Knife making: about Chinese steel

Steel 7Cr17Mov 

  Steel 7Cr17MoV is a Chinese alloyed stainless steel, the closest analogue of the cheapest American 440A and other alloyed stainless steels. Kitchen utensils and inexpensive everyday knives are mostly made from it. 

Advantages of steel 

  Steel 7cr17Mov has increased strength - after heat treatment, its hardness reaches 56-58 HRC. Overall, this stainless steel excels in its wear resistance, durability, strength and resistance to corrosion damage. 

Cons 

  In China, steel products are not always actually made of 7Cr17Mov, as may be indicated in the specification, which causes negative feedback from consumers who are not satisfied with its strength properties. 

Chemical composition: 

  * Carbon: 0.6-0.8%; 

  * Chromium: 16-17%; 

  * Molybdenum: 0.15%; 

  * Nickel: 0.6%; 

  * Manganese: 0.7%; 

  * Vanadium: 0.1%. 

  Also, the metal contains a small amount of silicon, phosphorus and sulfur - the volumetric amount of these impurities does not exceed the permissible limits, so it does not have a negative effect on the properties of the material. 

  As for other alloying components, the presence of carbon and chromium gives metal products the required hardness. Molybdenum guarantees hardness and corrosion protection. The presence of nickel increases strength, manganese is responsible for good wear resistance. 

Plienas 8Cr14Mov 

  This type of steel made in China is deservedly recognized as one of the best. It stands out for its high corrosion resistance, increased durability and wear resistance. 

Properties of steel 8Cr13Mov 

  8Cr14Mov stainless steel is a high carbon alloy. Nickel and chromium give this steel high anti-corrosion properties. Small additions of molybdenum make the alloy ductile, while vanadium increases wear resistance. 

Advantages: 

  * corrosion resistance; 

  * ease of sharpening; 

  * accurate cutting; 

  * optimal price. 

Cons: 

  The main disadvantage is the low hardness of 56-58 HRC. But for domestic use, this hardness characteristic is quite suitable. 

Chemical composition: 

  * carbon; 

  * silicon; 

  * manganese; 

  * chromium; 

  * vanadium; 

  * molybdenum. 

  The hardness of the steel depends on the percentage of carbon (C) in the composition, the more, the harder the blade. The alloy contains 0.75% carbon. Manganese (Mn) is responsible for strength. The amount of 1% indicates that the 8Cr13mov alloy has enviable performance. Chromium (Cr), an alloying element in the alloy, affects corrosion resistance, is an essential component of stainless steel, and is present in large quantities. A good index (14.5%) allows maintaining adequate corrosion resistance. Molybdenum (Mo) allows the blade to be hardened to high HRC values, preventing blade breakage. The alloy to which this chemical element is added becomes resistant to high temperatures. Steel 8Cr14MoV contains 0.1% Mo. The alloying element vanadium (V), which is 0.2% in Chinese steel, allows the material to be elastic and resistant to chemically aggressive environments. 

  Steel is characterized by high resistance to mechanical impact. In industry, steel 8Cr13mov has found application in the production of knives, mainly kitchen knives, and medical instruments. 

Reviews 

  Many well-known knife manufacturers, including Benchmade and Spyderco, speak positively of 8Cr13mov steel. They equated it to the Japanese AUS-8 alloy. The steel has been repeatedly tested by various knife manufacturers and their positive opinions about the quality agree. It's a good choice for kitchen knives for optimal performance at an affordable price. 

Steel 9Cr18Mov 

  9Cr18Mov is a high carbon steel made in China. It belongs to the stainless steel category. It is one of the most popular steels used to make knives because of its good price-quality ratio. 

Properties of steel 

  Currently, the activity of using steel 9Cr18Mov in various industries is somewhat decreasing, as modern technologies allow to create better alloys. However, it is still quite widely used due to its properties, which are considered fundamental in the manufacture of knives: 

  * hardness 57-60 HRC; 

  * corrosion resistance; 

  * long service life; 

  * long-term maintenance of the cutting edge. 

  This steel is mostly used to make inexpensive knives (tourist, leisure knives). Blades made of 9Cr18Mov steel do not withstand heavy loads and are not used for cutting rough, hard surfaces. 

Reviews 

  9Cr18Mov is one of the most controversial steels. You can confirm this by visiting the forums, where one review is more eloquent than the other. They express the true opinion of users.