Brittle Springs

Just for what it's worth, The only experience I've had with this type of steel is if you get it hot (even through internal-friction) it eventually becomes brittle.

Dear Tata the problem its not for de Cr or Si; the brittle depend, if the wire it's hardning from coold work or heat treatment and the quality of this process; beside the inclusions no metalic into the steel, from steel making process. I'd recomend to anlized the break surface, in general could give you same clue. I hope to help you, don't hesitate to contact ccvallino@hotmail.com-