 112.44 zł | 23 % | 138.30 zł | 12 | ||||||
| 136.11 zł | 23 % | 167.41 zł | 10 | ||||||
| 82.85 zł | 23 % | 101.90 zł | 16 | ||||||
| 100.60 zł | 23 % | 123.74 zł | 13 | ||||||
| 118.36 zł | 23 % | 145.58 zł | 11 | ||||||
| 130.20 zł | 23 % | 160.14 zł | 10 | ||||||
| 165.70 zł | 23 % | 203.81 zł | 8 | ||||||
| 112.44 zł | 23 % | 138.30 zł | 12 | ||||||
| 130.20 zł | 23 % | 160.14 zł | 10 | ||||||
| 153.86 zł | 23 % | 189.25 zł | 8 | ||||||
| 177.54 zł | 23 % | 218.37 zł | 7 | ||||||
| 218.96 zł | 23 % | 269.32 zł | 6 | ||||||
| 484.55 zł | 23 % | 596.00 zł | 2 | ||||||
| 20.70 zł | 23 % | 25.46 zł | 82 | ||||||
| 24.25 zł | 23 % | 29.83 zł | 70 | ||||||
| 28.39 zł | 23 % | 34.92 zł | 60 | ||||||
| 32.53 zł | 23 % | 40.01 zł | 52 | ||||||
| 40.81 zł | 23 % | 50.20 zł | 42 | ||||||
| 20.72 zł | 23 % | 25.49 zł | 71 | ||||||
| 24.27 zł | 23 % | 29.85 zł | 61 | ||||||
| 28.41 zł | 23 % | 34.95 zł | 52 | ||||||
| 32.56 zł | 23 % | 40.05 zł | 45 | ||||||
| 40.85 zł | 23 % | 50.24 zł | 36 | ||||||
| 26.64 zł | 23 % | 32.77 zł | 55 | ||||||
| 31.97 zł | 23 % | 39.32 zł | 46 | ||||||
| 37.29 zł | 23 % | 45.87 zł | 39 | ||||||
| 42.63 zł | 23 % | 52.43 zł | 48 | ||||||
| 53.28 zł | 23 % | 65.53 zł | 27 | ||||||
| 33.15 zł | 23 % | 40.78 zł | 44 | ||||||
| 39.67 zł | 23 % | 48.79 zł | 37 | ||||||
| 46.18 zł | 23 % | 56.80 zł | 32 | ||||||
| 52.69 zł | 23 % | 64.81 zł | 28 | ||||||
| 66.30 zł | 23 % | 81.55 zł | 22 | ||||||
| 39.67 zł | 23 % | 48.79 zł | 37 | ||||||
| 47.36 zł | 23 % | 58.25 zł | 31 | ||||||
| 55.06 zł | 23 % | 67.72 zł | 27 | ||||||
| 63.34 zł | 23 % | 77.91 zł | 23 | ||||||
| 78.74 zł | 23 % | 96.85 zł | 18 | ||||||
| 46.18 zł | 23 % | 56.80 zł | 32 | ||||||
| 55.06 zł | 23 % | 67.72 zł | 27 | ||||||
| 64.53 zł | 23 % | 79.37 zł | 23 | ||||||
| 73.41 zł | 23 % | 90.29 zł | 20 | ||||||
| 91.76 zł | 23 % | 112.86 zł | 16 | ||||||
| 52.10 zł | 23 % | 64.08 zł | 28 | ||||||
| 62.76 zł | 23 % | 77.19 zł | 23 | ||||||
| 73.41 zł | 23 % | 90.29 zł | 20 | ||||||
| 83.47 zł | 23 % | 102.67 zł | 17 | ||||||
| 104.20 zł | 23 % | 128.16 zł | 14 | ||||||
| 59.20 zł | 23 % | 72.82 zł | 25 | ||||||
| 71.04 zł | 23 % | 87.38 zł | 20 | ||||||
| 82.88 zł | 23 % | 101.94 zł | 17 | ||||||
| 94.72 zł | 23 % | 116.51 zł | 15 | ||||||
| 118.40 zł | 23 % | 145.63 zł | 12 | ||||||
| 65.12 zł | 23 % | 80.10 zł | 22 | ||||||
| 82.88 zł | 23 % | 101.94 zł | 17 | ||||||
| 94.72 zł | 23 % | 116.51 zł | 15 | ||||||
| 106.56 zł | 23 % | 131.07 zł | 13 | ||||||
| 130.24 zł | 23 % | 160.20 zł | 11 | ||||||
| 82.88 zł | 23 % | 101.94 zł | 17 | ||||||
| 100.64 zł | 23 % | 123.79 zł | 14 | ||||||
| 112.48 zł | 23 % | 138.35 zł | 13 | ||||||
| 130.24 zł | 23 % | 160.20 zł | 11 | ||||||
| 165.76 zł | 23 % | 203.88 zł | 8 | ||||||
| 100.64 zł | 23 % | 123.79 zł | 14 | ||||||
| 118.40 zł | 23 % | 145.63 zł | 12 | ||||||
| 136.16 zł | 23 % | 167.48 zł | 10 | ||||||
| 159.84 zł | 23 % | 196.60 zł | 9 | ||||||
| 195.36 zł | 23 % | 240.29 zł | 7 | ||||||
| 130.24 zł | 23 % | 160.20 zł | 11 | ||||||
| 159.84 zł | 23 % | 196.60 zł | 9 | ||||||
| 183.52 zł | 23 % | 225.73 zł | 8 | ||||||
| 207.20 zł | 23 % | 254.86 zł | 7 | ||||||
| 260.48 zł | 23 % | 320.39 zł | 5 | ||||||
| 580.49 zł | 23 % | 714.00 zł | 2 | ||||||
| 31.35 zł | 23 % | 38.56 zł | 29 | ||||||
| 37.85 zł | 23 % | 46.56 zł | 24 | ||||||
| 44.36 zł | 23 % | 54.56 zł | 20 | ||||||
| 50.28 zł | 23 % | 61.84 zł | 18 | ||||||
| 62.70 zł | 23 % | 77.12 zł | 14 |
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. |
|
| 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. |
|
| 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. |
|
| 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. |
|
| 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:

Basic parameters:
- Thickness tolerance: 0/+0,3 mm for thicknesses of less than 5 mm and 0/+0,5 mm for thicknesses of 5 mm and over (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)
Steel 1.2842 (90MnCrV8 / ~AISI O2) in Knifemaking – Properties and Applications
The steel we offer, 1.2842, also known as 90MnCrV8, which is the European equivalent of steel AISI O2, is a versatile oil-hardening tool steel that offers excellent hardness, wear resistance, and toughness. This material is highly favored in knifemaking due to its reliability and ability to hold a sharp edge. Below are presented information on the properties, advantages, heat treatment processes, and applications of 1.2842 steel.
Why Steel 1.2842 (90MnCrV8 / ~AISI O2) is Popular in Knifemaking?
Steel 1.2842 is widely used in the world of knives for several key reasons:
- High Hardness and Edge Retention – After proper heat treatment, 1.2842 achieves a hardness level of 58–62 HRC, making it capable of maintaining a sharp edge over extended use.
- Excellent Toughness – Its ability to resist chipping and cracking under stress makes it ideal for demanding applications.
- Ease of Machining – In its annealed state, 1.2842 is easy to machine, allowing knifemakers to create intricate designs with precision.
Chemical Composition of Steel 1.2842 (90MnCrV8)
| Element |
Composition |
| Carbon (C) | 0,85% - 0,95% |
| Manganese (Mn) |
1,80% - 2,20% |
| Silicon (Si) | 0,10% - 0,40% |
| Chromium (Cr) | 0,20% - 0,50% |
| Vanadium (V) | 0,05% - 0,20% |
Steel 1.2842’s corrected chemical composition ensures its exceptional performance in knifemaking:
- Carbon (C): 0.85–0.95% – Contributes to high hardness and edge retention.
- Manganese (Mn): 1.80–2.20% – Improves hardenability and strength.
- Chromium (Cr): 0.20–0.50% – Provides moderate wear resistance and toughness.
- Vanadium (V): 0.05–0.20% – Enhances grain structure, improving toughness and wear resistance.
- Silicon (Si): 0.10–0.40% – Adds elasticity and strength.
This chemical composition ensures a fine balance between toughness and hardness, critical for a versatile knife steel.
Heat Treatment of Steel 1.2842 (90MnCrV8)
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.
LEGAL NOTICE REGARDING HEAT TREATMENT
Heat treatment is a set of processes dependent on many variables, including knife thickness, the type of furnace and process atmosphere, soaking time and temperature, the method and temperature of cooling, as well as tempering parameters.
The data presented below are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute technical advice, a technological instruction, or any assurance of achieving specific properties or results. IK STAL is not liable for any consequences arising from the use of this data without prior verification and adaptation to the user’s individual technological conditions. For detailed guidance, we recommend consulting experienced heat treaters. The above provisions do not limit the statutory rights of consumers.
Hardening of Steel 1.2842 (90MnCrV8)
Austenitizing
The austenitizing process for 1.2842 steel involves heating to 790–820°C (1455-1510°F) and holding at the set temperature for 15-30 minutes, counting from the moment the steel reaches a uniform temperature. The times given by the manufacturer refer to industrial components; the times for thin parts are not specified.
Practical austenitizing guidelines:
- The thicker the blade, the longer it should stay in the furnace.
- Keeping the steel in the furnace too long can lead to grain growth; too short a time leads to incomplete austenitizing (incomplete microstructural transformation). Put simply: at the correct temperature, leaving the steel in the furnace a little longer usually does less harm than taking it out too early. The biggest mistake is using an incorrect austenitizing temperature.
Quenching
Quenching media: air, oil, salt bath at 180-220°C (360-430°F).
Tempering of Steel 1.2842 (90MnCrV8)
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 tempering temperatures recommended by Lohmann are 220-260°C (430-500°F).
Temper for 1 hour per each 20 mm of material thickness, but at least 2 hours.
Additional stress relieving after tempering
Böhler states in the technical datasheet for K720 steel that additional stress relieving after tempering (for example after finish machining in the hardened condition) can be carried out. It should be performed at a temperature 30-50°C (86-122°F) below the highest tempering temperature previously applied in order to minimize the loss of hardness.
Steel 1.2842 (90MnCrV8) Tempering Chart
Below we present the tempering charts based on information provided by Lohmann: austenitizing at 790°C (1455°F), and by Böhler: austenitizing at 810°C (1490°F).

Mechanical Properties of Steel 1.2842 (90MnCrV8)
- Hardness (after heat treatment): 58–62 HRC
- Toughness: High, allowing resistance to cracking under stress.
- Wear Resistance: Moderate, suitable for cutting and impact applications.
Applications of Steel 1.2842 (90MnCrV8 / ~AISI O2) in Knifemaking
Utility Knives
With its high toughness and edge retention, 1.2842 is ideal for knives used in heavy-duty tasks such as cutting hard materials or outdoor use.
Custom and Artisan Knives
The steel’s 1.2842 ease of machining allows for detailed and intricate designs, making it a popular choice among custom knife makers.
General-Purpose Knives
Balanced properties of steel 1.2842 make it suitable for multi-purpose knives that require both durability and performance.
Advantages of Steel 1.2842 (90MnCrV8 / ~AISI O2) in Knifemaking
- High Hardness with Toughness – Offers a unique combination of edge retention and durability.
- Ease of Heat Treatment – Simple hardening and tempering processes allow for versatile applications.
- Workability – In its annealed state, it is easy to machine and shape, even for intricate designs.
- Consistency – Provides reliable performance, making it a dependable choice for professional knifemakers.
Comparison of 1.2842 (90MnCrV8) steel with similar grades according to international standards (PN, EN, DIN, AISI, GOST and others)
| Country / Standard | Steel Designation | Remarks |
| Poland (PN) | NMV | Former PN designation |
| Europe (EN ISO 4957) | 90MnCrV8 | Official EN ISO 4957 name |
| Germany (DIN) | 1.2842 / 90MnCrV8 | Classification per DIN EN ISO 4957 |
| Austria (ÖNORM) (BÖHLER) | K720 | ÖNORM equivalent for steel 1.2842 |
| USA (AISI/ASTM) | O2 | AISI/SAE equivalent for steel 1.2842 |
| UK (BS) | BO2 | BS equivalent for steel 1.2842 |
| France (AFNOR) | 90MV8 | AFNOR equivalent for steel 1.2842 |
| Italy (UNI) | 90MnVCr8KU | UNI equivalent for steel 1.2842 |
| Czech Republic (ČSN) | 19313 | ČSN equivalent for steel 1.2842 |
| Japan (JIS) | SKS31 | JIS equivalent for O2; high Mn (~2 %) plus Cr and V match 90MnCrV8 |
| Russia (GOST) | 9XB (9ChW) | Similar C, Cr (~0.5 %) and V; lower Mn (≤0.4 % vs. ~2 %) |
Availability of Steel 1.2842 (90MnCrV8 / ~AISI O2)
IK STAL stocks and supplies steel grade 1.2842 (90MnCrV8 / ~AISI O2) in the form of flat bars, plates and cut-to-size blanks.
Material is available directly from our warehouse in Poland.
International Supply and Shipping
Steel
1.2842 (90MnCrV8 / ~AISI O2) is supplied by IK STAL to customers across Europe,
including the United Kingdom and selected non-European markets.
Orders are shipped from Poland regardless of local steel standards, naming conventions or customs procedures.
Where to buy Steel 1.2842 (90MnCrV8 / ~AISI O2)?
Steel grade 1.2842 (90MnCrV8 / ~AISI O2) can be purchased directly from IK STAL.
We supply tool steel 1.2842 (90MnCrV8 / ~AISI O2) to industrial and craft customers across
Europe and selected non-European markets, offering cut-to-size formats
without minimum order quantities.
Conclusion – Why Choose Steel 1.2842 (90MnCrV8 / ~AISI O2)?
Steel 1.2842 is a highly reliable material for knifemaking, combining high hardness, excellent toughness, and versatility. Its balanced chemical composition and straightforward heat treatment process make it a preferred choice for both professional and custom knifemakers. Whether used for heavy-duty utility knives or intricate artisan designs, Steel 1.2842 delivers consistent performance and durability.

Its excellent hardness, toughness, and ease of machining make it perfect for utility and custom knives.
Compared to other tool steels, 1.2842 offers a better balance of hardness and toughness, making it more versatile for various knife applications.
While it offers moderate corrosion resistance due to its chromium content, it is not stainless and requires maintenance to prevent rust.
After proper hardening and tempering, 1.2842 achieves a hardness range of 58–62 HRC.
Quenching at 790–820°C (1455-1510°F), followed by tempering at a temperature selected according to the desired hardness, in accordance with the tempering curve.