EN45 is a British spring steel used mainly for swords. It is tough and flexible, which is what a sword needs.
EN45 Steel at a Glance
| Type | Carbon steel |
|---|---|
| Made by | UK and European mills (silicon-manganese spring steel) |
| Typical hardness | 50-55 HRC |
| Key elements | Carbon about 0.55%, silicon about 1.8%, manganese about 0.85% |
| Edge retention | 2/10 (low) |
| Toughness | 9/10 (excellent) |
| Rust resistance | 1/10 (low) |
| Ease of sharpening | 9/10 (very easy) |
| Best for | Swords and machetes |
Ratings are relative 1 to 10 scores for typical factory heat treatments. See how EN45 ranks against 46 other steels in our Knife Steel Chart.
What Is EN45 Steel?
EN45 uses silicon and manganese for toughness and springiness. Swords made from it are usually heat treated to a lower hardness so they flex rather than break.
EN45 Steel Properties
- Edge retention: Low.
- Toughness: Excellent.
- Rust resistance: Low. Keep it dry and lightly oiled.
- Ease of sharpening: Very easy.
EN45 Equivalents and Alternatives
9260 is a similar silicon spring steel. 5160 is another popular sword steel.
EN45 vs Other Steels
EN45 vs 5160
Compared with EN45, 5160 is slightly tougher and resists rust slightly better. Read our 5160 guide.
EN45 vs 1084
Compared with 1084, EN45 is slightly tougher. 1084 holds an edge slightly longer. Read our 1084 guide.
EN45 vs 1095
Compared with 1095, EN45 is tougher. 1095 holds an edge slightly longer. Read our 1095 guide.
Is EN45 Steel Good for Knives?
Yes for swords, as long as the heat treatment is good. Choose a different steel for small knives.
Pros:
- Very tough and flexible
- Easy to sharpen
Cons:
- Rusts easily
- Modest edge retention
Knives That Use EN45 Steel
Makers sometimes change blade steels between versions, so check the listing to confirm the steel before you buy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is EN45 steel stainless?
No. EN45 is not stainless and will rust or patina if left wet. Keep it dry and lightly oiled.
How hard is EN45 steel?
Knives in EN45 are usually heat treated to around 50-55 HRC.
Is EN45 easy to sharpen?
Very easy. Most standard stones and pull-through sharpeners work.