7Cr17MoV and 12C27 are two common types of steel used in knife blades and other cutting tools. Both steels have their own strengths and weaknesses, and choosing between them largely depends on the intended use of the knife. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the composition and characteristics of each steel to help you make an informed decision.

Short answer:

7Cr17MoV is a softer steel that is easier to sharpen and more corrosion-resistant. 12C27 is a harder steel with better edge retention and greater wear resistance, making it ideal for high-performance knives used for heavy-duty cutting tasks.

Now that we have looked at the short answer, we can look closer at each steel, what they’re made of, what their qualities are, how they compare, and the best knives in each steel. 

Deep dive on 7Cr17MoV 

7Cr17MoV is a type of Chinese stainless steel that is often used in budget and mid-range knives. Its steel composition usually includes:

– 0.7% carbon

– 17% chromium

– 1% molybdenum

– 0.1% vanadium

– 0.5% manganese

7Cr17MoV has a relatively low carbon content, which makes it softer and more flexible than some other types of steel. However, this also means that it is easier to sharpen and better at resisting corrosion. It is often used in knives that require good edge retention but do not need to withstand heavy use.

Deep dive on 12C27

12C27 is a type of Swedish stainless steel that is often used in high-performance knives. Its steel composition usually includes:

– 0.6-0.7% carbon

– 13.5% chromium

– 0.4% manganese

– 0.3% molybdenum

– 0.1% silicon

12C27 is a fairly tough steel that is highly corrosion-resistant. This makes it great for hunting and fishing tasks where you won’t be too tough on your knife but still need it to withstand the elements and stay sharp.

Deeper answer on 7Cr17MoV versus 12C27 and which one is better

7Cr17MoV is a good choice for knives that are used for everyday tasks and for entry-level knives. It is easier to sharpen and more resistant to corrosion, which makes it a practical choice for knives that do not need to withstand heavy use but will be used for EDC tasks.

On the other hand, 12C27 is a great choice for knives that require high-performance and heavy-duty use. Its hardness and wear-resistance allows it to hold an edge better than 7Cr17MoV, making it ideal for knives used for outdoor activities, survival, or hunting. However, it can be more difficult to sharpen and it may require more maintenance to prevent corrosion and both these characteristics are the opposite of 17Cr17MoV.

In terms of price, 7Cr17MoV is less expensive than 12C27 which makes it a better choice for budget-friendly knives or beginner knives. 12C27, on the other hand, is typically used in higher-end knives due to the fact that it is used for jobs that are often more taxing on a knife and it has a much better composition.

Best knives in each steel

Now that we know the qualities of each steel, and how they compare, we can look at the best knives in each steel.

Gerber EXO-MOD Drop Point (7cr17MoV)

The Gerber EXO-MOD Drop Point is a skeletonized fixed-blade hunting knife that is very versatile. This knife has a high visibility orange handle, a 3.75-inch blade, an overall length of 8.5 inches, and weighs a mere 2.6 ounces. If you want an affordable lightweight hunting knife, this might be the knife for you.

Check out this knife here (link to Amazon)

CRKT Homefront pocket knife (12C27)

The Homefront is a reliable knife that has many features that make it ideal for EDC. This knife has assisted opening, a 3.5-inch blade, weighs 5.6 ounces, and has the CRKT field strip system. If you want an EDC knife with many cool features you should look at this knife. 

Check out this knife here (link to Amazon)

HELLE knives Alden (12C27)

The Alden is a Norwegian knife that is ideal for bushcraft and hunting. This knife has a 4-inch blade, a 5-inch handle, comes with a genuine leather sheath, and weighs 7 ounces. If you want a classic knife that is very functional you should check this knife out.

Check out this knife here (link to Amazon)

Conclusion

When it comes to choosing between 7Cr17MoV and 12C27, it largely depends on the intended use of the knife. 7Cr17MoV is a softer and more corrosion-resistant steel that is easier to sharpen, making it a practical choice for everyday tasks and entry-level knives. 12C27 is a harder and more wear-resistant steel that holds an edge better, making it a great choice for high-performance knives used for heavy-duty cutting tasks.