Everything you ever wanted to know about steel: What steel actually is, how its microstructure looks in different states, what mechanical properties it has, how to properly harden, quench, and temper it, what happens to steel during these processes, which types of steel have which properties, and much more can be found in this standard work of steel metallurgy. John D. Verhoeven takes you deep into the study of steel and provides you with a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the complex relationships involved. He has a talent for explaining even difficult concepts in an understandable way. John D. Verhoeven also addresses the special requirements of knife blades and cutting tools. He has worked with blade smiths for decades and likely knows more about this topic than anyone else. Over 200 illustrations and tables.