7Cr17MoV and 80CrV2 are two types of steel commonly used in the production of similarly priced knives. While they both offer excellent properties that make them popular among knife makers and users, they also differ in significant ways worth exploring in more detail.

Here is the short answer:

7Cr17MoV is a stainless steel that offers good corrosion resistance and edge retention, while 80CrV2 is a high-carbon steel that provides greater toughness and edge retention but requires more maintenance to keep from rusting.

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

Deep dive on 7Cr17MoV 

7Cr17MoV is a popular type of stainless steel that is known for its corrosion resistance and good-edge retention. The downside to 7Cr17MoV is that compared to most other steels is lacking in regard to toughness. Its steel composition includes:

– 0.7% carbon

– 17% chromium

– 1.3% manganese

– 0.1% vanadium

– 0.2% molybdenum

This composition makes it a good choice for knives that will be used in wet or humid environments, as it offers good protection against rust and corrosion. This knife has low carbon levels which do harm its wedge retention and toughness.

Deep dive on 80CrV2

80CrV2 is a high-carbon steel that is renowned for its toughness and edge retention. However, this steel is lacking when it comes to corrosion resistance which means that it is going to be harder to maintain and keep form rusting. Its steel composition includes:

– 0.8% carbon

– 2.0% manganese

– 0.4% silicon

– 0.3% chromium

– 0.5% vanadium

This composition gives 80CrV2 a high toughness level, making it ideal for heavy-duty cutting tasks. It also offers good edge retention, but requires more maintenance than stainless steel to prevent rust and corrosion.

7Cr17MoV versus 80CrV2 which one is better?

When comparing 7Cr17MoV and 80CrV2, it’s important to consider the use case for the knife. 7Cr17MoV is a good choice for knives that will be used in wet or humid environments or where rust and corrosion are a concern. It also offers good edge retention, but may not hold up as well as 80CrV2 in heavy-duty tasks such as chopping.

On the other hand, 80CrV2 is a high-performance steel that offers superior toughness and edge retention. However, it also requires more maintenance to prevent rust and corrosion, which may be a drawback for some users. 80CrV2 is a durable and reliable choice for heavy-duty cutting tasks, but for general use, or knives that will be exposed to water and humidity, 7Cr17MoV is a better choice.

Best knives in each steel

Now that we have looked at the best uses of each steel, what they are made of, and how they compare in-depth, we can look at what we have found to be the best knives in each steel.

7cr17MoV

Gerber EXO-MOD Drop Point (7cr17MoV)

The Gerber EXO-MOD Drop Point is a lightweight fixed-blade hunting knife that is very versatile. This knife has an orange handle, a 3.75-inch 7Cr17 MoV blade, an overall length of 8.56 inches, and weighs a mere 2.6 ounces. If you want an affordable lightweight hunting knife, this is a knife you should look at.

Check out this knife here (link to Amazon)

Winkler Knives II Woodsman Black Micarta (80CrV2)

This is an all-around tough knife that is made for everything outdoors from batoning wood to skinning and butchering game. This knife has a 4.3-inch blade, a black micarta handle, a skeletonized tang to shave weight, and a black oxide finish to minimize glare and repel rust. If you want a tough blade with a sleek look and good finish, you should look at this knife.

Check out this knife here (link to Amazon)

Conclusion

Ultimately, the choice between 7Cr17MoV and 80CrV2 will depend on the specific needs of the user. If corrosion resistance and ease of maintenance are a top priority, then 7Cr17MoV is the better choice. If toughness and edge retention are the most important factors, then 80CrV2 is the way to go.