14Cr Martensitic Stainless (var. 3)

14Cr Martensitic Stainless Steel (variant 3) is a high-carbon, cobalt-strengthened martensitic stainless steel designed for applications requiring exceptional hardness and wear resistance combined with corrosion resistance. This composition—with ~19% cobalt, elevated carbon (~0.88%), and molybdenum additions—targets high-performance cutting tools, precision measuring instruments, and specialized aerospace/defense components where both hardness and modest corrosion resistance are critical. The cobalt and carbon content distinguish this from standard 13–14% Cr stainless grades, positioning it as a premium tool steel rather than a general-purpose stainless, chosen when conventional martensitic stainless or tool steels cannot meet simultaneous demands for wear life and corrosion performance.