420 stainless steel is a martensitic higher carbon version of types 410 and 416 stainless steel that can be hardened by heat treatment. It contains a minimum of 12 percent chromium, sufficient to give 420 corrosion resistance properties. It has good ductility in the annealed condition but is capable of being hardened up to 50 RHC. Its best corrosion resistance is achieved when the metal is hardened and surface ground or polished.
A 420 stainless steel tube is a tube manufactured from this type of stainless steel. It would possess the properties of 420 stainless steel, making it suitable for applications where high strength and moderate corrosion resistance are required. This includes various cutlery, surgical and dental instruments, scissors, tapes, straight edges, and firearms.