The Traditional Tools Group Inc.

W1 plain carbon tool steels are made in four grades of quality: Special, Extra, Standard and Commercial. Special (Grade 1) and Extra (Grade 2) conform to rigid macroscopic, microscopic or hardenability specifications, special being the highest quality. They are suitable for tools and dies requiring steels of uniform high quality. Standard (Grade 3) and Commercial grades are not always made in electric furnaces and meet less rigid processing requirements. They are suitable for many general-purpose applications or for short-run jobs. The standard carbon range is usually 0.95 to 1.1%.