Is 8Cr13MoV Good Knife Steel?

If you are a knife enthusiast looking for an easy to maintain, cost-effective, and durable knife steel at an affordable price, you will be pleasantly surprised by the performance of 8cr13mov steel. Despite it being a low-end stainless steel it is actually quite impressive.

This China produced steel is commonly used in kitchen knives and budget knives and is utilized by knife manufacturers like A.G. Russell Knives, CRKT,  and Kershaw. For its price point, 8cr13mov steel delivers exceptional results in regards to its performance as a steel and will leave you quite impressed. If you find yourself interested in using 8cr13mov steel, take a look below for more information before passing it up. 

8cr13mov steel is a type of stainless steel that is commonly used in the manufacture of knives. It is a medium-carbon steel that contains a high level of chromium, which gives it good corrosion resistance and edge retention properties. It is also relatively easy to sharpen, making it a popular choice for everyday carry knives and other utilitarian tools. In terms of its performance, 8cr13mov steel is generally considered to be a good, budget-friendly option for knife-making. It is not as tough or durable as some of the higher-end steels, but it can still hold a decent edge and is resistant to rust and corrosion.

This China-made alloy has the following composite materials:

As far as low-grade stainless steel goes, 8cr13mov steel gives a good bang for its buck when it comes to its overall performance. As one of the more affordable stainless steel options it has the following beneficial properties:

Good Hardness– The high carbon content in 8cr13mov steel contributes to its increased hardness. The addition of the Vanadium increases the 8cr13mov steel’s ability to harden during the tempering stage and aids it in reaching a Rockwell hardness of up to 62 HRC.

Great Edge Retention- For being one of the cheaper and more affordable steels to use in the making of an array of knives, 8cr13mov has an impressive edge retention. This is because of the high amount of chromium in it as it aids in the edge retention qualities of the steel. 

Good Toughness– The 8cr13mov steel’s carbon, chromium, nickel, phosphorous, and vanadium components make it a rather durable choice of steel. Each of these elements increases the steel’s wear resistance and toughness. As such, it can take a substantial amount of use before it chips.

Good Corrosion Resistance– The high level of chromium in this China-produced steel enhances its resistance to corrosion. Its corrosion resistance is further compounded by the addition of Molybdenum. Molybdenum is commonly added to stainless steel to prevent corrosion. 

Unfortunately, due to 8cr13mov steel’s high carbon and high chromium composition, it is a poor choice of steel for welding purposes. 

8cr13mov steel is one of the best steel for knives. In fact, it is commonly used by manufacturers like A.G. Russell Knives, CRKT, Kershaw. As knife steel, the 8cr13mov holds up well against daily use.

It has established a rather good name for itself among knife enthusiasts because of its affordable price, its edge retention, and ease of sharpening. This and the multiple corrosive and wear-resistant properties are all highlights to this low-end stainless steel that many steel and knife experts agree performs better than one would expect it to. 

If you are shopping on a budget, the 8cr13mov is a great candidate to get the most out of your dollar to produce a durable knife.

It is important to remember that all steel is prone to rust and corrosion if it is not properly maintained. To prevent rust and corrosion on 8cr13mov steel, it is essential to keep the blade clean, dry, and well-oiled. This will help to prevent moisture from accumulating on the blade and causing it to rust. While 8cr13mov steel is generally resistant to rust and corrosion, proper care is still necessary to ensure the longevity of your knife. By following proper maintenance procedures, you can help to extend the lifespan of your 8cr13mov steel knife and keep it in good condition.

8cr13mov is a type of stainless steel that is known for its corrosion resistance and ability to retain an edge. It is a medium-carbon steel with a Rockwell hardness rating of around 56-58, which is considered to be on the lower end for knife steels. While it may not be as strong as some higher-end options, 8cr13mov is still a relatively strong steel that can withstand everyday use. It is also an affordable choice for those seeking a steel that can maintain a sharp edge and resist rust and corrosion.

8cr13mov steel is relatively easy to sharpen, making it a popular choice for everyday carry knives and other utilitarian tools. It has good edge retention properties and is generally considered to be a good, budget-friendly option for those who are looking for a steel that is easy to sharpen and maintain. While it may not be as easy to sharpen as some of the softer steels, it is still relatively easy to work with and can be sharpened to a fine edge with the right equipment and technique.

When looking at 8cr13mov steel compared to D20 steel, 8cr13mov steel has better corrosion resistance and sharpness than D20 steel. However, if you are prioritizing toughness and edge retention then D20 would be the steel to go with. 

The 440C steel has a higher carbon and chromium content in it than the 8cr13mov. This gives it an advantage in toughness. As I mention in my article on 440 steel, you won’t need to worry as much over corrosion or edge retention compared to the 8cr13mov. 

When comparing 8cr13mov steel to Aus-8 steel, Aus-8 steel has a slight advantage. Aus-8 steel is a Japanese made steel considered to be the most similar in properties but performs one step up from the 8cr13mov steel. Slightly more expensive than the 8cr13mov, it offers better edge retention and corrosion retention.   

The Vg10 steel has slightly better edge retention and corrosion resistance than 8cr13mov steel. However, 8cr13mov has better toughness and sharpness. Depending on what properties you hold more important, it can go either way.

Both 8cr13mov and 7cr17mov are Chinese made stainless steel that can be bought at an affordable price. For comparison purposes, they are pretty similar, with the 8cr13mov having a slight advantage if you prioritize edge retention over corrosion resistance. 

Both 8cr13mov and the 420hc steel are budget-priced steels with the 420hc being a little tougher than the 8cr13mov. 

When comparing S30cv steel to 8cr13mov, S30cv steel scores higher in wear and corrosion resistance.

For comparing these two steels, toughness and sharpness would have to go to 8cv13mov steel. However, 20cv steel has exceptional edge retention. It also has very good corrosion resistance. 

Last update on 2024-07-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The praise 8cr13mov steel gets for its edge retention alone is worth noting if you’re even the slightest bit interested in how it performs. Its popularity as a knife steel has grown in recent years as it has established a good reputation with how well it retains its edge, and how well a steel can hold its edge is an important factor for many knife enthusiasts.

Between 8cr13mov steel having impressive edge retention, the ease of sharpening it makes this a smart buy. As long as you treat your knife with some tender love and care you won’t have to worry about corrosion thanks to the high level of chromium.

As many knife experts and enthusiasts agree, the 8cr13mov steel may not be top of the line stainless steel but you will definitely get your money’s worth with it. Its high carbon and high chromium content with the addition of vanadium make it a reliable and durable steel able to take on cuts both inside the kitchen and out hunting on a daily basis.

That is why I would strongly encourage knife enthusiasts not to pass it up just for being on the cheap side, but to instead give it a try and welcome the opportunity to be surprised.