One of the most popular high-carbon stainless steels used by custom knifemakers for many years. First used by Gil Hibben about 1966. This is a great steel when properly heat-treated. It cannot, however be heat-treated with a blow-torch or welding torch. This steel was so popular that unscrupulous companies would mark their blades as 440C because it was considered some of the best. Be sure the brand you are buying 440C blades from is a well known one. Of the three versions (440 A, B, and C), 440C is considered the better steel. 0.95 - 1.20% Carbon, 0.40% Manganese, 17.0% Chromium, 0.50% Vandium, 0.50% Molybdenum.
