In order to make an informed choice on whether or not 7Cr17MoV is better than 14C28N, it is necessary to gain knowledge about their unique properties first. So it is necessary to compare these steels before deciding which is better to buy. In this article, we will compare these two steels to see which is better and why.
Here is the short answer:
7Cr17MoV offers good corrosion resistance and decent toughness while being easy to sharpen. 14C28N holds an edge better and is, in general, an overall tougher steel.
Now that we have looked at the short answer, we can look closer at each steel, what they are made of, what their best qualities are, how they compare, in-depth, and the best knives in each steel.
Deep dive on 7Cr17MoV
7Cr17MoV is a Chinese-made steel, considered a variation of 440A steel. It is low in carbon but offers corrosion resistance. The steel composition of 7Cr17MoV is as follows:
– 0.7% carbon
– 17% chromium
– 0.6-0.9% molybdenum
– 0.08-0.18% vanadium
– 0.2-0.4% manganese
The chromium content in 7Cr17MoV steel contributes to its corrosion resistance, while the molybdenum and vanadium enhance hardness and wear resistance. 7Cr17MoV is not the toughest steel or the best at holding an edge as it does not have the higher quality of steels more expensive than itself.
Deep dive on 14C28N
14C28N is a Swedish-made steel developed by Sandvik, a prominent company in the steel industry. It is more of a specialty steel known for its ability to get a very fine edge such as those on scaple blades. The steel composition of 14C28N is as follows:
– 0.62-0.7% carbon
– 13.5-15% chromium
– 0.7-1.1% molybdenum
– 0.1-0.2% nitrogen
The nitrogen content in 14C28N steel increases its hardness and corrosion resistance. Additionally, the steel has a unique process allowing it to be tempered to high levels of hardness without sacrificing toughness. 14C28N is more of a specialty steel that is best used for scalpels and razor blades more than EDC knives or bushcraft knives.
7Cr17MoV versus 14C28N Which One is Better?
When comparing 7Cr17MoV and 14C28N steels, it’s important to consider their intended use. Both are affordable options that cater to different needs.
7Cr17MoV steel is well-suited for humid and wet environments as it has a composition suited for corrosion resistance Additionally, 7Cr17MoV has a higher hardness, around 60 HRC while 14C28N has a hardness of around 55 HRC so it is more likely that a blade made with 7Cr17MoV would last longer than that of 14C28N
On the other hand, 14C28N steel is focused on providing a sharp edge that lasts a long time. Its unique production process offers impressive edge retention but more importantly, a steel with a very fine sharp edge rather than a tough duller edge. This quality is important for tasks that require fine knife work such as processing animals.
If you desire a knife that will be unaffected by corrosion then 7Cr17Mov is the way to go as it has more Chromium than 14C28N. However, if you want a steel that you can get very sharp and hold an edge for a while, then 14C28N is the steel you would want to go with.
Recommended knives in each steel
Now that we have looked closer at each steel, and how they compare, we can look at what we have found to be 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 an orange handle to ensure you never lose it in the field, has a 3.75-inch 7Cr17 MoV blade, has an overall length of 8.56 inches, and weighs a mere 2.6 ounces. If you want a hunting knife that is very affordable, this might be the knife for you.
Check out this knife here (link to Amazon)
Kershaw Leek (14C28N)
The Leek is one of my favorite carry knives, this knife is clean and reliable which is why it is one of my favorites. This knife has a 3-inch blade, has a closed length of 4 inches, stainless steel handle scales, and weighs 3 ounces. If you want a clean-looking, easy-opening, and reliable knife, this is a knife you should look at.