14C28N steel is produced by Alleima formerly Sandvik Steel, it’s a modification of their 13C26 carbon steel, 14C28N has gained a reputation as an excellent blade steel for knives.
On the other hand, 8Cr13MoV is a Chinese steel, a copy of the Japanese AUS-8 steel, it is widely used in budget and factory-produced knives.
14C28N is a nitrogen-alloyed steel, meaning nitrogen was intentionally added during production to enhance its performance.
This allows for increased toughness and corrosion resistance compared to conventional carbon steels, without compromising toughness.
In contrast, 8Cr13MoV is produced through conventional steel making techniques commonly used for carbon steels.
Its carbon content of around 0.8% leads to the formation of more carbides which can improve wear resistance for edge retention, but may reduce toughness.
14C28N vs 8Cr13MoV Steel At A Glance
| Property | 14C28N Steel | 8Cr13MoV (AUS-8) Steel |
|---|---|---|
| Hardness | Peak hardness around 63.5 HRc | Peak hardness around 64.5 HRc |
| Toughness | Excellent toughness, better than 8Cr13MoV Steel | Significantly lower toughness than 14C28N |
| Edge Retention and Wear Resistance | Good wear resistance and edge-holding ability, comparable to 8Cr13MoV. | Slightly better than 14C28N at higher hardness |
| Corrosion Resistance | Better corrosion resistance than 8Cr13MoV. | Slightly lower than 14C28N due to lower chromium |
| Sharpening Ease | Easy to sharpen with any stones. | Comparable sharpening ease. |
Hardness
14C28N and 8Cr13MoV steels can achieve similar peak hardness levels, but the effect on their performance as knife steels differs due to their microstructures and compositions.
14C28N steel, a modification of Sandvik’s 13C26 steel, can reach a peak hardness of around 63.5 HRc with proper heat treatment and cryogenic processing.
On the other hand, 8Cr13MoV can attain peak hardness levels from 60 HRc without cryogenic treatment to around 64 HRc with cryogenic processing and low tempering temperatures.
Toughness
14C28N steel exhibits superior toughness compared to 8Cr13MoV (AUS-8) steel, which can have a significant impact on their performance as knife steels.
14C28N has excellent toughness similar to AEB-L, which is the highest toughness of stainless steels.
This high toughness is attributed to the fine carbide structure and low volume fraction of carbides in 14C28N.
In contrast, the toughness of 8Cr13MoV is significantly lower than AEB-L and 14C28N, although still better than other stainless steels like 440C, VG-10, and 154CM.
The presence of larger carbides in the microstructure of 8Cr13MoV is the reason for its lower toughness compared to the finer carbide structure of 14C28N.
High toughness is a desirable property in knife steels as it reduces the risk of chipping or fracturing under impact or prying loads.
The superior toughness of 14C28N makes it a better choice for knives that may encounter such demanding conditions, as it can better withstand abuse without compromising its edge integrity.
Edge Retention
14C28N and 8Cr13MoV stainless steels exhibit comparable level of edge retention and wear resistance.
The CATRA edge retention tests showed that 8Cr13MoV at higher hardness performed slightly better than AEB-L and Nitro-V, which have similar compositions to 14C28N.
When compensating for hardness differences, 8Cr13MoV tested very similar to LC200N and 14C28N in terms of edge retention.
14C28N and 8Cr13MoV have a relatively fine carbide structure, which contributes to their wear resistance and edge-holding ability.
Corrosion Resistance
14C28N and 8Cr13MoV are stainless steels, however, 14C28N steel exhibits better corrosion resistance compared to 8Cr13MoV steel.
14C28N has significantly more chromium in solution than 8Cr13MoV, higher chromium content in solution translates to better corrosion resistance in stainless steels.
Additionally, 14C28N stainless steel contains Nitrogen further improving the corrosion resistance when compared to 8Cr13MoV steel.
14C28N better corrosion resistance can be beneficial in preventing premature degradation of the blade, particularly in humid environments, or when exposed to acidic or salty conditions.
Ease of sharpening
14C28N and 8Cr13MoV stainless steels have comparable ease of sharpening and grinding.
According to Sandvik 14C28N data sheet is “fine blankable” and easy to sharpen with any stones.
14C28N steel may be slightly easier to sharpen than 8Cr13MoV steel due to finer microstructure but the difference is negligible.
Final Thoughts on 14C28N vs 8Cr13MoV
From my personal experience working with both blade steels, I can confirm that they are relatively easy to sharpen and maintain, and their corrosion resistance is sufficient to prevent rust.
While their edge retention capabilities may not be exceptional, they certainly get the job done for general cutting tasks.
One notable advantage of Sandvik’s 14C28N is its superior toughness, which could make it a better choice for knives that may encounter high-impact tasks or rough use.
The nitrogen alloying process and careful control of carbide formation in 14C28N contribute to its excellent balance of toughness and wear resistance.
Despite their differences, both 14C28N and 8Cr13MoV stand out as excellent budget steels, particularly well-suited for kitchen knives.
Their combination of affordability, ease of sharpening, and reasonable edge retention make them practical choices for home cooks and professional chefs alike.
Ultimately, the decision between these two steels may come down to personal preferences and intended use.
For those seeking a tougher blade that can withstand more abuse, 14C28N may be the better option.
However, for those prioritizing cost-effectiveness and good all-around performance, 8Cr13MoV remains a solid choice.