Nitro-V vs 14C28N

Nitro-V and 14C28N are two nitrogen-alloyed stainless steels that have gained popularity in the knife world, specifically in the budget steel category.

Nitro-V is sold by New Jersey Steel Baron, it is a modification of AEB-L steel (commonly used for razor blades) with added vanadium and nitrogen. 

Meanwhile, 14C28N was developed by Sandvik (now Alleima) as a modified version of 13C26 steel, which is identical to AEB-L Steel. 

In 14C28N, the carbon content was reduced and chromium and nitrogen were increased to provide better corrosion resistance while maintaining hardness.

Both Nitro-V and 14C28N offer a good balance of properties, however, Nitro-V has become more widely used among knifemakers in part thanks to New Jersey Steel Baron’s effective marketing efforts compared to Sandvik.

While the two alloys have slightly different compositions, their overall performance overlaps significantly, making Nitro-V and 14C28N comparable choices for quality stainless steel knives. 

Nitro-V vs 14C28N Steel At A Glance

Hardness

The Rockwell hardness values of Nitro-V and 14C28N steels are quite similar with proper heat treatment. Both steels can achieve peak hardness in the range of 63-64 HRC. 

For Nitro-V steel, a hardness of 64 HRC is attainable with an austenitizing temperature of 1950°F, followed by plate quenching and cryogenic treatment down to -100°C. 

Without cryo, Nitro-V reaches around 60.5 HRC. For Sandvik 14C28N steel, a hardness of 63.5 HRC is achievable with an austenitizing temperature of 1950°F. 

The nitrogen additions in both steels help contribute to their hardness capabilities. However, Nitro-V requires a slightly lower austenitizing temperature compared to 14C28N to reach peak hardness.

This may be attributed to Nitro-V having a lower chromium content, resulting in less chromium in solution which limits the maximum hardness.

Both knife steels exhibit excellent hardness in the low 60s HRC range, with Nitro-V reaching marginally higher values than 14C28N.

But both can be considered high hardness, wear-resistant stainless steels when properly heat treated. You will mostly find Nitro-V and 14C28N steel knives at the lower 60 HRCs.

Toughness

14C28N exhibits higher toughness than Nitro-V, Sandvik 14C28N is noted to have toughness comparable to Sandvik 13C26 steel, which is identical to AEB-L steel.

Though the toughness difference is unlikely to be drastic, 14C28N seems to achieve a better balance of high hardness and corrosion resistance without sacrificing toughness to the same degree as Nitro-V.

14C28N is the preferable option between the two steels if maximizing toughness in high-hardness stainless steel is the priority. 

However, both steels still have excellent toughness properties overall and would be suitable for longer knives or knives that are put through high abuse.

Edge Retention

The edge retention of Nitro-V steel and 14C28N steel are quite similar.

Nitro V and 14C28N are expected to hold an edge similar to AEB-L, which is reasonably good but lower than high carbide stainless steel like S30V steel. 

Realistically, the difference in edge retention is small and insignificant for most cutting applications. Both steels provide a good balance of edge retention and wear resistance.

Corrosion Resistance

Both Nitro-V steel and 14C28N steel are stainless steel with above-average corrosion resistance for stainless steels. However, 14C28N steel has better corrosion resistance compared to Nitro-V steel.

14C28N has a higher chromium content at 14% vs 13% for Nitro-V. Chromium is the main element apart from nitrogen that imparts stainless steel with corrosion resistance. 

14C28N has more chromium in solution than Nitro-V when austenitized at temperatures resulting in peak hardness. The nitrogen levels are similar at 0.11% for both steels, and nitrogen enhances pitting resistance.

Though Nitro-V’s nitrogen addition may improve its corrosion performance over AEB-L, 14C28N maintains an advantage with its higher overall and in-solution chromium content.

Nitro-V steel would still provide decent corrosion resistance for many applications as a stainless steel.

But for optimal corrosion performance in challenging environments, 14C28N steel would be the better choice between these two nitrogen-alloyed stainless steels.

Ease of Sharpening

Nitro-V and 14C28N can be considered comparable when it comes to ease of sharpening and grindability under most conditions.

The fine carbide sizes and compositions of these stainless steels allow them to be readily sharpened without excessive effort.

At typical hardness levels used for knives, around 58-60 HRC, there would be little practical difference in how easily Nitro-V and 14C28N could be sharpened and brought to a fine edge.

However, at maximal hardness levels above 62 HRC, 14C28N may become somewhat more difficult to sharpen than Nitro-V due to its larger carbide size.

But for most applications, including kitchen knives, where regular sharpening is needed these two steels can be sharpened with similar ease.

Their ability to take and hold a fine edge despite repeated sharpenings makes both Nitro-V and 14C28N good choices for kitchen knives that require routine maintenance, unlike more wear-resistant but difficult-to-sharpen alloys.

So while minor differences may emerge at very high hardness, for the majority of settings these nitrogen-alloyed stainless steels can be considered comparable in terms of sharpenability.

Price

When it comes to pricing, Nitro-V and 14C28N are very comparable as budget-friendly stainless steels.

For knives using either steel that are within the same general quality and market segment, prices tend to be very similar in most cases.

While brand name and other factors may result in some pricing variation, the base costs of knives in Nitro-V and 14C28N are typically quite close.

Final Thoughts on Nitro-V vs 14C28N Steel

In summary, Nitro-V and 14C28N offer comparable performance in many aspects, making them both viable options for budget stainless steel knives.

The minor differences in hardness, corrosion resistance, and edge retention are unlikely to be noticeable in real-world use.

While 14C28N maintains a toughness and corrosion resistance advantage from its composition, Nitro-V steel is not far behind. 

The ease of sharpening makes Nitro-V and 14C28N excellent choices for kitchen knives that require routine maintenance.

Their fine-grain structure allows even less experienced sharpeners to put a razor edge on them with basic equipment.

For me, the balance of corrosion resistance, edge retention, and user-friendly sharpening makes Nitro-V and 14C28N ideal for kitchen knives and budget EDC where convenience and usability are priorities.