8Cr13MoV steel is a budget-friendly stainless steel developed in China by AhonestChangJiang Stainless Steel Co., Ltd. It has gained a lot of attention in the knife-making industry in the past few years. Due to its excellent properties, 8Cr13MoV steel has become popular among good-quality knife brands like Kershaw, Spyderco, and SOG.
In this blog, I am going to dive deep into every aspect of the 8cr13Mov and help you decide whether it’s worth buying for your knives. Read this blog thoroughly before spending your money on an 8Cr13MoV stainless steel.
What is 8Cr13MoV Stainless Steel?
8Cr13MoV is Chinese-produced stainless steel that has been developed with reference to Japanese AUS-8 steel. It contains a high percentage of Chromium and Carbon elements. Additionally, it is alloyed with molybdenum, vanadium, and other metals to enhance its properties. All the elements of 8Cr13MoV provide the steel with high hardness, corrosion resistance, strength, toughness, and wear resistance.
Composition:
The composition of 8Cr13MoV stainless steel includes the following elements:
- Carbon (0.8%): Increases edge retention and hardness and improves steel resistance to wear, abrasion, and corrosion.
- Chromium (14.5%): Contributes to the steel’s hardness, corrosion resistance, and strength.
- Molybdenum (0.3%): Increases the steel’s machinability and strength.
- Vanadium (0.25%): Increases its hardness and wear resistance.
- Manganese ( 1%): Increases its hardness and brittleness.
- Silicon (1%): Improves its strength.
- Phosphorus (0.04%): Improves its strength.
- Sulfur( 0.03%): Contributes towards machinability.
Explanation of the name and numbering system:
Generally numbering system is used to identify the various types of stainless steel. It also helps to make it easier for manufacturers to choose the right steel for their needs. The name of the steel, 8Cr13MoV, is a combination of its various elements. The “8” refers to the percentage of carbon in the steel, while “Cr” stands for chromium. The “13” represents the percentage of chromium in the steel, and “Mo” is the symbol for molybdenum. Finally, the “V” represents vanadium.
Properties of 8Cr13MoV Stainless Steel:
Hardness:
8Cr13MoV Steel has a hardness between 58-60 HRC on the Rockwell Hardness scale as it contains a high carbon content in its composition. The heat treatment and tempering technique are responsible for its hardness level. Molybdenum, Nickel, and Vanadium also contribute to increasing its hardness.
Toughness:
Due to the molybdenum content in its composition, 8Cr13MoV has a decent toughness which makes it less likely to crack or chip under stress. However, its toughness level is slightly low due to its high Rockwell Hardness.
Wear resistance:
8Cr13MoV steel has a decent amount of Carbon, Manganese, and Vanadium that improves its wear resistance. So it can withstand prolonged use without losing its edge.
Corrosion resistance:
Due to its high composition of Chromium, 8Cr13MoV provides excellent corrosion resistance. So it is suitable for use in environments where exposure to moisture and other corrosive substances is likely. The corrosion resistance of 8Cr13MoV is similar to many premium stainless steels such as CPM S60V, CPM 154, and Nitro V steel.
Easy to sharpen:
While 8cr13MoV has a decent level of hardness, it is very easy to sharpen. To sharpen this steel knife, you don’t need any specialized tools.
Machinability:
8Cr13MoV steel has good machinability, which means it can be easily cut, drilled, and shaped into the desired form.
Cost-effective:
8Cr13MoV steel is considered high-quality steel due to its outstanding performance. But 8Cr13MoV steel is relatively affordable compared to other high-quality steels.
Applications of 8Cr13MoV Stainless Steel:
8Cr13MoV stainless steel is widely used in various industries and products due to its outstanding combination of composition and properties. Here are some of the industries and products that use 8Cr13MoV stainless steel include:
Knife blades:
Knives made from 8Cr13MoV stainless steel are ideal for cutting and slicing tasks that require a sharp edge, such as hunting and outdoor activities, due to their high hardness and excellent edge retention.
Scissors:
8Cr13MoV stainless steel is also commonly used in producing scissors due to its excellent wear resistance and hardness. Scissors made from this steel can withstand heavy use without losing their sharpness.
Other cutting tools:
Since 8Cr13MoV stainless steel has high hardness and wear resistance, its easy sharpening ability and toughness make it ideal for use in cutting tools where durability and sharpness are of utmost importance, such as shears, blades for food processors, and paper cutters.
Medical devices:
Generally, medical devices require high-quality steel that has excellent corrosion resistance. So 8Cr13MoV stainless steel is also used to produce medical devices, such as surgical instruments and dental tools.
Sporting goods:
8Cr13MoV stainless steel produces various sporting goods, including fishing knives and tools, camping and hiking gear, and skates.
Is 8cr13mov stainless steel good for Knives?
8Cr13MoV stainless steel has excellent properties, including high hardness, corrosion resistance, wear resistance, and machinability. It is also relatively affordable compared to other high-quality steels used in similar applications, making it an attractive choice for manufacturers and consumers. Additionally, the knives from this steel are easy to sharpen. So 8Cr13MoV stainless steel is good for knives.
Is 8Cr13MoV hard to sharpen?
No, knives made from 8Cr13MoV stainless steel are not hard to sharpen compared to some other high-end steels. Its fine-grained structure allows for a sharp and precise edge, and its moderate hardness makes it easier to sharpen. However, 8Cr13MoV stainless steel requires regular maintenance to maintain its performance.
Maintenance and Care:
Proper maintenance and care of 8Cr13MoV stainless steel are important to ensure its best performance and longevity and prevent corrosion and rust. Neglecting to take care of the steel can lead to corrosion, rust, and damage to the blade, affecting its cutting ability and overall quality. Here are some tips on how you can take proper maintenance and care of 8Cr13MoV stainless steel:
- Keep the steel dry and avoid exposure to moisture.
- Clean knives and other cutting tools thoroughly after use.
- To remove stubborn stains, scrub the knife gently with a soft-bristled brush or sponge.
- Avoid soaking your knives in water.
- Avoid storing your knives in direct sunlight or extreme temperatures.
- Apply a thin layer of oil to the blade before storing it to protect it from moisture and other environmental factors.
- Use a knife block or magnetic strip to protect your knives from damage.
Comparison of 8Cr13MoV Stainless Steel to Other Steels:
When choosing the best stainless steel for knives and other cutting tools, there are many options available, each with its unique properties and characteristics. Here’s a comparison of 8Cr13MoV stainless steel to other popular types of stainless steel:
440C Steel vs 8Cr13MoV:
440C Stainless Steel is a high-end stainless steel that contains higher carbon content than 8Cr13MoV, which makes it harder and more durable. It also has better corrosion resistance and edge retention. However, 440C can be more difficult to sharpen than 8Cr13MoV and is more expensive.
S30V Steel vs 8Cr13MoV:
S30V Stainless Steel is a premium stainless steel that is more wear resistance, edge retention, and toughness than 8Cr13MoV. It is often used in high-end knives and outdoor tools. However, it is much harder to sharpen and is more expensive than 8Cr13MoV.
420hc Steel vs 8Cr13MoV:
420hc stainless steel is a low-end stainless steel that contains a lower carbon content than 8Cr13MoV, making it less hard, durable, and corrosion resistant than 8Cr13MoV. However, it is easy to sharpen and is more affordable.
Conclusion:
Overall, 8Cr13MoV stainless steel has gained huge popularity and is widely used in knife-making due to its combination of properties. Knives made from 8Cr13MoV steel are durable, reliable, and can withstand frequent use and abuse without losing their sharpness or rusting. If you’re looking for a high-quality knife at an affordable price, then a knife made from 8Cr13MoV stainless steel is definitely worth considering.