Nitro-X7 steel

[Emerson]

Seems like an interesting new variation on Nitro V. Maybe a potential new mule steel.

[sal]

Hi Emerson,

Thanx much for sharing the links.

We'll try to get some information on the steel.

sal

[weeping minora]

I think the reality is that Nitro X7 is actually a variation of Nitro B, rather than Nitro V (which itself is a variation of AEB-L with added N, and V).

From the composition data, it looks identical to Nitro B, except for an addition of 0.2% C. At best, I think one could say that Nitro X7 will perform like a more corrosion resistant Nitro V. Perhaps this is where the idea that Nitro X7 being a variation of Nitro V comes from; however, this would be relative to performance, and not to composition. I would estimate a loss in toughness of Nitro X7 when comparing the two, due to the added 2% Cr in Nitro X7.

Roman seems to have found some excellent results in his heat treatment and subsequent testing, but I think more real-world use is in order from a wider range of users. If availability and pricing are competitive, the steel looks promising; at the very least from a custom perspective.

I'm all in for more of this class of steel, always.

Nitro X7 Composition:

C: 0.7%
N: 0.15%
Cr: 15%
Mo: 0.5%
Si: 0.45%
Mn: 0.4%
V: 0.14%

[Emerson]

I can agree with that. The similarities in composition are closer in areas with Nitro-B but as you said the performance seems to be pointing towards a Nitro-V or maybe better. I don't know any more about it's performance than what the gentleman that posted those videos has said. I did a quick search and found some threads on blade forums but since 75% of the people there are unable to have an intelligent conversation, I mostly found biased assumptions and **** posting. I did find this comment from the guy that made the video:

"When I first saw the composition of Nitro-X7, I had to remind myself of what I've been preaching for years: that it is very important to judge steels not on composition alone when it comes to knife applications, reason being that lateral edge stability is so important. This is where I found Nitro-X7 to excel. Gross toughness is also great, but the edge it takes and how it maintains is just a chefs kiss."

Judging by his video he's probably biased toward the outdoors/bushcrafting when it comes to what he's looking for in performance. US market seems to be biased towards edge retention being the top priority(or at least top 2).

[Emerson]

For those that have some extra time(couple hours) or a boring job you should check out these videos on Survival sharpening and edge retention done by The Home Slice. While the knives used are different designs it shows an area where Nitro V excels when compared to basic and "super" steels. Makes me wonder if Nitro X7 would have a similar or better result.

[Scandi Grind]

Who is this steel from?

If I'm not mistaken, I thought Nitro V was exclusively from New Jersey Steel Baron, so I figured this might be from them as well and took a look at their website. I didn't find anything there though.

[Emerson]

Who is this steel from?

If I'm not mistaken, I thought Nitro V was exclusively from New Jersey Steel Baron, so I figured this might be from them as well and took a look at their website. I didn't find anything there though.

Idk if there's a US distributor. This is the producer's websites for it https://www.buderus-steel.com/en/produc ... -nitro-x7/
https://www.buderus-steel.com/en/produc ... ro-series/

[bob-atlatl]

interesting, from the first link above, in their pyramid of "nitro-s",
shows AEB-L as X65Cr13.
also Nitro-V as X70CrVN13
and Nitro-X7 as X70CrMoVN15

[msum]

I’d be interested in a Mule, but I wonder whether Roman would be willing to advise on the topic of heat treatment.

He seems to be very obsessive about HT and to have very specific ideas about what makes a good HT and what makes good edge performance.

[weeping minora]

interesting, from the first link above, in their pyramid of "nitro-s",
shows AEB-L as X65Cr13.
also Nitro-V as X70CrVN13
and Nitro-X7 as X70CrMoVN15

Those are the DIN (Deutsches Institut für Normung) standard names for these steels. As Buderus is a German company, it seems they are referring to these steels per their native standardization system.

[bob-atlatl]

weeping minora: DIN#s, good to know, thanks

[KKnives_Switzerland]

Hello everyone
I saw this threat just now. Like others have correctly pointed out, if one wants maximum edge retention, there are better options. That being said, I was very surprised to see Nitro-X7 hold its ground against some PM grades in the video I posted on Youtube. While the majority of the knives I make for my customers are in high carbide PM grade steels for EDC; mostly REX 121, S390, Vancron (a favorite of mine), and similar, also make quite a few bushcraft knives, without having a bias for one or the other type of knife. And here I found Nitro-X7 to do really amazing, the video hopefully shows that. But also for EDC applications I consider Nitro-X7 to be a strong competitor when it comes to steels like S35VN, S45VN and, dare I say it, even Magnacut. (If Magnacut being in this list surprises anyone; my video explains why I say that; long story short is edge stability.)
By now, I ran tests in a vacuum furnace with Nitro-X7 with many blades at the same time and results have been really good, much better than I hoped, which is very promising for production runs. But I worked very closely with the vacuum heat treat facility, and I am aware that this doesn't seem to always be the norm. Regardless, I think manufacturers will be able to make excellent knives from Nitro-X7.
A mule would be great also. @sal

I'm heat treating as I'm typing these lines, gotta go, sorry if I missed anything; feel free to let me know and please ask if you want to know more about Nitro-X7. I'll be online on the Spyerco forums more often from now on.

Roman

[KKnives_Switzerland]

Who is this steel from?

If I'm not mistaken, I thought Nitro V was exclusively from New Jersey Steel Baron, so I figured this might be from them as well and took a look at their website. I didn't find anything there though.

I’d be interested in a Mule, but I wonder whether Roman would be willing to advise on the topic of heat treatment.

He seems to be very obsessive about HT and to have very specific ideas about what makes a good HT and what makes good edge performance.

NJB was the driving force behind Nitro-V, and Buderus made it on their initiative.
Nitro-X7 was developed by Buderus as a direct successor of Nitro-V; I'm in close contact with Buderus and will be happy to provide insisights as far as I can.

Unrelated: If you like AEB-L and Nitro-V, you will love Nitro-X7.

[KKnives_Switzerland]

For those that have some extra time(couple hours) or a boring job you should check out these videos on Survival sharpening and edge retention done by The Home Slice. While the knives used are different designs it shows an area where Nitro V excels when compared to basic and "super" steels. Makes me wonder if Nitro X7 would have a similar or better result.

Based on my findings, the answer is a clear "yes". It's better. But I think the only way to go is waiting until we see Nitro-X7 knives in the wild. Hopefully, manufacturers will do it justice, but it is a nice one to heat treat commercially, so I'm not too worried.

[KKnives_Switzerland]

Who is this steel from?

If I'm not mistaken, I thought Nitro V was exclusively from New Jersey Steel Baron, so I figured this might be from them as well and took a look at their website. I didn't find anything there though.

It's currently German only, but maybe still of use:
https://www.buderus-steel.com/de/produk ... -nitro-x7/

EDIT: I see it has been translated to English

[Scandi Grind]

Who is this steel from?

If I'm not mistaken, I thought Nitro V was exclusively from New Jersey Steel Baron, so I figured this might be from them as well and took a look at their website. I didn't find anything there though.

I’d be interested in a Mule, but I wonder whether Roman would be willing to advise on the topic of heat treatment.

He seems to be very obsessive about HT and to have very specific ideas about what makes a good HT and what makes good edge performance.

NJB was the driving force behind Nitro-V, and Buderus made it on their initiative.
Nitro-X7 was developed by Buderus as a direct successor of Nitro-V; I'm in close contact with Buderus and will be happy to provide insisights as far as I can.

Unrelated: If you like AEB-L and Nitro-V, you will love Nitro-X7.

Neat, thanks for the info.

[sal]

Hi Roman,

Good to see you here.

Alex, our Purchasing Manager, is trying to get some steel samples of Nitro X7, so we can plan for a Mule Team.

sal

[KKnives_Switzerland]

Hi Sal
Thanks for having me.
That sounds exciting.
I'm in close contact with the Buderus guys; if you need assistance, let me know.

Roman

[Steeltoez83]

I'd love to get a mule to check out.

[Emerson]

Hi Roman,

Good to see you here.

Alex, our Purchasing Manager, is trying to get some steel samples of Nitro X7, so we can plan for a Mule Team.

sal

Thats cool! Can't believe a steel I suggested is being considered for a Mule. Love how much you guys stay in touch and work with the knife community.