4116 stainless steel, full name DIN 1.4116, is a German standard martensitic stainless steel, that belongs to the manufacturing raw material for cutting tools. Its hardness, toughness, wear resistance, and anti-corrosion properties are very good, so it has been widely used in the fields of knife scissors, medical equipment, and food processing machinery blades.

4116 stainless steel is a high-carbon chromium stainless steel alloy. Here are some key details about 4116 :

– Composition: It contains 0.15% carbon, 13-15% chromium, 1% manganese, 1% silicon, and the remainder iron.

– Properties: 4116 has high strength and hardness due to its higher carbon content. It has moderate corrosion resistance. The 13-15% chromium content enables corrosion resistance.

– Uses: 4116 is used for applications requiring strength and moderate corrosion resistance such as in industrial blades, razors, turbine blades, and ball bearings. It is commonly used for cutlery and surgical tools as well.

– Weldability: 4116 has reduced weldability compared to lower carbon stainless steels. Precautions must be taken to avoid weld decay.

– Standards: 4116  is covered under ASTM A493, AMS 5854, AMS 5855, and UNS S41500 specifications.

In summary, 4116  is a high carbon chromium stainless steel with enhanced strength and hardness, but reduced corrosion resistance compared to common austenitic grades like 304/316 stainless. It is widely used for knives, tools, blades, and bearings. 

In China, many nail clipper factories use 4cr13, (SS420) stainless to make simple shape nail clippers.