Among the more popular budget knife steels are 3Cr13MoV and 8Cr13MoV. However, comparisons of these two steels are not often done even though they are often found in the same tier of knife steels. So in this article, we will compare these two steels to see which is better and why. 

Here is the short answer:

Generally, 8Cr13MoV is going to be a better steel in almost all ways such as edge retention, toughness, hardness, and corrosion resistance. However, 3Cr13MoV is easier to sharpen so it will be easier to get a razor sharp edge with. 

Now that we have looked at the short answer, we can look closer at each steel, each steels composition, and how the two steels compare in-depth. 

In-Depth Look at 3Cr13MoV

3Cr13MoV is a budget-friendly stainless steel known for its ease of manufacturing and corrosion resistance.

3Cr13MoV composition:

• 0.3% carbon
• 13% chromium
• 1% Manganese 
• 0.04% Phosphorus 

Edge Retention: While not exceptional, 3Cr13MoV offers decent edge retention suitable for everyday cutting tasks but nothing too extensive.

Corrosion Resistance: The chromium content provides moderate corrosion resistance, making 3Cr13MoV suitable for use in various environments. However, it will not have the corrosion resistance of many other steels and will need some maintenance.

Toughness: Toughness is an area where 3Cr13MoV is lacking. It is a pretty soft steel so it is prone to edge rolling under heavy use.

Sharpenability: This steel is relatively easy to sharpen, making it suitable for users who prefer to maintain their knives regularly.

In-Depth Look at 8Cr13MoV

8Cr13MoV is another budget-friendly stainless steel popular in the knife-making industry especially for knife companies that make budget folding knives such as Kershaw or Gerber. 

Its steel composition contains:

– 0.8% carbon

– 13% chromium

– 0.2% molybdenum

– 0.2% nickel

– 0.2% manganese

Edge Retention: 8Cr13MoV does not have the best edge retention out there but it will hold up to most everyday tasks.

Corrosion Resistance: Although 8Cr13MoV is a stainless steel, it should be cleaned and dried off often as it will rust fairly easily. 

Toughness: 8Cr13MoV exhibits good toughness, especially for its price range. So while it isn’t the roughest steel, if you are on a budget this is not a bad option. 

Sharpenability: While slightly harder to sharpen compared to 3Cr13MoV, 8Cr13MoV is still relatively easy to maintain.

In-Depth Comparison of 3Cr13MoV and 8Cr13MoV

Edge Retention: 3Cr13MoV is slightly worse at holding an edge compared to 8Cr13MoV. This means 8Cr13MoV is a better steel when it comes to repeated use and will take less maintenance to keep sharp over time. 

Corrosion Resistance: Both steels provide moderate corrosion resistance but nothing special. No one steel has the advantage over the other in this case.

Toughness: 8Cr13MoV is a tougher steel than 3Cr13MoV as 3Cr13MoV is a pretty soft steel. This means that 8Cr13MoV is better for heavy chopping or cutting tougher objects.

Sharpenability: Because 3Cr13MoV is a softer steel, it is far easier to resharpen than 8Cr13MoV. So if you like to keep your knife razor sharp at all times, then 3Cr13MoV is the better steel. 

Conclusion

Although 3Cr13MoV and 8Cr13MoV are budget-friendly steels suitable for similar uses, 8Cr13MoV generally offers slightly better performance in all regards. 3Cr13MoV is a cheaper steel that will still work for most things you could need a knife for.