There are many types of steel used in knife blades, and it can be difficult to determine which one is the best. Two popular options are 7Cr17MoV and 420 stainless steel. In this article, we will examine the differences between these two steels to help you make an informed choice.

Here is the short answer:

7Cr17MoV is harder and more durable, making it a better choice for heavy-duty tasks. On the other hand, 420 HC is better for everyday tasks such as opening boxes because it is easier to sharpen.

Now that we have looked at the short answer, we can look in-depth at each steel like what they are best used for, what their composition is, how they compare, and the best knives in each steel.

Deep dive on 7Cr17MoV 

7Cr17MoV is a Chinese steel that is similar to the popular 440A and 440B steels. The best quality of 7Cr17MoV is its corrosion resistance. The downside to this steel is that it is lacking in terms of toughness and is not ideal for chopping tasks. It contains the following elements:

– 0.7% carbon

– 17% chromium

– 1.3% molybdenum

– 0.1% vanadium

– 0.17% carbon

The high levels of chromium and molybdenum give 7Cr17MoV excellent corrosion resistance, while the carbon content provides some hardness and durability without making it too brittle. Vanadium also contributes to the steel’s toughness and wear resistance, however, not enough to make a huge difference.

Deep dive on 420 Stainless Steel

420 stainless steel, also known as “cutlery stainless steel,” is a low-cost, widely-used steel that is used in many knives. The downside to 420HC is that it is lacking in terms of edge retention but this does mean it is easy to resharpen. It contains the following elements:

– 0.4-0.5% carbon

– 12-14% chromium

– 0.75% molybdenum

The lower carbon content makes 420HC have less than ideal edge retention for heavy cutting tasks, while the high chromium content gives it good corrosion resistance.

7Cr17MoV versus 420 Stainless Steel 

When comparing 7Cr17MoV and 420 stainless steel, it’s important to consider the specific use for the knife. 

7Cr17MoV is harder and more durable than 420 stainless steel, making it a better choice for heavy-duty tasks. It also has better edge retention than 420 stainless steel. However, it can be more difficult to sharpen because it is a harder steel. 

On the other hand, 420 stainless steel is easier to sharpen than 7Cr17MoV, making it a good choice for smaller or everyday tasks. 420HC is also cheaper and has slightly better corrosion resistance than 7Cr17MoV.

Best knives in each steel

Now that we have looked closer at each steel and how they compare in-depth, 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 lightweight fixed-blade hunting knife that is very versatile. The Gerber EXO-MOD has an orange handle, a 3.75-inch blade, an overall length of 8.56 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)

Buck Knives Bantam 285 – 420HC

The Buck Bantam, while not fancy, works great for an EDC knife that is entry-level. It’s inexpensive, has a stainless steel pocket clip, a GRN handle, and has a thumb stud. It is a simple knife that works great if you need a pretty cheap knife that still works great.

Check out this knife here (link to Amazon)

Buck Knives General – 420HC

The General knife is made for, well, all general tasks that you would use a fixed blade for. It’s a little on the big side, but is a great knife for anything you would use a fixed blade for. It features Buck’s popular blade phenolic handle, a 420HC blade that is 7.5 inches long, and has a clip-point blade. 

You check this knife out here (link to Amazon).

Conclusion

Overall, the choice between 7Cr17MoV and 420HC will depend on the specific use case for the knife. If you need a knife for heavy-duty tasks or want decent edge retention, 7Cr17MoV is the better choice. If you prefer a knife that is more flexible and easier to sharpen, 420HC is a good option.