Most of the time, steel will get a reputation, and become popular simply because it is known for being a good type of knife steel.
But is this the case for 8Cr13MoV?
In this guide, we’ll be taking a look at what 8Cr13MoV knife steel is, where it comes from, and whether, or not, it is a good knife steel.
So keep on reading to find out more!
What Is 8Cr13MoV Knife Steel?
The name of this knife steel 8Cr13MoV originates from the composition of the metal. Some of the elements that make it up are chromium, molybdenum and vanadium.
8Cr13MoV is a popular steel alloy used in knives and scissors because it is affordable and relatively easy to machine into different shapes and designs…
It can be made into a very useful knife with great edge retention and still be tough enough to withstand the occasional bump and scrape.
For its budget category it offers good reliability.
Origin
8Cr13MoV knife steel comes from China and is seen as a direct competitor for Aus-8 steel which originated from Japan.
This comparison is because of the addition of vanadium to the steel as well as its cost effectiveness and corrosion resistance.
However 8Cr13MoV has more carbon compared to Aus-8 stainless steel. The marginally higher carbon content means that 8Cr13MoV knife steel is slightly harder.
Composition
It is the composition of 8Cr13MoV that gives it the right combination of hardness and durability.
Most notably the levels of chromium at over 14%, carbon at 0.8% and even vanadium at 0.25%. These elements ensure the durability and wear of this steel.
The other elements, molybdenum, nickel, silicon, sulfur and manganese enhance the knife steel’s strength, machinability and hardness.
What Is It Used For?
8Cr13MoV knife steel is a tough alloy and is great for chefs, fishermen, and even hunters.
It’s not as hard as some other knives, but this also means it can be sharpened more easily than some other harder types of steel.
It is a steel that can be used for many purposes. Some popular applications are Swiss Army knives, kitchen knives, camping knives, and pocket knives.
Kitchen Knives
8Cr13MoV knife steel is the perfect material for your kitchen knives. It’s used for general purpose slicing and chopping in food preparation.
Although ideally, it needs to be wiped off after cutting acidic substances like tomatoes and lemons.
This knife steel has a high degree of toughness and resistance to wear, along with an attractive silver-gray color.
It does not require sharpening very often, but will dull with use over time.
Hobby Knives
A hobby knife made with 8Cr13MoV steel is very effective.
Due to the presence of molybdenum and sulfur it is easily machinable and can be fashioned in many different shapes and designs.
While it may lose its edge depending on the use, it can be sharpened very easily using a whetstone or a ceramic sharpening rod.
Survival Knives
8Cr13MoV is a good option for a survival knife. Although it is tough it is not so hard that it will snap or break. It also retains a good cutting edge.
This makes it the perfect option for survival knives, as you won’t have to worry about your blade not cutting.
The steel’s properties will hold up even when it has been exposed to water or other elements.
Attributes Of 8Cr13MoV Knife Steel
So what is it about 8Cr13MoV that makes it a good steel to make knives out of, and how can its attributes benefit you?
Hardness
Steel hardness is measured according to the Rockwell C hardness scale which ranges between 25-65. 8Cr13MoV registers around 57-62 on this scale.
An Everyday Carry (EDC) knife averages a hardness of between 54-56 so the 8Cr13MoV knife steel is clearly harder than this.
However this doesn’t automatically mean a higher rating is better. Hardness is typically inversely proportional to toughness.
While being hard means your knife will resist wear, its toughness depends on how much it resists chipping.
If the knife blade is too hard it can chip or snap more easily.
Durability
The 8Cr13MoV knife steel is viewed as a hard steel and as such should be quite durable and last a long time.
It has strong resistance to wear due to the large proportion of carbon, chromium and vanadium in its makeup.
Silicon adds to the strength of the knife steel while nickel increases its toughness meaning it is less likely to snap.
The overall durability of 8Cr13MoV knife steel is good for knives in its particular price bracket.
Edge Retention
A dull knife is more dangerous than a sharp blade and using one is asking for trouble. Dull edges of a knife can slip and cause injury.
Luckily 8Cr13MoV knife steel is very easy to sharpen. So even if you have dulled the edge of your blade it won’t take much to get it razor sharp again.
The ease with which you can retain the edge of 8Cr13MoV knife steel is because it is not as hard as some other steels.
This makes sharpening much easier. Even using a leather strop is effective on this knife steel.
Corrosion Resistance
With more than 14% chromium 8Cr13MoV knife steel has reasonable corrosion resistance and can be used in wet environments.
However, it should always be dried well after use and stored properly.
It offers better corrosion resistance than its counterpart AUS-6A and is particularly good for those looking for a stainless steel with high hardness and edge retention.
High chromium also means that 8Cr13MoV knife steel is less prone to rusting and tarnishing.
Affordability
8Cr13MoV steel is an affordable and high-quality alloy that has been used in the production of various types of blades.
It is a popular choice for knives because it has outstanding edge retention and good corrosion resistance.
The cost is low enough to use in budget-priced knives. It is tough and holds an edge well.
When considering the durability and sharpness of the blade against other types of similar steel it is good value for money.
Versatility
8Cr13MoV is a quality steel used in a range of cutlery, including kitchen knives and work knives. It is durable, resists rusting, and can be easily sharpened.
It may not be the same as a high-quality blade, but it’s still an excellent option for your first knife.
It is best used for kitchen and hobby knives because it has a great balance of hardness and toughness.
It is durable but can be susceptible to chipping when used on harder materials such as bones or frozen foods. However, it does not stain or tarnish easily.
The task that the knife is used for will have an impact on everything from edge retention to durability and wear resistance.
Cutting boxes is very different from slicing food in the kitchen, so this should be taken into account when considering 8Cr13MoV knife steel.
Summary
8Cr13MoV knife steel is affordable and will produce a quality knife for its price range.
It has a good combination of hardness, durability, and blade edge retention and should last a reasonable amount of time with proper care.
When the blade does dull it responds readily to sharpening. It is also easily sharpened as it’s not too hard.
Despite this the steel has good resistance to chipping. A high level of chromium also means it will be resistant to corrosion and tarnishing.
Overall for affordability, durability and corrosion resistance 8Cr13MoV is a good knife steel.
It can produce an effective and reliable knife for many uses from kitchen use to hobbies and the workplace.
Hi, my name is Tom Bower and I have had a passion for knives since I was in my early 20s. I moved out on my own and started collecting my own furniture, utensils, and hobbies. Not only do I have a passion for cooking, but I also love being outdoors in adventure mode.
I have dedicated part of my life to finding my favorite knives for different occasions. Have you ever tried to cut through a steak with a blunt knife? Or a rope with a low-quality pocket knife? Once you get a taste of quality, you’ll never go back to what you knew before.
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