Water-Hardening Tool Steel, classified under the W-Series, is a high-carbon plain tool steel designed to harden rapidly when quenched in water. It is one of the oldest and most widely used tool steel families, valued for its excellent hardness, sharp cutting ability, and cost-effectiveness.
W-series tool steels are best suited for applications where wear resistance and edge retention are more critical than toughness or impact resistance.
Key Mechanical Properties
High Hardness (Up to 62–66 HRC)
• Achieves very high hardness after water quenching
• Ideal for cutting tools and precision edges
Good Wear Resistance
• High carbon content (≈ 0.6–1.4%) resists abrasion
• Reliable for continuous cutting, pressing, and shaping
Moderate Strength, Low Toughness
• Strong under compressive loads
• Brittle under impact due to rapid quench response
Excellent Edge Retention
• Maintains sharp cutting edges for long service life
• Preferred for knives, chisels, and woodworking tools
Available Forms
✔ Round bars
✔ Flat bars / strips
✔ Plates
✔ Square bars
✔ Forged blocks
✔ Sheets (limited availability)
✔ Precision-ground tool steel bars
Applications
Cutting Tools
• Chisels
• Knives
• Punches
• Shear blades
• Paper-cutting tools
Woodworking Tools
• Hand planes
• Carving tools
• Drill bits
• Scrapers
Forming & Shaping Tools
• Light-duty forming dies
• Stamps
• Engraving tools
Measuring & Precision Tools
• Gauges
• Squares
• Measuring rulers
Due to its limited shock resistance, water-hardening tool steel is primarily used in applications involving moderate loads, high precision, and sharp edges, rather than heavy impact.
Why Choose Water-Hardening Tool Steel
✔ Economical compared to alloy tool steels
✔ Excellent machinability in annealed condition
✔ Achieves very high hardness with simple water quenching
✔ Ideal for small, sharp-edged tools
✔ Widely used in woodworking, tool rooms, and general engineering