Sandvik 14C28N vs AEB-L Steel

14C28N and AEB-L are two martensitic stainless steels that offer a good balance of properties for most knives. 

14C28N was developed by Sandvik (now known as Alleima) as an improved corrosion-resistant variant of their sandvik 13C26 steel, which shares the identical composition to AEB-L steel produced by Uddeholm. 

AEB-L steel was specifically designed to be a razor blade steel but found its way to most knives due to its excellent toughness and corrosion resistance.

In developing 14C28N, Sandvik reduced the carbon content slightly from 13C26/AEB-L and increased the chromium and nitrogen to improve corrosion resistance while maintaining hardness capabilities.

The changes result in 14C28N steel having better resistance to rust and pitting, but at the expense of some toughness compared to AEB-L.

However, both steels are among the toughest and easiest to sharpen in stainless steels and make very tough knives suitable for high impact, or abuse.

14C28N vs AEB-L Steel Differences At A Glance

Hardness

14C28N steel and AEB-L steel have similar hardness capabilities, though AEB-L can reach slightly higher hardness values.

Sandvik 14C28N data sheet shows it can reach a maximum hardness of around 62 HRC through proper heat treatment.

AEB-L can be heat treated to attain hardness values up to 64 HRC. The higher carbon content of AEB-L (0.68%) compared to 14C28N (0.62%) allows for more carbon in solution which increases hardness. 

However, both steels utilize very fine carbides to maximize toughness, and excess retained austenite will decrease hardness, so their maximum hardnesses end up being fairly close.

Both steels have high hardness capabilities for martensitic stainless steels, with AEB-L capable of reaching about 2 points higher on the Rockwell C scale compared to 14C28N when optimized heat treated. 

Toughness

AEB-L steel has significantly higher toughness compared to 14C28N steel. The higher toughness of AEB-L steel is attributed to its very fine carbide structure.

14C28N likely has slightly larger and more carbides due to its higher overall alloy content. The greater volume fraction of finer carbides in AEB-L reduces the brittleness and tendency for crack formation and propagation.

 The higher toughness of AEB-L makes it more resistant to chipping when used for hard tasks, It can better withstand impacts. 

AEB-L’s balance of high toughness and good hardness gives it excellent “edge stability” for acute edge angles that provide superior cutting ability.

AEB-L is generally preferred over 14C28N for hard-use knives where toughness is critical and can support thinner, more acute edges due to its edge stability.

However, 14C28N will likely have slightly better edge holding in less demanding applications like in a kitchen knife.

Edge Retention

14C28N steel has moderately better edge retention and wear resistance compared to AEB-L steel. The higher overall alloy content of 14C28N leads to a larger volume fraction of hard carbides and nitrides that resist abrasive wear.

For knives, the better wear resistance of 14C28N means it will likely retain its edge sharpness a bit longer during cutting tasks.

However, with superior toughness, they can both support thinner edge geometry that compensates somewhat for lower wear resistance.

In very abrasive cutting applications against hard materials, 14C28N may significantly outlast AEB-L. But for typical EDC tasks, the differences are not substantial.

So while 14C28N has a modest advantage in wear resistance, it does not mean AEB-L has poor edge retention overall. And AEB-L is easier to sharpen when the edge does dull.

Corrosion Resistance

14C28N steel has better corrosion resistance compared to AEB-L steel. 14C28N contains 14% chromium and a nitrogen addition of 0.11% to improve pitting resistance.

AEB-L contains less chromium at 13% and no nitrogen. The higher chromium and nitrogen content of 14C28N provides increased protection against rust and pitting.

14C28N knives can better withstand harsher environments including saltwater exposure, acidic foods, and humid conditions over prolonged periods. It will be more resistant to red rust and pitting corrosion forming on the blade.

AEB-L knife steel provides decent corrosion resistance but may develop some superficial rust or pitting with extensive use and inadequate care.

The superior corrosion resistance of 14C28N makes it preferable for applications where the knife will be exposed to wet or damp conditions for long periods of time. However, AEB-L has adequate corrosion resistance for many general EDC-type uses with proper maintenance.

Ease of Sharpening

Both AEB-L and Sandvik 14c28n are easy to sharpen steels, however, AEB-L steel is significantly easier to sharpen and grind compared to 14C28N steel. 

The lower alloy content and lower volume of carbides in AEB-L make it less wear-resistant during abrasion. This also makes it much easier to abrade and remove steel during sharpening or grinding.

14C28N steel higher hardness, more carbides, and higher chromium also increase the difficulty of material removal.

The ease of sharpening of AEB-L blade steel makes it quick and convenient to restore a sharp edge when it dulls through use. 

Hand sharpening, electric sharpeners, and grinding wheels will sharpen AEB-L steel faster than 14C28N steel. 

The ease of maintaining the edge outweighs slightly lower wear resistance for many knife applications.

Final thoughts on 14C28N vs AEB-L Steel

I believe 14C28N and AEB-L are two of the best budget steel available. While they may not have the extreme wear resistance of super steels, they offer an unbeatable combination of toughness, corrosion resistance, and ease of sharpening.

For me, toughness is one of the most important factors in a steel. I want a knife that can stand up to hard use without chipping or breaking.

In toughness, AEB-L is the clear winner. Its super fine carbides give AEB-L toughness close to simple carbon steels, much better than 14C28N.

While 14C28N has slightly better edge retention, AEB-L holds an edge plenty long for most needs.

14C28N pulls ahead, with its extra chromium and nitrogen giving better protection from pitting and rust. For a general EDC blade, AEB-L resists corrosion well, but for a knife used in a humid environment, I’d go with 14C28N.