LC200N steel
LC200N is a conventional stainless steel from Zapp. It rates 3/10 for edge retention, 8/10 for toughness and 10/10 for corrosion resistance, and is usually hardened to 57–60 HRC.
At a glance
- Type
- Stainless steels
- Hardness
- 57–60 HRC
- Maker
- Zapp (Cronidur 30 licensed from Energietechnik Essen) (Germany)
- Process
- pressurized electroslag remelted (PESR)
- Price tier
- Premium
- Used by
- Spyderco Salt series, Spyderco Native 5 Salt, Lionsteel (select), custom makers
- Also called
- Cronidur 30, Z-FiNit, X30CrMoN15-1, 1.4108
Composition
| Element | Weight % |
|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | 0.3 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 15 |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 0.95 |
| Nitrogen (N) | 0.4 |
| Manganese (Mn) | 1 |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.5 |
Source: manufacturer datasheet. Nominal values; where a range is published, the midpoint is shown. Phosphorus and sulfur, where listed, are maximums.
What makes LC200N behave the way it does
LC200N contains 0.3% carbon, a low level that favours toughness and corrosion resistance; 15% chromium for corrosion resistance.
Molybdenum (0.95%) improves hardenability and pitting resistance; nitrogen (0.4%) partly takes the place of carbon, which helps corrosion resistance.
Nitrogen replaces most carbon; aerospace bearing steel. Essentially immune to salt-water corrosion.
Equivalent and similar steels
- LC200N (similar class; compositions differ): LC200N, Cronidur 30, Z-FiNit
Knives in LC200N
| Knife | Brand | Blade | Weight | Lock | List price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spyderco Native 5 Salt LC200N | Spyderco | 2.95" | 2.4 oz | Back lock | $215 | Blade HQ |
| Spyderco Caribbean | Spyderco | 3.7" | 4.2 oz | Compression lock | $326 | Blade HQ |
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Shop LC200N knives at Blade HQ
How to sharpen LC200N
LC200N is easy to sharpen (8/10). Aluminium-oxide and water stones work well, and it takes a fine edge quickly; a ceramic rod or strop keeps it going between sharpenings.
Compare LC200N with
FAQ
Is LC200N a good knife steel?
LC200N is strongest in corrosion resistance (10/10) and weakest in edge retention (3/10). Its average across the four ratings is 7.2/10, and it sits in the premium price tier.
Does LC200N rust?
Very little. LC200N rates 10/10 for corrosion resistance, among the best of any knife steel, and suits salt water and humid climates.
Is LC200N hard to sharpen?
LC200N is easy to sharpen (8/10). Aluminium-oxide and water stones work well, and it takes a fine edge quickly; a ceramic rod or strop keeps it going between sharpenings.
What hardness is LC200N?
Knives in LC200N are usually hardened to 57–60 HRC. Makers can run it outside that range; harder means better edge retention but lower toughness.