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420 (AISI 420; X20Cr13; 1.4021; CSN17022; SUS420J1)
It is a basic stainless steel, difficult to weld with less carbon content. This steel is extremely resistant to rusting and to weaker chemical agents, very easy to machine, polishable but soft. It is very often used for the production of fantasy knives, swords, etc. It can be very easily sharpened in the field with a hardness of approx. 53 HRc (Rockwell). (C) from 0.15%, 12-14% Chromium (Cr), 1% Manganese (Mn) 1% Silicon (Si).

420J2 (AISI 420M; 1.4028; SUS420J2; ČSN17023)
A basic stainless steel, difficult to weld, with minor carbon (C) contents from 0.26-0.36%, 12-14% Chromium (Cr), 1% Manganese (Mn), 1% Nickel (Ni), 1% Silicon (Si), and a hardness of approximately 53 HRc (Rockwell). This steel is extremely resistant to rusting and to the action of mild chemical agents, very easy to machine and polish, but relatively soft, showing slightly higher wear resistance than basic 420 steel. It is very often used for the manufacture of fantasy knives, swords, etc. It can be sharpened very easily even in the field.

420HC High carbon (sometimes also TruSharp steel)
(0.45% Carbon (C), 13% Chromium (Cr), 0.3% Vanadium (V), 0.4% Manganese (Mn), 0.4% Silicon (Si)) A variant of 420J2 steel with higher carbon content but less corrosion resistance, the stability of the blade is quite good. Rockwell hardness is 57-58 HRc. Made in USA / Latrobe Specialty steel company

3Cr13
(0.35% of Carbon (C), 14% of Chromium (Cr), 0.6% of Nickel (Ni), 1% of Manganese (Mn), 1% of Silicon (Si)) Stainless steel, very easy to work, resistant to corrosion, even to weak acids, polishing increases corrosion resistance. The Rockwell hardness is given at around 54 HRc. China / Ahonest Chankjiang'

5Cr15MoV
(0.45% Carbon (C), 14.5% Chromium (Cr), 0.6% Molybdenum (Mo), 0.1% Vanadium (V), 0.4% Manganese (Mn))Stainless steel primarily produced in China. Generally considered to be a very ordinary steel, due to the very low carbon content it holds its edge very poorly even with occasional use. Rockwell hardness is given as around 55 HRc. China / Ahonest Chankjiang

INOX, X55CrMoV14; 1.4110
(0.75% Carbon (C), 16% Chromium (Cr), 0.8% Molybdenum (Mo), 0.9% Manganese (Mn), 0.7% Silicon (Si)) steel of Swedish origin, which is used by Swiss Army Knives (Victorinox, Wenger). The alloy has similar mechanical properties to 12C27M steel, but has a slightly higher chromium and molybdenum content. Sweden / Sandvik AB

DAUPHINOX
(0.52% Carbon (C), 15% Chromium (Cr), 0.6% Molybdenum (Mo), 0.5% Manganese (Mn), 0.6% Silicon (Si)) High quality Victorinox knives can only be made from the highest quality steel. It is only natural that steel brands are constantly evolving. However, in certain areas, both steel and knife manufacturers keep their secrets when it comes to the results of such developments. Among other factors, the method of hardening and tempering also play a significant role in the final result.