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What is LC200N Steel?
LC200N steel is among the latest steel types on the market as it was introduced in 2013. It is manufactured by the ZAPP group, based in the USA, following the Pressurized Electric Slag Remelting (PESR) methodology.
It is high in nitrogen, and it is designed to offer superior corrosion power. The Nitrogen in its content does not freely mix or bond with Chromium thus leaving more of the Chromium improving Corrosion Resistance.
LC200N is also referred to as Cronidur 30 or Z-FiNit. The Z stands for ZAPP and FiNit represents Fine Grain Nitrogen Steel.
LC200N steel is extensively used in the food, pharmaceutical, chemical, recycling industries, and knife making because of its stunning corrosion resistance.
LC200N steel composition
- Carbon C 0.30%: Increases the edge retention, hardness and tensile strength. It also improves steel resistance to wear, abrasion and corrosion.
- Chromium Cr 15.00%: Formation of Chromium carbide Increases hardness, tensile strength and corrosion resistance of the blade.
- Molybdenum Mo 0.95%: It improves machinability and hardness.
- Manganese Mn 1.00%: Increases hardenability of the steel alloy.
- Nickel Ni 0.50%: Increases hardenability and it also improves corrosion resistance.
- Nitrogen 0.50%: Improves hardness and corrosion resistance of the steel, it acts very similar to Carbon in the steel alloy.
Properties of LC200N
LC200N Steel Hardness
As per the Rockwell scale, LC200N hardness is 58-60HRC, the same level of hardness found in many high-end knife steel types.
Therefore, knives made from this steel offer excellent edge retention and wear resistance properties compared to other cheaper knife steels on the market.
LC200N Steel Wear resistance
Wear resistance is among steel properties directly affected by hardness and LC200N offers decent wear resistance because it is not very hard steel. With its level of wear resistance, its knives can stand everyday wear, and its blades do not deform from cutting.
LC200N steel Edge retention
LC200N steel offers excellent edge retention that allows you to do a lot of cutting without getting dull. If you ask around for stainless steel knives that remain sharp for long, LC200N knives will be among the top options.
Note that this steel does not offer the best edge retention features out there but performs closely to other high-end steels on the market like S30V.
LC200N Steel Toughness
The ability of steel to resist breaking and chipping when subjected to pressure is an important consideration when looking into the quality of knives. Knives made from LC200N steel are tough. If you are into knives with excellent toughness, varieties made from this steel will not disappoint.
LC200N steel toughness is comparable to that of non stainless CPM CruWear Steel and 80CrV2 steel.
LC200N Steel Corrosion resistance
LC200N steel scores almost 100% in corrosion resistance. If you are looking for a knife that will never rust irrespective of the conditions it is used in, then look no further because the varieties of LC200N will offer you that.
Knife makers will refer to this steel as ultra stainless steel, and it makes rust-proof knives.
Due to this feature, this steel is the best in making fishing and kitchen knives because they are constantly exposed to water and salty conditions.
Even with inadequate care and maintenance, you can be sure that knives made from this steel will never rust or stain.
See also: Vanax steel, nitrogen-based steel that beats LC200N / Z Finit in Corrosion Resistance.
Ease of Sharpening
Sharpening LC200N steel is not difficult because it is not very hard steel. The ease of sharpening is also associated with the fine grain structure used during production. With its level of sharpening, you can get a razor-sharp edge with the available sharpening tools without a struggle.
Knife users trying to perfect their sharpening skills benefit a lot from this feature. Considering that this steel holds an edge for long, you will not struggle with frequent sharpening, and it will last long because its blade is not subjected to wear often.
LC200N Vs. other steels
LC200N Steel Vs. H1
Both LC200N steel and H1 steel are nitrogen steels but differ in properties, with H1 steel offering better toughness, corrosion resistance, and easy sharpening. LC200N, on the other hand, outshines H1 in edge retention.
LC200N Vs. S30V
Both LC200N and S30V steel offer the same level of toughness, while LC200N shines in corrosion resistance, and it is easier to sharpen. S30V beats its counterpart in edge retention.
See Also: S45VN steel review, nitrogen-based steel, an update to S35VN and S30V steel
Is LC200N good knife steel?
Looking at its features, LC200N is good knife steel. It offers excellent corrosion resistance, great toughness, excellent wear resistance, and it is easy to sharpen. This combination makes it an ideal choice for knife makers.
