SK-5, SK-95 steel

SK-5 is a Japanese high-carbon tool steel, similar to American 1080/1095 or European C75, designed for the production of blades and tools where durability, toughness, and consistently excellent sharpness are important.

Chemical composition (approximate)

Carbon (C): 0.80–0.90%

Manganese (Mn): 0.30–0.50%

Silicon (Si): 0.15–0.35%

Phosphorus (P) and sulfur (S): max. 0.03% (undesirable impurities)

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Properties of SK-5 steel

Advantages

Good hardness (approx. 60–62 HRC) – keeps its edge for a relatively long time

Excellent toughness – less prone to cracking or chipping than SK-4

Easy to grind – can be ground well even at home

Affordable – excellent price/performance ratio

Disadvantages

Low corrosion resistance – it is carbon steel, so it requires regular care

Slightly less sharp than SK-4 – but the difference is small and balanced by toughness

Typical uses

Outdoor knives, bushcraft knives

Machetes, axes

Hunting and tactical knives

Hand tools (saws, chisels, gouges)

Care and maintenance

Wipe and dry after use, especially after contact with water, acids, or food

Lubricate regularly with oil – ideally mineral oil or special knife oil

Store in a dry place, preferably in a sheath or on a magnetic strip

SK-5 steel is an excellent choice if you are looking for a robust and affordable material with good hardness, easy sharpening and, above all, high toughness. It is ideal for practical use in the field where you need a tool that can withstand a lot – at the cost of regular maintenance.