For a special tool,A3 and 45# Steel which one is better?

A3 Steel(Q235)

Chemical composition

C(％) Si(％) Mn(％) P(％)

S(％) Cr(％) Mo (％) V(％)

0.95～1.05 0.10～0.50 0.40～1.00 ≤0.030 ≤0.040 4.75～5.50 0.90～1.40

0.15～0.50

45# steel

45 Steel Chemical Composition

Chemical Composition %

Steel Grade C Si Mn P (≤) S (≤) Cr (≤) Ni (≤) Cu (≤)

45 0.42-0.50 0.17-0.37 0.50-0.80 0.035 0.035 0.25 0.30 0.25

Because 45# Steel  C composition< A3 Steel when steel is going to heating treatment, Hardness is more lower,So if a tool made by A3 steel is lower quality than 45# Steel, and life is short tool.

And The Steel price  45# steel > A3 Steel, So there are many very cheap tools in the market, 

So, In China, the A3 steel tool is known as  low quality tool