14c28n stainless steel is a composition of carbon and chromium that has recently gained popularity among knife enthusiasts. However, many people wonder if it is a good choice for knives and, if so, what the benefits are.
In this detailed review and comparison guide, we will take an in-depth look at 14c28n steel and compare it to other popular knife blade materials. We will also discuss the pros and cons of using 14c28n steel for knives so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not it is right for you.
Let’s dive in…
What is 14c28n steel?
14c28n is high-quality knife steel made of carbon, chromium, manganese, and Phosphorus. It is usually compared to AUS-8 steel, high-quality knife steel. But 14c28n steel has better edge retention than AUS-8 steel and is easier to sharpen.
It is best used for knives that need to hold an edge for a long time, such as hunting or kitchen knives.
14C28N is newer steel that was developed by the Swedish company Sandvik. It is considered an upgrade from 13C26, as it has better corrosion resistance and edge retention.
What are The 14c28n Equivalent Steels
14c28n steel is similar to 440C stainless steel. Both sheets of steel are hard and have good edge retention. However, 14c28n steel is more rigid than 440C stainless steel.
Another similar steel is BG-42. This steel is also hard and has good edge retention. However, it is not as tough as 14c28n steel and can be more difficult to sharpen.
How is 14c28n steel Made?
14c28n steel is made through a process of heating and cooling the steel. This process is known as heat treating.
Heat treatment allows the steel to reach its optimal hardness and makes it more durable. It also makes the steel less likely to rust or corrode.
14c28n steel is usually made using one of two methods: vacuum melting or electric arc melting. Vacuum melting is the more common method and produces higher quality steel.
14c28n Steel Composition
14c28n steel is stainless steel that has a carbon content of 0.62%. It contains chromium, manganese, and nickel, which gives it excellent corrosion resistance. It also has high toughness and good strength.
Let’s take a look at 14c28n steel’s components in detail.
Carbon: 0.62%- It gives the steel its hardness and strength. Although, too much carbon makes the steel brittle.
Chromium: 14.0%- This is the main element in stainless steel. It gives the steel corrosion resistance and toughness.
Nitrogen: 0.11%- It is a hardening element that increases the steel’s strength. Also, it improves the steel’s edge retention.
Phosphorus: 0.027%- Improves the machinability of the steel.
Silicon: 0.2%- It is a strengthening element that increases the steel’s hardness.
Manganese: 0.6%- Increases the hardness and strength of the steel.
Sulfur: 0.01%- It is a deoxidizing agent which gives the steel better machinability.
Properties of 14c28n steel
14c28n steel is stainless steel with high hardness, strength, and wear resistance. It also has good corrosion resistance and is magnetic. Knife blades often use this steel to give them a sharp edge and good wear resistance.
However, 14c28n steel is not perfect knife steel. It can be difficult to sharpen and is not as tough as some other steels, like 1095 carbon steel. But, it is still a good choice for many knives, especially if you are looking for steel with a sharp edge.
14c28n Steel Hardness
The hardness of 14c28n steel can be measured on the Rockwell scale, which usually falls between 59 and 63 HRC. This makes it one of the harder steels available and contributes to its good edge retention.
However, this also means that the steel can be difficult to sharpen if you are not experienced with sharpening knives. Therefore, investing in a good quality sharpener is important if you use this steel for your blades.
14c28n Steel Toughness
14c28n steel is tough steel. It can withstand a lot of wear and tear. The steel has a high carbon content which makes it solid and durable.
However, the high carbon content also makes the steel more brittle. This means the steel is more likely to break or chip if not used correctly.
14c28n Steel Edge retention
14c28n steel has good edge retention. The high carbon content of the steel means that the edges of the knives made from this steel will stay sharp for longer.
Nevertheless, owing to the high carbon content, knives with this construction are more prone to rust if they aren’t properly maintained.
4c28n Steel Corrosion resistance
The steel also has a high chromium content. This gives the steel a high degree of corrosion resistance. The steel is also resistant to wear and tear. This makes it a good choice for knives used in challenging environments.
14c28n Steel Wear Resistance
14c28n steel is wear-resistant steel. This means that it is resistant to scratches and other forms of damage. The high carbon content of the steel makes it tough and durable.
Sharpening 14c28n Steel
14c28n steel is hard steel and can be difficult to sharpen. If you are not experienced with sharpening knives, it is best to take your knife to a professional.
If you decide to sharpen the knife, it is essential to use a good-quality sharpener. A sharpener with diamond stones will work best. Start with a coarse stone and move to a finer one as the edge is sharpened. You can read our sharpening guides to do it precisely.
14c28n Steel comparison
Now that we have looked at the properties of 14c28n steel, let’s compare it to some other knife steel.
14c28n Steel vs d2 Steel
14c28n steel and D2 steel are both high-quality knife steels. They have many similarities, including their high hardness, strength, and wear resistance.
D2 is carbon steel that has high toughness and durability. It can withstand a lot of wear and tear.
The critical difference between these two sheets of steel is their corrosion resistance. Unfortunately, D2 steel does not have as good corrosion resistance as 14c28n steel.
| Steel Composition | 14c28n Steel | d2 Steel |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon | 0.62% | 1.55% |
| Chromium | 14.00% | 12.00% |
| Nitrogen | 0.11% | |
| Phosphorus | 0.027% | 0.03% |
| Silicon | 0.20% | 0.40% |
| Manganese | 0.60% | 0.60% |
| nickel | 0.30% | |
| Sulfur | 0.01% | 0.02% |
| molybdenum | 0.60% |
14c28n Steel vs 9cr18mov Steel
14c28n and 9cr18mov steels are two stainless sheets of steel often used in knives. As knife steels, these two have some similarities but also some important differences.
14c28n steel is stainless steel and is known for its edge retention and corrosion resistance. It is also easy to sharpen compared to 9cr18mov.
9cr18mov steel is rigid steel known for its high-chromium content of 19.00%. It is considered to be slightly tougher than 14c28n steel.
Regarding knife performance, 14c28n and 9cr18mov steels are both excellent choices. However, 14c28n steel may be a better choice for those who prioritize easy sharpening, while 9cr18mov steel may be a better choice for those who prioritize toughness.
| Steel Composition | 14c28n Steel | 9cr18mov Steel |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon | 0.62% | 0.95% |
| Chromium | 14.00% | 19.00% |
| Nitrogen | 0.11% | |
| Phosphorus | 0.027% | 0.03% |
| Silicon | 0.20% | 0.40% |
| Manganese | 0.60% | 0.60% |
| Sulfur | 0.01% | 0.03% |
| molybdenum | 0.90 | |
| Vanadium | 0.90% |
14c28n Steel vs 8cr13mov Steel
14c28n vs 8cr13mov is a common steel comparison often made by knife enthusiasts.
14c28n is a premium steel that is made in Sweden. It has high levels of chromium and carbon, which gives it excellent corrosion resistance and edge retention. 14c28n is also known for being relatively easy to sharpen.
8cr13mov, on the other hand, is budget steel made in China. It has decent levels of carbon, but it lacks chromium. As a result, it is not as resistant to corrosion as 14c28n. However, 8cr13mov is easier to sharpen than 14c28n.
When comparing 14c28n with 8cr13mov steel, it is important to remember that 14c28n is premium steel while 8cr13mov is budget steel. Therefore, 14c28n will usually perform better than 8cr13mov.
| Steel Composition | 14c28n Steel | 8cr13mov Steel |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon | 0.62% | 0.80% |
| Chromium | 14.00% | 13.00% |
| Nitrogen | 0.11% | |
| Phosphorus | 0.027% | 0.03% |
| Silicon | 0.20% | 0.30% |
| Manganese | 0.60% | 1.00% |
| Sulfur | 0.01% | 0.04% |
| molybdenum | 0.50% | |
| Vanadium | 0.20% | |
| Nickel | 0.2% |
14c28n Steel vs CPM s30v Steel
S30V steel was developed by the American company Crucible.
The s30v has a higher carbon content and vanadium, which gives it better edge retention and corrosion resistance. 14c28n also has a similar chromium content, which makes it easier to sharpen when compared with s30v.
S30v steel is older steel known for its toughness and wear resistance. It has a higher chromium content, which gives it good corrosion resistance. However, the higher chromium content makes s30v steel more challenging to sharpen. Both are suitable knife steels with different compositions that offer various benefits depending on the application.
| Steel Composition | 14c28n Steel | CPM s30v Steel |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon | 0.62% | 1.45% |
| Chromium | 14.00% | 14.00% |
| Nitrogen | 0.11% | 0.20% |
| Phosphorus | 0.027% | 0.04% |
| Silicon | 0.20% | 1.00% |
| Manganese | 0.60% | 0.50% |
| Tungsten | 0.40% | |
| Sulfur | 0.01% | 0.03% |
| molybdenum | 0.50% | |
| Vanadium | 4.00% |
14c28n Steel vs vg10 Steel
Regarding kitchen knives, two of the most popular choices on the market are 14c28n steel and vg10 steel. So, what’s the difference between these two types of steel?
14c28n steel is a high-carbon stainless steel with excellent corrosion resistance and edge retention. However, 14c28n steel is slightly less tough than vg10 steel, so it may not be the best choice for heavy-duty use.
vg10 steel, on the other hand, is a Japanese stainless steel that offers exceptional toughness and edge retention. It’s also effortless to sharpen, making it a good choice for both beginner and experienced knife users. However, vg10 steel is more expensive than 14c28n steel, so it may not be the best choice for those on a budget.
So, which type of steel is right for you? 14c28n steel is a great all-around choice that offers good corrosion resistance and edge retention, while vg10 steel is excellent for those who need a tough knife that can stand up to heavy use. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preferences and needs.
| Steel Composition | 14c28n Steel | vg10 Steel |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon | 0.62% | 1.05% |
| Chromium | 14.00% | 15.50% |
| Nitrogen | 0.11% | |
| Phosphorus | 0.027% | 0.03% |
| Silicon | 0.20% | |
| Manganese | 0.60% | 0.50% |
| Sulfur | 0.01% | |
| molybdenum | 1.20% | |
| Vanadium | 0.30% | |
| Cobalt | 1.50% |
14c28n vs x50crmov15
Both have their pros and cons. x50crmov15 has better corrosion resistance due to its higher chromium content, but it is also more expensive.
x50crmov15 is easier to sharpen, but 14c28n holds an edge better. x50crmov15 is softer steel and will show wear quicker, but it is less likely to chip.
14c28n is more rigid steel and will last longer, but it is more difficult to sharpen. Ultimately, it all comes down to personal preference and what you value most in a knife.
| Steel Composition | 14c28n Steel | X50crmov15 Steel |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon | 0.62% | 0.50% |
| Chromium | 14.00% | 15.00% |
| Nitrogen | 0.11% | |
| Phosphorus | 0.027% | 0.04% |
| Silicon | 0.20% | 1.00% |
| Manganese | 0.60% | 1.00% |
| Sulfur | 0.01% | 0.015% |
| molybdenum | 0.80% | |
| Vanadium | 0.20% |
14c28n Steel vs 12c27 Steel
Again, 14c28n is high-end steel used in higher-end knives, while 12c27 is a more basic stainless steel.
14c28n has more chromium and carbon, making it more corrosion resistant and giving it better edge retention. But 12c27 is relatively easier to sharpen. 14c28n will hold an edge better but is also more expensive.
14c28n is an excellent choice for a higher-end knife that will see heavy use. 12c27 is a good basic stainless steel that will resist corrosion but won’t have the same edge retention.
| Steel Composition | 14c28n Steel | 12c27 Steel |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon | 0.62% | 0.60% |
| Chromium | 14.00% | 13.50% |
| Nitrogen | 0.11% | |
| Phosphorus | 0.027% | 0.03% |
| Silicon | 0.20% | 0.40% |
| Manganese | 0.60% | 0.40% |
| Sulfur | 0.01% | 0.01% |
14c28n vs 420hc
14C28N has a composition similar to 420HC; 14c28n offers better edge retention and corrosion resistance while maintaining good wear resistance. 14C28N is also easier to sharpen than 420HC.
420HC is a stainless steel alloy that contains chromium 18.0%, carbon 1.10%, and manganese 1.00%. It offers good corrosion resistance, wear resistance, and toughness. 420HC is a popular choice for knife making because it can be easily heat treated and takes a sharp edge. 420HC is produced by Latrobe, a steel company based in the US.
So which is better 14C28N or 420HC?
For general use, 14C28N offers better corrosion resistance and edge retention while still being easy to sharpen. On the other hand, 420HC is a good choice for tougher applications because it can take a beating and keep going.
| Steel Composition | 14c28n Steel | X50crmov15 Steel |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon | 0.62% | 1.10% |
| Chromium | 14.00% | 18.00% |
| Nitrogen | 0.11% | |
| Phosphorus | 0.027% | 0.04% |
| Silicon | 0.20% | 1.00% |
| Manganese | 0.60% | 1.00% |
| Sulfur | 0.01% | 0.03% |
| Molybdenum | 0.75% |
Applications of 14c28n Steel
14c28n steel is most commonly used in knives but can also be found in other tools and applications. Knives made with 14c28n steel are known for their sharpness, durability, and resistance to corrosion.
Other tools that can be made with 14c28n steel include scissors, razors, and surgical instruments. This steel can also be used in the food industry.
14c28n steel is high-quality steel that offers good performance in various applications. So whether you need a durable knife for the outdoors or a sharp razor for your morning shave, 14c28n steel is a great choice.
Conclusion
14c28n steel is high-quality steel that offers good performance in various applications. It is most commonly used in knives but can also be found in other tools and applications. 14c28n steel is known for its sharpness, durability, and resistance to corrosion. If you are looking for high-quality steel that can be used in a variety of applications, 14c28n steel is a great choice.
