14C28N vs S35VN Steel

S35VN was introduced in 2009 by American powder metallurgy company Crucible Industries as part of their CPM stainless steel line. 

It was created as an improvement over S30V steel, with enhanced machinability and toughness. 

14C28N, released by Swedish steel producer Sandvik in 2011, also aims to provide a balance of properties but with a focus on corrosion resistance.

While both steels are martensitic stainless steels, there are some key compositional differences. 

CPM S35VN contains more chromium, vanadium, and niobium while Sandvik 14C28N steel is leaner on alloying elements. 

A key difference is that 14C28N steel has substantially higher toughness compared to S35VN steel, nearly twice as impact resistant. 

This has significant implications for performance in knives where toughness is critical to withstand forces encountered during cutting.

14C28N vs S35VN At A Glance

Hardness

The hardness achieved by 14C28N and S35VN directly impacts the cutting ability and durability of knives made from these steels. 

According to the data sheets, Sandvik 14C28N reaches a peak hardness of about 63 HRC when optimized, while S35VN can achieve 64 HRC or slightly higher. 

In practical knife use, the extra point or so of hardness gives S35VN a slight edge in scratch resistance and the ability to take a keener edge. 

However, 14C28N steel can still be hardened to levels adequate for most cutting duties. 

For most knife applications, either steel hardened properly will perform excellently thanks to their high hardness levels.

Toughness

The toughness of knife steels has important implications for strength and durability. 

According to the data sheets, 14C28N demonstrates far superior toughness compared to S35VN, scoring a 9 out of 10 while S35VN rated only a 5 out of 10. 

This means 14C28N can absorb much higher impact forces without fracturing. The high toughness of 14C28N is comparable to steels like AEB-L and 420HC known for ductility and strength. 

In contrast, CPM S35VN’s lower toughness is similar to steels like Vanax and CPM-154. 

The significantly higher toughness of 14C28N translates to much greater resistance to chipping, cracking, or breaking when subjected to high forces. 

S35VN’s lower toughness makes it more prone to damage when used on thin, delicate edges. 

14C28N’s toughness allows far more leeway in designing robust, thicker, and larger knives ideal for hard chopping, batoning, and other demanding tasks. 

While S35VN offers superior edge retention, 14C28N’s much greater toughness is a major advantage for high-strength knives subjected to heavy impacts.

Edge Retention

The edge retention and wear resistance of knife steel have a significant impact on its cutting performance and sharpening requirements. 

S35VN has substantially better edge retention and wear resistance compared to 14C28N steel. 

S35VN contains niobium and vanadium carbides which provide excellent wear resistance. 

CATRA Edge retention testing shows S35VN achieves around 45% better edge retention than 440C steel, while 14C28N is likely less than 440C by about 15%.

The higher carbide content and proven edge retention of S35VN means it will stay sharp longer during use, resist abrasive wear, and require less frequent sharpening compared to 14C28N. 

For applications requiring excellent edge holding like wood carving, slicing cardboard, or field use on a hunting knife, S35VN’s edge retention provides a significant advantage over 14C28N. 

However, S35VN’s increased wear resistance comes at the cost of being harder to sharpen. 

For kitchen knives used for delicate tasks that require easy maintenance of a keen edge, 14C28N is a good choice despite more frequent sharpening. 

But for most hard-use knife applications, S35VN’s vastly superior edge retention is a major benefit worth the extra effort during sharpening.

Corrosion resistance

The corrosion resistance of knife steels like 14C28N and S35VN is important for the longevity and maintenance requirements of the knife. 

14C28N chromium content of 14%, additionally, 14C28N contains 0.11% nitrogen, which contributes significantly to corrosion resistance. 

Testing showed that S35VN achieves a rating of 7.5 out of 10 for corrosion resistance.

Meanwhile, 14C28N’s chromium and nitrogen addition content outperforms S35VN in corrosion resistance, with a rating of 8.5 out of 10. 

The higher corrosion resistance of 14C28N means it can better withstand moisture, sweat, acids, and other corroding substances during use and requires less maintenance. 

For applications where the knife will be exposed to wet or humid environments, 14C28N’s superior corrosion resistance will help the knife resist pitting or staining. 

However, CPM S35VN should still perform adequately at moderate usage levels in many environments.

For most users’ needs, S35VN provides sufficient corrosion resistance while offering advantages in toughness and edge retention over 14C28N.

Ease of Sharpening

The ease of sharpening is an important consideration for knife steels, affecting maintenance requirements. 

14C28N is significantly easier to sharpen compared to S35VN. 14C28N is a simple stainless steel with a microstructure consisting of a fine martensitic matrix with limited carbide content. 

This results in relatively low abrasion resistance during sharpening. S35VN contains about 2.6% niobium and vanadium carbides which make the steel highly wear-resistant and difficult to cut into with sharpening stones. 

The hard carbides do not readily break down during grinding/sharpening. Additionally, 14C28N achieves a lower hardness than S35VN, further aiding sharpening. 

While CPM S35VN steel can attain 64 HRC, Sandvik 14C28N steel reaches around 63 HRC at peak. 

The ease of sharpening of 14C28N makes it suitable for kitchen knives that require frequent touch-ups on stones to maintain a polished edge. 

S35VN steel’s moderate sharpenability is offset by its excellent edge retention minimizing sharpening frequency. 

But when S35VN does require sharpening, more effort and expertise are needed to effectively cut through the hard carbides using diamond stones. 

For most applications, S35VN steel’s superior cutting performance outweighs the sharpening difficulty. 

But for kitchen use requiring convenient maintenance of a razor edge, 14C28N’s sharpenability provides an advantage

Final Thoughts on 14c28n vs s35vn

When looking at Sandvik 14C28N vs CPM S35VN blade steels, we see differences that make each better suited for particular knife applications. 

14C28N is considered a budget-friendly stainless steel, while S35VN commands a premium price as a high-performance steel.

The main advantage of the Swedish-made 14C28N is its substantially greater toughness, making it the clear choice where toughness is critical. 

With nearly twice the toughness of S35VN, 14C28N is far more resistant to breaking, chipping, and cracking when subjected to high forces. 

This outstanding toughness makes 14C28N an excellent choice for larger, thicker blades that will encounter heavy impacts like chopping, batoning, and prying.

However, S35VN compensates with superior edge retention, hardness, and wear resistance due to its high volume of hard vanadium and niobium carbides. 

For EDC and field knives where retaining a sharp cutting edge through abrasive wear is important, S35VN is preferable despite needing more care to avoid damage.

For kitchen knives, 14C28N steel’s combination of good corrosion resistance, ease of sharpening, and high toughness at a moderate price point makes it a very attractive stainless steel.