Nitro-V
Nitro-V - is a steel derived from AEB-L (similar to AEB steel by steels from Udeholm or 14C28N from Sandvik) with the addition of N and V. Corrosion resistance is insufficient even after the addition of vanadium. Added nitrogen may slightly increase corrosion resistance compared to AEB-L. The resulting hardness after appropriate heat treatment (annealing) reaches up to 64 HRC, but the toughness is drastically reduced. If the annealing temperature is higher, a lower hardness can be achieved with Nitro-V steel, but good toughness and a very fine microstructure. To increase hardness, a cryo-cycle can be used (about an hour in liquid nitrogen to convert residual austenite into martensite). It is obvious that a decrease in both toughness and corrosion resistance entails a reduced wear resistance of the facet.