Pure carbon tool steel with C 0.85%. Achieves HRC 60–63 after quenching — the highest hardness among carbon steels. Working hardness HRC 52–54 for hardwood band saw blades.
Get Quote for SK85 View Specs ↓SK85 is a Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS G 4401) carbon tool steel. With 0.85% carbon and no significant alloying elements, it relies on pure carbon martensite for hardness. This makes it the hardest carbon steel available for band saw blade applications.
SK85 is a pure carbon steel — no chromium, no nickel, no molybdenum. Its performance comes entirely from the high carbon content forming hard martensite during quenching. This simplicity makes it cost-effective while delivering maximum hardness.
SK85 is a pure carbon steel. The 0.85% carbon is the sole hardening element. Si and Mn are present only in trace amounts for deoxidation.
| C % | Si % | Mn % | Cr % | Ni % | Mo % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.85 | 0.10–0.35 | 0.30–0.60 | — | — | — |
Precision cold-rolled to tight tolerance classes. Standard supply at T2–T3 class; tighter tolerances available on request.
| Thickness (mm) | T1 | T2 | T3 | T4 | T5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.020–0.040 | ±0.002 | ±0.003 | ±0.004 | ±0.005 | ±0.008 |
| 0.040–0.080 | ±0.003 | ±0.004 | ±0.006 | ±0.008 | ±0.012 |
| 0.080–0.150 | ±0.004 | ±0.006 | ±0.008 | ±0.012 | ±0.018 |
| 0.150–0.300 | ±0.005 | ±0.008 | ±0.012 | ±0.016 | ±0.024 |
| 0.300–0.600 | ±0.008 | ±0.012 | ±0.016 | ±0.024 | ±0.035 |
| 0.600–1.000 | ±0.010 | ±0.016 | ±0.022 | ±0.030 | ±0.040 |
| 1.000–1.600 | ±0.014 | ±0.020 | ±0.028 | ±0.036 | ±0.050 |
| 1.600–2.500 | ±0.018 | ±0.026 | ±0.035 | ±0.045 | ±0.060 |
| Width (mm) | W1 | W2 | W3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| ≤ 25 | ±0.05 | ±0.10 | ±0.15 |
| 25–50 | ±0.08 | ±0.15 | ±0.25 |
| 50–100 | ±0.10 | ±0.20 | ±0.35 |
| 100–200 | ±0.15 | ±0.30 | ±0.50 |
| 200–300 | ±0.20 | ±0.40 | ±0.60 |
SK85 is the right choice when maximum tooth hardness and edge retention are the priority.
The primary application. HRC 52–54 working hardness gives teeth exceptional edge retention in dense hardwoods like oak, maple, and tropical species. Teeth stay sharp significantly longer than 75Cr1 blades in hardwood cutting.
Floor scrapers, paint scrapers, and industrial scraping tools. The high hardness prevents edge deformation under heavy scraping pressure. Available in wider strip for large scraper applications.
Precision cutting tools, stamping dies, and gauges where maximum hardness from carbon steel is required. Used where alloy tool steels are unnecessary or cost-prohibitive.
Both are JIS carbon tool steels. SK85 has higher carbon for maximum hardness; SK5 offers a broader range and slightly better toughness.
Verdict: SK85 wins on hardness and edge retention — choose it for hardwood cutting. SK5 wins on toughness — choose it for general-purpose wood cutting where tooth breakage is a concern. Cost difference is minimal.
Different philosophies: SK85 maximizes hardness through pure carbon. 75Cr1 adds chromium for better wear resistance and consistency at moderate hardness.
Verdict: SK85 is the hardness champion — best for hardwood where tooth edge retention is paramount. 75Cr1 is the all-rounder — better wear resistance, consistency, and fatigue life for general wood cutting. For most wood band saw applications, 75Cr1 is the safer choice.
Factory direct with in-house heat treatment. Consistent batch quality with full mill certs.
Explore other steel strip grades for different application requirements.
The workhorse grade for wood band saw blades. Chromium carbides for 30%+ wear improvement. HRC 47–52. Best all-around choice.
Nickel-alloyed steel for bi-metal band saw backing. Superior fatigue resistance for metal-cutting applications.
Cr-Mo alloy steel for North American market. Imperial specs available. High-strength band saw blade steel.
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