If you’re an outdoor person who enjoys buying and sampling knives or swords that tick all the boxes when it comes to durability, toughness, and resistance then you’ve probably heard of the E45 steel.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about EN45 steel and why you need to get it if you haven’t already.
What is EN45 Steel?
EN45 also known as EN 45 or E-N-45 is a type of steel alloy that was developed in the 1940s. The EN stands for the European Norme and 45 represents the maximum percentage of carbon in this type of steel.
It has both weldability and strength capabilities that are unique to other steels. Out of all the EN series, it is also one of the most popular due to its versatility in manufacturing and everyday home use.
Common Uses of EN45 Steel
- En45 steel is used to make tools, such as hammers and wrenches
- It can also be used in the construction of bridges or buildings because it resists corrosion from saltwater
- En45 steel is often found in the manufacturing of gas tanks for cars
- It can be used to make kitchen utensils like knives and other objects that need to be sharp
- En45 steel is also found in construction materials, such as beams, columns, and girders
EN 45 Steel Chemical Composition
- Carbon, C 1.20%
- Manganese, Mn 1.10%
- Molybdenum, Mo 2.0%
- Silicon, Si 2.20%
- Nickel, Ni 0.40%
- Chromium, Cr 0.40%
- Sulfur, S 0.04%
- Phosphorous, P 0.035%
Carbon, 0.4% to 1.2% – Carbon is an essential element in EN45 steel construction, it increases hardness and provides corrosion resistance, but it can also have some negative effects: The more carbon available in the steel, the weaker it becomes.
Silicon, 2.2% – There are numerous ways in which EN 45 steel is made stronger. One way is by mixing it with other materials, like silicon. This increases its ability to resist cracking and breakage when stressed or impacted.
However, simply adding silicon does not automatically make EN45 steel better for all applications where you might need an impact-resistant metal.
For example: if you were using it as a blade for something that absorbs shock like an ax or hammer handle then yes adding silicon would be beneficial whereas if used as a weapon such as a sword it may not be nearly as effective unless used in conjunction with other elements that deal greater damage on impact.
Manganese, 1% – Steel is an alloy, a combination of iron and carbon. When you make steel with manganese instead of iron, it gives the steel 1.5% more hardness for each 0.1% of manganese present in the ore used to make the metal (equivalent to about 14-15 Hardness Rockwell C).
This greater hardness makes it less likely that your tool or knife will break under normal use when compared with other steels having similar properties such as alloy content and tempering.
Chromium, 0.4% – Chromium is an essential element of steel because it controls the grain structure. Without chromium, EN 45 steel would be too soft to use for tools.
Sulphur, Nickel, Phosphorus, and Molybdenum, <0.4% – EN 45 steel also has just the right balance of other materials such as sulfur, nickel, and manganese that gives it a good balance between strength and durability.
EN45 Steel Hardness
EN45 Steel has a hardness of 45 on the Rockwell C scale. This means that it is almost as hard as cast iron, but nowhere near as brittle.
This steel is super durable and won’t break easily!
EN45 Steel Properties
Hardness and Edge Retention
EN45 is a high-carbon steel that can offer good hardness and edge retention. The steel offers a hardness of 50HRC which gives you edge retention that is not very great.
Corrosion Resistance
The EN45 alloy is not the best material for resisting corrosion. It only has 0.4% chromium which makes it very susceptible to being corroded by various materials and conditions.
Of the 0.4% chromium, less than 1% of it is in an alloy form that provides any significant level of protection against this type of degradation.
EN45 Wear Resistance
With 0.65% carbon and a mixture of Manganese and Silicon, this EN45 steel offers some great wear resistance.
The composition of EN45 ensures it can withstand abuse from abrasive substances like cement or sand, making it perfect for use in construction equipment such as bulldozers and graders that are used on roads or other hard surfaces where they could easily chip away if not coated beforehand with an anti-wear agent such as EN45.
EN45 Sharpness
EN45 is a hard steel blade, but it doesn’t make the edge dull. The higher the number next to EN (the “hardness”), the more difficult it will be to sharpen if you don’t want your knife to break or get nicks in it. But this hardness means that even after years of use, your knife will stay sharp and precise enough for most tasks.
EN45 Toughness
Carbon, Chromium, Manganese, and Silicon combine to make a tough metal that can withstand large amounts of pressure. That’s right! EN45 steel is made from four of the toughest materials in the world. It can hold up to a ton of weight per square inch and stands up to extreme heat with ease.
Best EN-45 Sword Reviews
#1: Norse Tradesman Spring Steel Viking Sword
- Blade Length: 30 inches
- Blade width: 2.12 inches
- Overall Length: 36.5 inches
- Weight: 2.64 lbs
- Handle Length: 4 inches
- Handle Width: 1.5 inches
- Handle Material: Wooden
- Blade Material: EN-45 carbon spring steel
The Norse Tradesman Spring Steel Viking Sword is the perfect balance of power and beauty. It’s not too heavy nor is it too light…it’s just right!
It weighs in at a very comfortable 2.64 lbs!
The sword features a leather-wrapped handle, cast metal runes, and pommel.
This beautifully designed sword blade is constructed from EN-45 high carbon spring steel, which has been heat-treated and tempered to a scale hardness of 54-58 HRC.
This means the sword is durable, and it can hold its edge well and be tough for many years to come.
Constructed to last, the blade comes semi-sharp and can be sharpened once you receive it.
This sword has an ornately designed hilt with a leather-wrapped wooden handle, making this sword both sturdy and attractive.
The pommel on the end of the hilt is used to balance the sword so that it is easier to wield and can be held longer in battle.
As if that wasn’t enough, it comes with a sword belt sheath which protects the blade when not in use, and you can wear it while on the go.
The leather-wrapped handle offers extra comfort while you’re having a single-handed tight gripping of the sword in combat or reenactments.
It has an overall length of 36.5 inches with a 30-inch blade from tip to guard.
- It is constructed with high-quality materials to ensure its durable enough
- It has leather-wrapped handles for a comfortable grip
- It has an effective design making its appearance attractive
- The blades are rust-resistant
- It is well-balanced, hence, easier to use
- The blades come blunt, so you have to sharpen before use
#2: Medieval Warrior Knights Gothic Sharp Sword
- Blade length: 29 inches
- Overall length: 36 inches
- Weight: 2.72 lbs
- Blade Material: EN-45 razor-sharp carbon steel
Inspired by the medieval warriors, this sharp sword is a testimony of the medieval period, and it is in great demand among those who love collecting swords.
The Medieval Warrior Knights Gothic Sharp Sword is a smaller type of sword than the typical XIV sword.
This battle-ready sword’s blade is dual hardened and forged entirely from EN-45 high razor-sharp carbon steel for maximum durability and edge retention.
This full tang steel hardened sword is heat-treated and tempered to a Rockwell Hardness of 50 HRC, making it fit for cutting, thrusting, or even in slashing.
The Medieval Warrior Knights Gothic Sharp Sword also features an integrated guard to ensure your hand does not slip onto the blade during use, as well as a leather handle for a more outstanding grip.
The sharp sword is embellished with a gothic design and comes with a leather sheath for safekeeping.
With its heavy-duty matching scabbard and sharpened edges, this sword is an ideal collector’s item or display piece for any true fan of medieval history or fantasy enthusiasts alike.
- It is lightweight and flexible for easier transportation
- The blades are highly tempered for durability
- It has a well-balanced blade well suited for quick and accurate thrusts
- It comes with a leather scabbard for safekeeping
- Solid construction to stand up against the trauma of use
- The blade comes blunt; you have to re-sharpen it to be effective
- It has an uneven wrap in the handle
EN45 Equivalent Steel or Alternative
Several steel varieties provide strength and durability but there is only a handful that offers both strength and wear resistance. EN45 Steel is alloy steel with excellent edge retention so you’re able to cut through tough items without worrying about your knife becoming dull.
EN45 vs EN 6150 Steel
High Carbon Steel is a popular material for tools.
Both EN 6150 and EN45 are categories of high carbon steel, which is why they’ve become such popular choices around the world.
The two types of steel perform differently under different conditions, but both are very similar concerning their uses and price points.
They both provide superior strength to weight ratio, but each has the characteristics that make it better suited for some tasks than others.
EN45 vs EN 5160 Steel
These two are often compared to each other because they have similar properties, but different applications.
EN45 is a medium strength low alloy steel used in the manufacture of knives where toughness and ductility are more important than strength.
In contrast, EN5160 is high carbon steel that has an excellent combination of strength and hardness to resist abrasion wear.
EN45 vs 1060 Steel
If you are looking for steel that is comparable to EN45, you would want EN1060 or 1065. Both of these steels have the same carbon content (0.6%) but differ in their Chromium percentages.
The EN designation indicates that the materials are designed to be used as cutting tools and knives rather than other industrial applications like construction or manufacturing equipment parts
Frequently Asked Questions
Is EN45 steel good for knives?
You may not be able to find the best EN45 steel knives, but you should still go ahead and look because they will outperform most other types.
Here’s why…
EN45 steel is higher carbon steel. It has improved edge retention, hardness, and wear resistance compared to other types of steel which are used in most kitchen knives.
While it can be hard to find good quality kitchen knives made from EN45 steel, they are worth searching for as the performance benefits are well worth the extra cost.
Is EN45 steel good for swords?
EN45 steel is one of the most commonly used steels in kitchen knives, but it’s also used to make some swords.
When you need to forge a sword, EN45 steel is an excellent pick. The high level of silicon gives the blade resilience, strength, durability, and sharpness that will make it strong against many foes.
However, some say that EN45 steel can be brittle and become dull after a few weeks of use; others like its edge retention and ease of sharpening.
Pros & Cons of EN45 Steel
- EN45 Steel is a low carbon steel
- It has good welding properties
- It has excellent machinability
- It can be easily cut, drilled, and tapped without cracking or breaking
- The shear strength of EN45 Steel is high enough to resist bending under load when used in structural applications such as beams and columns
- The tensile strength of EN45 Steel is high enough to resist pulling apart when used in structural applications such as beams and columns
- The corrosion resistance of EN45 Steel is better than many other types of steel
- EN45 steel is not as durable as other steels
- It’s more expensive than other steels
- The material has a lower tensile strength
Conclusion
There you have it, the most comprehensive EN45 steel review. As I’ve highlighted above, the EN45 steel is excellent high carbon steel that’s suitable for a wide range of uses not only in industry and manufacturing but also at homes in the kitchen as a knife.
Feel free to drop your comment or questions below. Also, I’d love to know other ideal uses of EN45 steel for you. Please share those in the comments as well.