Why is Medium Carbon Steel Suitable for Making Agricultural Tools?

Definition and Properties

Medium carbon steel refers to steel with a carbon content in the medium range, specifically between 0.3% and 0.7%. Because of its moderate carbon content, medium carbon steel can be heat-treated to achieve a hardness range of 30-60 HRC while maintaining a certain level of toughness. Examples of medium carbon steel grades include S30C, S35C, S45C, S50C, SUP9, 65Mn, S65C, 70Mn, and 75Cr1

Applications

Tools made from medium carbon steel can generally meet the requirements of agricultural and garden tools, such as shovels, hoes, sickles, and pruning shears. Additionally, tools made from medium carbon steel can be sharpened when they become dull, which is particularly advantageous for cost-conscious farmers.

Cost and Performance

Medium carbon steel is cheaper than stainless steel (e.g., 2Cr13, 3Cr13, SS420J2). Tools made from medium carbon steel are sharper than those made from stainless steel at the same hardness. Moreover, stainless steel tools cannot be resharpened once they become dull, unlike medium carbon steel tools.

Historical Use and Familiarity

Medium carbon steel has been used by humans for thousands of years. Craftsmen are highly familiar with its properties and can easily forge and shape it. This familiarity leads to high production efficiency, a wide variety of designs, and good quality.

Conclusion

Due to its low cost, excellent performance, and the high level of familiarity craftsmen have with it, medium carbon steel is the preferred choice for making agricultural and garden tools.