a method of making a die steel , and the product thereof , in which melting to specified chemical ranges is subordinated to the achievement of a specified final property or properties , such as hardenability , by any combination of elements which will produce the specified final property starting from the most economical scrap mix available . specifically , when seeking to achieve a minimum hardenability , the minimum required d i is determined and , after providing minimum qualities of elements needed to ensure attainment of essential use characteristics except hardenability , the lowest cost element which will ensure attainment of the minimum required d i is added . in the event a maximum practical upper limit of the first hardenability make - up element is reached for any reason , such as refractory attack in the case of manganese , before the required d i is achieved , the hardenability make - up element selection process may be repeated with successively more expensive elements as often as needed to reach the required d i .