The choice between 8Cr13MoV and 440C is a simple trade-off: easy sharpening versus holding an edge longer. For a knife brand, this choice defines your customer. Are you selling to the mass market that wants a low-maintenance knife, or to the user who will pay more for better performance?
What is 8Cr13MoV steel?
8Cr13MoV is a Chinese stainless steel found in many budget-friendly knives. It is very similar to Japan’s AUS-8 steel. The goal of 8Cr13MoV is to give good, all-around performance for a very low cost. It has decent toughness and rust resistance. Its best feature is that it’s very easy to sharpen. You will see it on popular knives from brands like Spyderco and Kershaw.
What is 440C steel?
440C is an American stainless steel that was once a top-tier metal for knives. Before modern super steels, 440C was one of the best stainless steels you could get. It is known for its great rust resistance and good hardness. This helps it hold an edge better than most other steels in its price range. It is still a solid choice for knives from brands like Buck.
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8Cr13MoV vs. 440C: Chemical makeup
The main difference comes from two elements: Carbon and Chromium. 440C has more of both. This is why it holds an edge longer and fights rust better.
| Element | 8Cr13MoV (%) | 440C (%) | Primary Impact on Performance |
| Carbon (C) | 0.80 | 1.05 | Makes the steel hard. |
| Chromium (Cr) | 13.50 | 17.00 | Stops rust. 440C has much more. |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 0.20 | 0.50 | Adds toughness and strength. |
| Vanadium (V) | 0.10 | – | Helps with wear resistance. |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.40 | 0.45 | Improves hardenability and strength. |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.50 | 0.45 | Increases strength. |
| Nickel (Ni) | 0.20 | – | Slightly increases toughness. |
Key Takeaway: The 440C recipe aims for high performance. More carbon means good hardness, and a lot more chromium means great rust resistance. The 8Cr13MoV recipe aims for low cost and ease of use. It is tougher and very easy to sharpen, making it great for everyday knives.
Performance ratings: 8Cr13MoV vs. 440C
This chart shows how the two steels compare in key areas.
| Performance | 8Cr13MoV | 440C |
| Edge Retention | 3.0/10 ★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ | 4.5/10 ★★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Toughness | 6.0/10 ★★★★★★☆☆☆☆ | 3.5/10 ★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Corrosion Resistance | 7.0/10 ★★★★★★★☆☆☆ | 7.5/10 ★★★★★★★☆☆☆ |
| Ease of Sharpening | 8.0/10 ★★★★★★★★☆☆ | 6.0/10 ★★★★★★☆☆☆☆ |
| Hardness (HRC) | 57-59 HRC | 58-60 HRC |
Edge retention
440C (4.5/10) holds its edge longer than 8Cr13MoV (3.0/10). Because it has more hard particles (carbides), it stays sharp longer when cutting materials like cardboard.
Toughness
8Cr13MoV (6.0/10) is much tougher than 440C (3.5/10). It can handle impacts and resist chipping much better. This makes it a safer choice for knives that might be used for hard tasks.
Corrosion resistance
440C (7.5/10) wins for rust resistance because it has much more chromium. While 8Cr13MoV (7.0/10) is fine for most uses, 440C is a better choice for wet environments.
Ease of sharpening
8Cr13MoV (8.0/10) is one of the easiest steels to sharpen. A user can get it sharp again very quickly with a simple stone. This is a big plus for beginners. 440C (6.0/10) takes more time and skill to sharpen.
OEM price and cost analysis
For OEM clients, 8Cr13MoV offers the best possible price. The material is cheap and easy to work with, making it perfect for large orders of entry-level knives. 440C costs a bit more but provides a clear step up in performance. It helps brands create a mid-tier product that attracts customers looking for an upgrade.
Which steel is best for your knife type?
For EDC & folding knives
- 8Cr13MoV is perfect for affordable EDC knives. Its 8.0/10 ease of sharpening score is its biggest selling point for everyday users. The trade-off is its 3.0/10 edge retention, meaning it needs to be sharpened more often.
- 440C is for the mid-range EDC user who wants to sharpen less. Its 4.5/10 edge retention gives them longer cutting performance. The trade-off is its lower toughness, so it’s not ideal for hard-use folders.
For hunting & outdoor knives
- For an outdoor fixed blade knife that might chop wood, 8Cr13MoV is the safer pick. Its 6.0/10 toughness score helps prevent the blade from chipping. The trade-off is that it may need a quick touch-up after heavy use.
- 440C works well for hunting knives used only for slicing. Its 7.5/10 corrosion resistance is a big plus in wet conditions. But with a toughness score of 3.5/10, it should not be used for anything involving impact.
For Kitchen Knives
- Both steels are excellent for entry-level kitchen knives. Their high corrosion resistance makes them easy to clean and maintain. 8Cr13MoV is very easy for home cooks to keep sharp, while 440C will hold its edge a bit longer for those who cook frequently.
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Conclusion: The final verdict
Here’s the bottom line: 8Cr13MoV offers incredible ease of maintenance at the lowest cost, while 440C provides a noticeable performance upgrade for a slightly higher price. If your goal is to win the entry-level market, choose 8Cr13MoV. If you want to offer a reliable “next step up” for your customers, 440C is the proven choice.
Extended Reading
Turn Steel Knowledge into a Winning Product with Keganico
Knowing about steels like 8Cr13MoV and 440C is just the start. The real work is turning that knowledge into a product that sells. At Keganico, that’s what we do best.
- From Idea to Delivery: Our in-house designers and engineers work with you to handle everything. We offer a one-stop solution from the first drawing to the final product.
- Yangjiang Price, US Warehouse: With 20 years of manufacturing experience, we get you the best price. Our US-based warehouse handles shipping and logistics, making it easy to get your product to market fast.
- We Know the US Market: As a long-time OEM manufacturer for major US brands, we know how to build knives that customers love and buy.
Contact us today. Let’s use our expertise to build your brand’s next best-selling knife.
