CarTech CTS BD1 alloy is a high-carbon chromium steel that provides stainless properties with high hardness and excellent wear resistance. In terms of hardness and wear resistance, CarTech CTS BD1 alloy behaves very similarly to tool steels. CarTech CTS BD1 alloy attains a hardness of Rockwell C 58-60 when heat treated and has been used for cutlery, ball bearings and small machinery parts subjected to high wear conditions. This steel has a finely balanced chemistry with proprietary additions to improve cutting edge retention.

In CATRA (Cutlery and Associated Trades Research Association) testing, CarTech CTS BD1 alloy has a TCC (Total Card Cut) rating of 570 mm, which is equivalent to the cutting performance of high quality 440C stainless steel. The finely balanced chemistry enhances the processing of the steel especially during cutlery manufacture.