1.4021 martensitic stainless steel, also known as X20Cr13 or 420 stainless steel, is a general-purpose heat-treatable chromium steel widely used in cutlery, knife blades, scissors, surgical instruments, and general mechanical components. It provides a practical balance of corrosion resistance, hardness, toughness, and machinability, making it suitable for both industrial and consumer applications.
After proper heat treatment, 1.4021 can achieve stable hardness and reliable mechanical performance. This makes it a popular cutlery steel and a practical material for knife steel, cutting tools, and general engineering applications where dependable service performance is required.
Compared with lower-strength stainless steels, 1.4021 offers better hardness and wear resistance after heat treatment. Compared with higher-carbon martensitic grades, it provides a more balanced combination of toughness, processability, and cost-effectiveness. This makes it a widely used choice for both cutting applications and industrial parts.
Cutlery and knife blades
Scissors and cutting tools
Surgical and medical instruments
Shafts and valve components
| ZEICIN Grade | GB | AISI | JIS | DIN/EN |
| 1.4021 | 2Cr13 | 420 | – | 1.4021 / X20Cr13 |
| C | Cr | Mn | Si | Mo | V |
| 0.16-0.25 | 12.00-14.00 | ≤1.00 | ≤1.00 | – | – |
| Co | S | P | Ni | Nb | W |
– | ≤0.03 | ≤0.04 | – | – | – |
Heat to 730–810°C, then air cool to improve machinability and reduce internal stress.
Heat to 950–1050°C, then oil quench or air cool to obtain a hardened martensitic structure.
Temper at 650–750°C to improve toughness, mechanical stability, and service performance.
ZEICIN Steel provides 1.4021 martensitic stainless steel in a wide range of product forms, including round bar, flat bar, square bar, and sheet. Available surface finishes include black, annealed, shot blasted, milled, peeled, centerless, and ground to meet different processing and application needs.
We support custom sizes, tailored specifications, and dependable bulk supply, helping customers match different industrial and project requirements.
| Type | Specification (mm) | Surface Condition |
| Round Bar | 1-50 or Customized | Black / Centerless / Turned / Peeled |
| Flat Bar | (3-40)*(12-156)*(2000-5300) | Annerled, Shot-Blasted / Milled / Black |
| Square Bar | (6*6)-(180*180) | Annerled, Shot-Blasted / Milled / Black |
| Steel Plate | (0.6-12)*(500-1000)*(1000-3000) | Black / Sandblasted / Granding |
Different surface conditions affect appearance, dimensional accuracy, and machining allowance. The images below show common delivery options (actual products may vary by size and batch).
ZEICIN STEEL specializes in high-carbon martensitic stainless steels such as 440C. Our focus is on clean steel production, uniform microstructure, stable heat treatment response, and reliable corrosion performance, helping customers achieve better batch consistency and longer service life.
Our R&D team participates in national-level research programs and key science and technology initiatives. With strong technical support, we continue to improve the development and production of high-performance martensitic stainless steels.
We adopt an advanced melting route of EAF + LF + VD + RS-ESR. This process improves steel cleanliness, refines microstructure, and enhances corrosion resistance and heat treatment stability, resulting in more reliable performance and longer service life.
We focus on the production and optimization of martensitic stainless steels for valves, shafts, pump parts, mechanical fittings, and precision industrial components. Our materials provide stable hardness, reliable strength, and dependable service performance in demanding operating conditions.
Yes. We are a factory. ZEICIN STEEL produces high-quality, cost-effective special steels, including stainless steel, tool & die steel, and high-speed steel. We also have our own import/export license, so we can serve overseas customers directly and support stable supply with batch traceability.
Yes. For first-time cooperation, we can provide a limited quantity of samples for verification (such as grade confirmation, machining trials, or heat-treatment evaluation). Samples can be shipped by international courier, and the courier cost is paid by the buyer. We value honest cooperation and look forward to a long-term win-win partnership.
Our common international payment methods include T/T and L/C. For trade terms, we can also support options such as DDU based on the order. The final payment method and terms can be confirmed according to your country/region, order value, and delivery method.
Our products use standard industrial packaging to ensure safe transportation. If you need custom packaging, please let us know when placing your order.
If the products are in stock, delivery usually takes 5–7 days.
If the products are not in stock, delivery time is about 30–40 days, depending on the order quantity.
