Chromium-vanadium steel (CrV steel) – a special type of steel, used mainly in Europe. It is used in the manufacture of tools, such as wrenches and drill bits.

In this type of steel, hardenability is increased through the use of chromium and vanadium as alloying elements. The combination of these two elements may also produce synergistic effects that have not yet been fully defined.

Chromium ensures the steel’s resistance to corrosion, oxidation and abrasion, as well as high strength at high temperatures. The addition of vanadium inhibits grain growth during heat treatment, whilst increasing the ductility of both the hardened and tempered forms.