Two knife steels that are used for similar tasks but have different qualities to them are 7Cr17MoV and A2 steel. In this article, we will compare these two steels to see which is better and what their individual quality are.

Here is the short answer:

7Cr17MoV is an affordable, low carbon stainless steel that is often used in budget knives. A2 Tool Steel, on the other hand, is a highly wear-resistant alloy steel that is commonly used in high-end, custom-made knives.

Now that we have looked at the short answer, we can look closer at each steel, their composition, why they were made, and how they compare in-depth.

Deep dive on 7Cr17MoV 

7Cr17MoV is a low-end stainless steel that was developed in China and is commonly used for budget knives. It is not known as the most quality steel but it is known as a decent steel for its price. It contains the following elements:

– 0.7% carbon

– 17% chromium

– 1.3% molybdenum

– 0.1% vanadium

– 0.15% nitrogen

This steel has a relatively low carbon content, making it more corrosion-resistant but less durable than other blade steels. Its high chromium content provides additional corrosion resistance, while the small additions of molybdenum and vanadium help improve overall toughness.

Deep dive on A2 Tool Steel 

A2 Tool Steel is an alloy steel that was originally developed for use in industrial cutting tools but is now used for many custom knives because of its toughness and edge retention . It contains the following elements:

– 1.0% carbon

– 5% chromium

– 1.0% molybdenum

– 0.5% vanadium

This steel is known for its high wear resistance and edge retention, which makes it a popular choice for high-end, custom-made knives. Its high carbon content provides excellent hardness, while the small amounts of chromium, molybdenum, and vanadium help improve overall corrosion resistance and toughness.

7Cr17MoV versus A2

When comparing 7Cr17MoV and A2 Tool Steel, it’s important to consider the specific use case for the knife. 7Cr17MoV is an affordable steel that is often used in budget knives, while A2 Tool Steel is a premium alloy steel that is commonly used in high-end, custom-made knives.

7Cr17MoV is a good choice for budget knives, as it offers decent corrosion resistance and good toughness at an affordable price point. However, it may not hold an edge as well as other, more expensive steels.

A2 Tool Steel, on the other hand, is a high-quality, premium steel that is known for its excellent wear resistance and edge retention. This steel is a good choice for custom knives where performance and durability are a top priority.

Best knives in each steel

Now that we have looked 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 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 blade, has 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)

Bark River Bravo 1 (A-2)

The Bark River Bravo 1 is a clean-looking fixed-blade knife ideal for outdoor tasks like hunting and camping.  This knife is 9.2 inches overall, has a 4.25-inch blade, a green canvas micarta handle, and comes with a leather sheath. If you want a new high-quality hunting knife you should check this one out. 

Check out this knife (link to Amazon)

Conclusion

Overall, the choice between 7Cr17MoV and A2 Tool Steel depends on your specific needs and budget. If you are looking for an affordable steel that offers decent corrosion resistance and good toughness, 7Cr17MoV may be a good choice. If you want the very best in wear resistance and edge retention, A2 Tool Steel is the way to go.