I've been uber nerding it up lately

[merl]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surgical_stainless_steel

possibly this applies but it appears you are right and there are different types.

Most surgical equipment is made out of martensitic steel—it is much harder than austenitic steel, and easier to keep sharp. Depending on the type of equipment, the alloy recipe is varied slightly to get more sharpness or more strength.

[Colorado_Outback]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surgical_stainless_steel

possibly this applies but it appears you are right and there are different types.

Interesting, thanks for posting that up.

Most of the medical stuff we do at my work is non surgical.

Also should have put a disclaimer on my advice... I'm a welder, not a machinist so my knowledge on SS alloying is entry level-ish. I just work with a bunch of them