They are made from CPM 10V® (A-11) a powder metal manufactured by Crucible Materials Corporation with a 9.75% vanadium content to hold an edge longer and has a proven history in woodturning. The steel is hardened to 60-62 Rockwell, triple tempered with a cryogenic treatment between the first and second temper. The cryogenic treatment at this stage transforms the bulk of the retained austinite to martensite and form very fine “eta” carbides much finer than tempering alone, this increases the durability and toughness of the steel. Nothing else can be done to this steel!