In this article, we'll tell you all you need to know about 8Cr14MoV steel blades found on knives.
What is 8Cr14MoV Steel?
8Cr14MoV Steel is found in many knives on todays market. A popular brand of 8Cr14MoV Steel knives is the CRKT pocket knives.
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8Cr14MoV Steel is know as high carbon chromium stainless steel. The 8 in the name indicates that the steel has 0.8% of Carbon and 14 indicates that it contains 14% Chromium.
Any steels with a similar designation such as 7Cr17MoV indicates the percentage of Carbon and Chromium in it's composition. The above designation indicates steel that contains 0.7% Carbon and 17% Chromium.
Following the manufacturing process the 8Cr14MoV steel will have high hardness, excellent corrosion resistance, and great wear resistance.
8Cr14MoV Steel knives will not offer excellent performance like high-end steel knives, but they are good for the price. Many well known Knife manufactures still due to it's low price to make budget friendly knives.
But, despite it's low price the performance of these knives can be compared higher end steels knives.
Due to the high amount of chromium elements in its composition, 8Cr14MoV is stainless steel, hence offering good corrosion resistance. 8Cr14MoV steel has performance similar to Japanese AUS-8 steel.
8Cr14MoV Steel Hardness Levels
8Cr14MoV stainless steel hardness measured on the Rockwell scale is typically 58-59 HRC depending on the manufactures process.
This hardness level gives the steel good sharpness and edge retention, and good wear and abrasion resistance. So, not great by good quality designed for budget friendly knives.
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8Cr14MoV Steel Toughness
The toughness of a steel is defines as the ability to absorb impact without chipping or breaking. Hardness levels are going to be directly related to the toughness of a steel. Since the harness is higher at (58-59 HRC) the toughness is lower.
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However, 8Cr14MoV stainless steel has good toughness due to the chromium and molybdenum that's added to the steel during the manufacturing process.
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This is why 8Cr14MoV can withstand descent amount of abuse due to it's higher carbon content.
8Cr14MoV Steel Corrosion and Wear Resistance
8Cr14MoV Steel Corrosion Resistance
8Cr14MoV stainless steel contains a higher Chromium content which gives it excellent corrosion resistance.
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8Cr14MoV knives can be safely used in humid, wet and marine environments without worrying about rusting issues.
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However, like anything in life maintenance is required to keep the knives in tip top shape.
8Cr14MoV Steel Wear Resistance
Due to it's higher Carbon, Chromium, and Vanadium content 8Cr14MoV steel has higher wear resistance than other low budget steel. 8Cr14MoV steel can withstand fair amounts of abrasion, wear, and scratching. The 8Cr14MoV steel knives will last long time with good maintenance.
8Cr14Mov Steel Ease of Sharpening
8Cr14MoV is a fairly hard steel, but it won't be too difficult to sharpen. You can actually get a fairly sharp edge quickly with good sharpening tools and techniques.
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8Cr14MoV steel does not required frequent sharpening and will be fairly easy to sharpen with good tools and techniques.
Popular 8Cr14MoV Steel Brand Knives
A well known brand of 8Cr14MoV steel knives is the CRKT knives. CRKT mostly manufactures 8Cr14MoV steel knives. They're good quality and affordable.
8Cr14MoV Steel Sharpening and Honing
The 8Cr14MoV steel isn’t very easy to sharpen. A knife made out of 8Cr14MoV will not take long to sharpen due to it's lower hardness levels compared to other steels like 9cr18mov.
Due to it's semi-brittle nature, it will be to be honed. Learn more about honing.
Are 8Cr14MoV Steel Blade Knives Good?
8Cr14MoV steel knives is a good low budget friendly knife. It offers good hardness, descent toughness, good wear and corrosion resistance, and good edge retention.
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Like many low budget steel's you may be apprehensive when buying 8Cr14MoV steel knives, but not to worry they're actually good quality low budge knives designed for the highly competitive low budget knives' market.
Final Thoughts
8Cr14MoV stainless steel is a great choice steel for pocket knives. What makes it a good steel is descent corrosion and wear resistance, great hardness, great edge retention, and good toughness.
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Best of all, 8Cr14MoV steel blades are typically considered to be good-quality budget knives. So, if you looking for a great budget knife, those made with 8Cr14MoV steel are a great choice.