Specialty Metals by Industry
As a specialty steel supplier, we pride ourselves on delivering top-quality steel manufactured in the USA that meets the highest standards. Our inventory includes air-melted and powder-metal tool steels, high-speed steels, and martensitic stainless steels. We also carry hard-to-find aerospace alloys like 15-5PH, 300M, 4340 VAR, N155, and Greek Ascoloy. All our steel is DFARS-compliant, ensuring a secure supply chain. We offer hot-rolled sheets and plates ranging from .030” to 4” thick and up to 48” wide. Our services cater to the aerospace & defense, medical, food processing, hand cutlery, and industrial knife industries. Additionally, we provide hot rolling, machining, precision flattening, and cutting with our laser, waterjets, bandsaws, or shears. All our services can also be used to toll-process your alloys and steel.
Aerospace & Defense Metals
Niagara Specialty Metals is a trusted supplier of high-performance metals tailored for the aerospace and defense industries. Our extensive range of specialty metals, including high-strength low alloy steels, vacuum-melted steels, and maraging steels, is engineered to meet the stringent demands of aerospace applications. Our aerospace alloys are DFARS-compliant and domestically melted, ensuring a secure supply chain. These materials are crucial in manufacturing critical components such as rotor hubs, gearboxes, missile parts, and structural frames, ensuring reliability and superior performance in the most challenging environments. Adhering to rigorous industry specifications, our metals provide unmatched strength, toughness, and fatigue resistance, making them the preferred choice for aerospace and defense manufacturers.
| Grade | Category | Parts | Specifications |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4340VAR | High-strength low alloy steel | Rotor hubs and gearboxes | HMS 6-1174, AMS 6359 |
| 15-5PH | Used where corrosion resistance for structural components is important | Missile parts, fasteners, fuselage frames, and engine components | AMS 5862, BMS 7-240 |
| 300M | Vacuum melted steel for high strength applications | Missile parts, fasteners and structural components for airframes and motorsports | MIL-S-8844D, Amendment 1, Class 3 (starting billet) |
| Maraging C250 & C300 | VIM/VAR melted and possess superior strength and resistance to cracking | Gearboxes, couplings, driveshafts, missile casings, and landing gear components | AMS 6520, AMS 6521, MIL-S-46850 |
Industrial Metal Grades
At Niagara Specialty Metals, we provide top-quality metals engineered to withstand the rigorous demands of industrial applications. Our product range includes stainless, tool, and high-speed steels, all of which are essential for producing components that require exceptional strength, durability, and resistance to harsh operating conditions.
Powder Metallurgy (PM) Steel: High-Performance Alloys for Precision Applications
The specialty steels historically known as Crucible Particle Metallurgy (CPM) grades have long been valued for their exceptional mechanical properties, ultra-clean microstructure, and reliable performance in critical applications. While Crucible Industries has ceased operations, the legacy of CPM steels continues through new industry partnerships and sources.
Niagara Specialty Metals now sources premium powder metallurgy (PM) steels from Carpenter Technology and Erasteel, the latter of which has acquired the rights to the CPM trademark. As a result, we are able to continue offering key CPM-branded steels through Erasteel, while also introducing new rebranded designations for grades we source from both mills. This approach ensures continued supply, consistent quality, and full transparency for our customers.
Key Benefits of PM Steel
- Increased Wear Resistance: Powder metallurgy reduces impurities and segregation, producing a more uniform carbide structure. This results in higher hardness and excellent wear resistance—ideal for cutting tools, dies, and high-use industrial parts..
- High Toughness and Strength: These steels offer a superior balance of toughness and tensile strength, performing reliably under high stress, impact, and other extreme conditions.
- Enhanced Machinability and Heat-Treatment Response: PM steels allow for tighter tolerances and finer finishes. They also respond well to a wide range of heat treatments for tailored hardness and performance.
- Corrosion Resistance: Select stainless PM grades (such as MagnaCut, CPM S30V, and CPM 154) deliver outstanding corrosion resistance in aggressive environments.
Applications of PM Steel
- Cutting Tools and Knives: PM steels are widely used in high-end knives and industrial cutting tools for their superior edge retention and toughness.
- Molds and Dies: Cold-work and high-speed tool steels made via PM are preferred for applications requiring dimensional stability under load.
- Aerospace and Automotive Components: The strength, fatigue resistance, and wear characteristics of PM steels make them a smart choice for critical structural parts in demanding environments.
Notable PM Tool Steel Grades
- 1V, 3V, and D2 (PM): Balancing toughness and wear resistance, these grades are popular across a range of tooling and forming applications.
- 9V and 10V: Designed for extreme wear resistance; 9V offers greater toughness, while 10V provides up to quadruple the wear resistance of D2 at comparable toughness.
- MagnaCut: A high-alloy stainless PM grade offering exceptional performance; MagnaCut combines the corrosion resistance of stainless with the toughness of CPM 4V.
As Niagara Specialty Metals continues to evolve with the industry, we remain committed to delivering best-in-class steel solutions through our fully integrated operations in Akron, NY. We are 100% employee-owned and handle all rolling, annealing, and finishing in-house to meet the highest standards of quality and performance.
| Grade | Category | Parts | Specifications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greek Ascoloy | High Temp Stainless Steel | Steam turbine buckets, high temp bolts | AMS 5508 |
| Super Invar | Low Expansion Alloy | Low expansion alloy used for structural supports for high precision optical and laser systems. | |
| N155 | High Strength and Temp | High temp exhaust manifolds, turbine buckets, turbine blades | AMS 5532 |
| 440C ESR | Medium Wear Stainless | Food processing blades, Bearings and knife blades. High wear resistance and good corrosion resistance. | ASTM A276 |
| 420SS | Medium Wear Stainless | Surgical instruments, scissors and various cutting tools. Good toughness and moderate corrosion resistance | ASTM A276 |
| 416SS | Firearms | Slides for firearms, valves, shafts. Very machinable and good corrosion resistance. | ASTM A276 |
| A7 Modified and D7 | High Wear Tool Steel | Brickmold liners, extrusion tools for ceramics, descale equipment liners. | ASTM A681 |
| A2, H13, L6, O1, S1, and S7 | Air melted - Tough Tool Steels | Blanking dies, punches, shear blades, thread roll dies, chucks, pelletizer blades, plastic mold inserts | ASTM A681 |
| M1, M2, M4, and M42 | High Speed Tool Steels | Punches, end mills, reamers, taps, tool bits, gear hobs, broaches | ASTM A600 |
| CPM S30V, CPM S35VN, CPM S45VN, CPM S90V, and CPM MagnaCut | Stainless Food Processing | CPM alloys that have high wear and corrosion resistance well suited for industrial food processing. | |
| CPM 1V, CPM 3V, CPM 4V, and CPM Cruwear | CPM alloys that exhibit high toughness and heat resistance. | Stamping & forming tools, dies, scrap choppers, fine blanking tools, planer blades coining dies | ASTM A681 |
| CPM 9V, CPM 10V, and CPM 15V | CPM Alloys that exhibit very high wear resistance | Pelletizer blades, barrel liners, punches, dies, granulator blades, slitter knives, screw tips, wear inserts | ASTM A681 |
| CPM M4, CPM T15, and CPM Rex76 | CPM high speed steels designed to cut other materials efficiently at high speeds despite the extreme heat generated at the tool's cutting edge. | Broaches, end mill, gear hobs, spade drills, taps, form tools | ASTM A600 |
Stainless Steel
Many tooling applications require not only typical tool steel properties but also a degree of corrosion resistance. Our 400-series stainless steels meet these needs, as they are martensitic and can be hardened through heat treatment. While they do not offer the same level of corrosion resistance as 300-series stainless steels, they are much harder and more wear-resistant.
We sell six grades of wrought martensitic stainless steel and eight CPM stainless grades. All of our steel is manufactured in the USA. Wrought stainless steels are used for blades and components in knives, the food and pulp industries, aerospace applications, valves, and numerous other critical applications.
416 is a free-machining stainless steel used primarily in applications that require extensive machining and corrosion resistance.
420 stainless is used in the hardened condition for shear blades and surgical equipment.
440C ESR and 154CM are used extensively for blade material. Our 440C is Electroslag Remelted (ESR) to create a higher-quality ingot. The ESR process removes impurities and inclusions through an additional melting step. 154CM is a slight upgrade to 440C with better wear and corrosion properties.
418, also known as Greek Ascoloy, is a heat-resisting martensitic stainless steel used in high-stress parts up to 1,200°F. Our 418 is ESR melted and capable of AMS 5616.
15-5 is a precipitation-hardening martensitic stainless steel with better toughness than 17-4 PH. Our 15-5 is VAR melted and capable of AMS 5862M.
KEY APPLICATIONS:
- Knife blades
- Firearms
- Molds and mold inserts
- Certain plastic injection molding applications
Tool Steel
The performance of a metal forming tool relies on optimizing various factors. Typically, operating conditions such as applied loads, abrasive environments, and impact determine the tool’s durability. However, with numerous traditional and CPM tool steels available, it is possible to select one with the right combination of properties for specific applications. Tool steels are categorized and compared based on properties that directly influence performance: hardness, toughness (impact resistance), and wear resistance. We sell a wide variety of tool steels in sheet, plate, and cut-to-size pieces.
The A series tool steels are characterized by their high hardenability, toughness, and dimensional stability in heat treatment. They can all be hardened by air cooling and are suited for cold-work applications.
All D series steels are resistant to softening at elevated temperatures. These steels also exhibit excellent wear resistance—especially D7, due to its high carbon and vanadium content. D-series tool steels contain 1.5 to 2.35 percent carbon and approximately 12 percent chromium, which contributes to the hardenability of these alloys. Typical applications for this class of steel include shear blades, brick molds, and slitter knives.
All S series steels are characterized by their toughness and resistance to shock. The principal alloying elements in S-series steels are manganese, silicon, chromium, tungsten, and molybdenum. Common applications for this group include chisels, punches, and fin-tube blades.
Miscellaneous grades include H13, L6, and O1 tool steels.
We carry several CPM (Crucible Powder Metallurgy) grades, which offer superior performance over wrought products. Alloy segregation is minimized, and the process produces a very fine microstructure. Cutting applications where edge toughness is required are improved significantly by the CPM process because of the elimination of large carbides.
Please see our datasheet page for more details on the grades we carry and the related properties.
KEY APPLICATIONS:
- Slitters
- Shear Blades
- Molds and mold inserts
- Blanking Tools
High-Speed Steel
High-speed steels (HSS) are high-alloy steels containing elements like tungsten (W), molybdenum (Mo), vanadium (V), and cobalt (Co). They are designed to cut other materials efficiently at high speeds, even when the tool’s cutting edge generates extreme heat, often exceeding 1,000°F depending on cutting conditions, coolants used, and other operational factors.
For good cutting tool performance, High-speed steel must possess three key characteristics:
1. High Hardness After Heat Treatment: HSS must be capable of being heat-treated to achieve high hardness at room temperature, typically ranging from 63 to 68 HRC. This high hardness is necessary for excellent wear resistance.
2. Red Hardness: HSS must maintain high hardness at elevated temperatures, a property known as red hardness. Since high-speed steels are exposed to significant heat at the cutting edge during operation, red hardness is essential for sustaining performance.
3. Impact Toughness: HSS must have sufficient impact toughness to handle interrupted cutting applications. They are significantly tougher than carbide or ceramic materials, which is crucial for withstanding the stresses of cutting.
KEY APPLICATIONS:
- Broach Inserts
- Spade Drills
- Taps
- Dies
CPM Process
Conventional high-alloy steels often develop alloy segregation during solidification. Even with extensive mill processing, clusters of coarse carbides persist as remnants of the as-cast microstructure, leading to non-uniform properties. This segregation can hinder tool fabrication, reduce toughness, and limit wear performance.
CPM®* (Crucible Particle Metallurgy) steels avoid these problems by starting with tiny, rapidly solidified powder particles—each one having uniform chemistry and a finely dispersed carbide structure. These particles are consolidated through HIP (Hot Isostatic Pressing), ensuring the final steel contains no alloy segregation and features an extremely uniform distribution of fine carbides. This consistent microstructure resists grain growth, enhances toughness, and delivers superior wear resistance compared to conventionally produced steels.
Advantages of CPM:
For the End User:
- Availability of higher alloy grades
- Improved wear resistance
- Enhanced toughness (reduced chipping)
- Consistent tool performance
- Good grindability for resharpening
For the Tool Manufacturer:
- Consistent heat treatment response
- Predictable size changes during heat treatment
- Excellent and stable substrate for coatings
- Excellent grindability
- Improved machinability (with sulfur enhancement)
- Efficient wire EDM cutting
Cutlery / Knife Steel
Niagara Specialty Metals supplies premium metals engineered specifically for the hand cutlery industry. Our materials are selected for exceptional edge retention, hardness, toughness, and corrosion resistance—qualities essential for producing high-performance knives and cutting tools. From advanced stainless grades to high-alloy specialty steels, our portfolio supports the creation of durable, razor-sharp blades trusted by professional chefs, outdoor enthusiasts, and skilled makers alike. With rigorous quality standards and precision processing, we deliver metals that elevate the performance, longevity, and craftsmanship of hand-built cutlery.
| Grade | Category | Parts |
|---|---|---|
| CPM 154, CPM D2, CPM S30V, CPM S35VN, CPM S45VN, CPM S90V, CPM MagnaCut, CPM 3V, CPM 4V, CPM Cruwear, and CPM M4 | CPM alloys for hand cutlery | Our CPM cutlery alloys have various combinations of toughness, wear, and corrosion resistance. CPM 3V is our toughest grade, CPM S90V has the highest wear resistance. CPM MagnaCut has the highest corrosion resistance. Refer to our cutlery chart to see the combinations available to you. |
| 154CM, 440C ESR, and D2 | Air melt - lower cost alloys for hand cutlery | Our airmelt cutlery grade have a long history or high performance in the knife industry. They are more affordable for the everyday knife enthusiast. |
We supply three grades of wrought martensitic stainless steel and eight CPM stainless grades for the cutlery industry—all proudly manufactured in the USA.
Wrought Stainless Steels
Our wrought stainless grades are widely used for knife blades and precision components.
416 Stainless – Commonly used in the specialty knife industry for bolsters, guards, and pins due to its excellent machinability.
440-C ESR – A popular blade material known for high hardness and wear resistance. Our 440-C undergoes Electroslag Remelting (ESR), an additional melting process that removes impurities and inclusions to produce a cleaner, higher-quality ingot.
154-CM – A performance upgrade to 440-C offering improved wear resistance and corrosion performance, making it a preferred choice for premium cutting tools.
CPM® Stainless Steels
Our CPM (Crucible Particle Metallurgy) grades deliver enhanced performance over traditional wrought steels. The CPM process eliminates alloy segregation and produces a uniform, fine microstructure with evenly distributed carbides. This results in superior toughness, improved edge stability, enhanced wear resistance, and greater flexibility in alloy design due to higher allowable alloy content.
The CPM process also enables premium upgrades of existing alloys, as demonstrated by the development of CPM-154.
Our two newest CPM offerings—S45VN and MagnaCut—represent the latest advancements in cutlery steel technology.
S45VN, designed by Frank Cox at Niagara Specialty Metals, provides increased corrosion resistance and wear performance compared to S30V and S35VN. This grade has already been adopted by multiple production knife manufacturers.
MagnaCut delivers a highly optimized balance of toughness, hardness, and exceptional corrosion resistance, making it one of the most advanced stainless cutlery steels available today.
CPM MagnaCut
* CPM®, 3V, 4V, S30-V, CPM 154, 154-CM, 15V, S90V and S110-V are registered trademarks of Erasteel
What is CPM MagnaCut?
CPM MagnaCut is a premium stainless steel engineered by metallurgist Dr. Larrin Thomas to achieve an exceptional balance of toughness, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance. Produced using the Crucible Particle Metallurgy (CPM) process, MagnaCut features an ultra-fine, uniform microstructure that enhances both performance and consistency.
Its standout advantage is the ability to deliver high edge retention and strength without compromising outstanding corrosion resistance—a combination rarely achieved in stainless cutlery steels. This unique performance profile has made MagnaCut one of the most sought-after materials in the knife industry, particularly for high-end, high-performance blades.
The CPM Process Behind MagnaCut
CPM MagnaCut is now produced using Erasteel’s state-of-the-art powder metallurgy process, a system that has been continuously refined since its introduction in 1969.
Erasteel operates two of the world’s largest metal powder atomizers and is recognized as a global leader in powder metallurgy innovation. The company pioneered the ESH (Electro Slag Heating) process for gas-atomized powders and has continued to advance the field through improvements in cleanliness, process control, and microstructural consistency.
Using technologies such as ESH, enclosed tundish pouring, synthetic slag covers, and other proprietary refinements, Erasteel ensures exceptional cleanliness during atomization. These methods produce a fine, uniform carbide structure on par with the original CPM process—resulting in excellent grindability and the high-performance characteristics expected from premium PM steels.
Erasteel’s exceptionally clean processing route supports demanding applications across military, aerospace, Formula 1, and other advanced industries, as well as traditional tooling markets. For MagnaCut, this level of process control translates to increased toughness, superior edge retention, and reduced risk of chipping—key performance advantages for high-end cutting tools and blades.
Key Properties of CPM MagnaCut
1. Corrosion Resistance: MagnaCut achieves stainless-level corrosion resistance through its optimized mix of chromium, vanadium, and nitrogen. With approximately 10.7% chromium in solution, it provides excellent protection against rust in wet, humid, or high-use environments—without sacrificing toughness, a common tradeoff in traditional stainless steels.
2. Toughness: One of MagnaCut’s standout qualities is its exceptional toughness, which exceeds that of many other high-edge-retention steels. This durability allows the steel to withstand impact, lateral stress, and demanding use, making it ideal for hard-use knives and professional cutting tools where resistance to chipping or breakage is critical.
3. Wear Resistance & Edge Retention: The steel’s balanced composition of carbon, vanadium, and nitrogen creates a fine, stable carbide structure that delivers long-lasting wear resistance and excellent edge retention. As a result, MagnaCut performs consistently through prolonged cutting tasks, making it a preferred choice for premium knife makers.
4. Ease of Sharpening: Despite its high wear resistance, MagnaCut remains surprisingly easy to sharpen compared to other ultra-hard steels. It provides a practical balance between edge longevity and maintenance, appealing to both end users and makers who want high performance without the sharpening difficulty associated with some super steels.
Applications of CPM MagnaCut
CPM MagnaCut is widely used in the knife industry thanks to its exceptional combination of corrosion resistance, edge retention, and toughness. It is a top choice for high-end kitchen knives, outdoor and survival blades, and everyday carry (EDC) knives. Its balanced performance also makes it suitable for several other demanding applications, including:
• Cutlery and Kitchen Tools: MagnaCut’s long-lasting edge retention and excellent corrosion resistance make it ideal for culinary knives, food prep tools, and premium kitchen cutlery.
• Outdoor and Survival Tools: With outstanding toughness and reliability, MagnaCut performs well in harsh environments, making it a preferred material for survival knives, field tools, hunting blades, and camping gear.
• Precision Cutting Tools: The fine, uniform grain structure achieved through powder metallurgy allows MagnaCut to excel in precision applications where cutting accuracy, stability, and reliability are essential.
Why Choose CPM MagnaCut?
If you’re looking for a steel that performs reliably across a wide range of demanding conditions, CPM MagnaCut is an exceptional choice. Whether it’s a kitchen knife that must retain a sharp edge through daily use or an outdoor tool built to endure harsh environments, MagnaCut offers consistent, high-level performance. Its rare combination of toughness, corrosion resistance, and edge retention sets it apart from other premium stainless steels.
Contact us to learn more about MagnaCUt or to place an order.