Stainless steel is a alloy of Iron with at least 10.5% Chromium. Chromium creates a slight layer of oxide on the surface of the steel known as the 'inactive layer'. This keeps any further erosion of the surface. Expanding the measure of Chromium gives an expanded imperviousness to consumption.

Custom 465® stainless is a premium melted, martensitic, age-hardenable alloy capable of ultimate tensile strength in excess of 250 ksi in the overaged (H 950) condition. This alloy was designed to have excellent notch tensile strength and fracture toughness in this condition