Abstract: This invention provides a steel alloy, for use for razor blades, the ranges of composition of which are given in the table below, the first column giving the maximum range for the alloy elements and impurities (the balance being iron), the second column giving a narrower preferred range, whilst the third column gives a particularly advantageous composition:______________________________________ Maximum Preferred Element Range Range Example ______________________________________ Ni% 15 to 25 17 to 22 20 Cr% 3 to 8 3.5 to 5 4 Ti% 2 to 5* 3 to 4.5 4 Al% 1 to 5* 2 to 4 3 C% less than 0.02 0.01 0.005 Mn% less than 0.2 0.1 0.05 Si% less than 0.2 0.1 0.05 N% less than 0.02 0.01 0.003 P, S% less than 0.02 0.01 0.

Abstract: A porous pen nib comprising a plastics sheath and a fibrous core, preferably of textile yarn, has a writing tip formed by the rim of the mouth of the sheath and a protruding core center which both wear smoothly and equally in writing use.