Which metal makes steel suitable for cutting purpose by maintaining the cutting edge of the blade?

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Tungsten is commonly used as an alloying element in steel to improve its properties, particularly for cutting purposes. Tungsten enhances the steel's hardness, toughness, and wear resistance, making it suitable for maintaining a sharp cutting edge on blades.

When tungsten is added to steel, it forms carbides that are extremely hard and help retain the sharpness of the blade. These tungsten carbides provide excellent abrasion resistance, allowing the blade to withstand the forces and wear associated with cutting operations. Additionally, tungsten increases the steel's strength and impact resistance, preventing the blade from chipping or breaking during use.

Due to these advantageous properties, tungsten is a valuable component in high-speed steels (HSS) and tool steels, which are commonly used in cutting tools such as drills, saw blades, milling cutters, and turning tools. The inclusion of tungsten in steel alloys significantly improves their cutting performance and prolongs the life of the cutting tools.