440C has a carbon (C) content of 0.95–1.20%, chromium (Cr) content of 16.00–18.00%, molybdenum (Mo) content of 0.75%, Manganese (Mn) content of 1.0%, and silicon content of 1.0%.[1]
440C is a 400 series stainless steel, and is the highest carbon content from 400 stainless steel series. It is usually heat treated to reach hardness of 58–60 HRC. It is a bearing steel, and used to make knife blades. 440C can be oil quenched to achieve maximum hardness.
