If you have been wandering around the web looking for the best budget knives for steel, then you have landed in the right place. After writing the comparison guide of Sandvik 12c27 vs 440c, we will be listing the best Sandvik steel for knives.
We know how frustrating and confusing it can get while buying new steel, and that too when you’re on a low budget. Your research ends here since we have done everything you were about to, and here you’ll find the suitable steel for your knife.
However, in this article, we reviewed these two steel pieces, and here you will also find their quick specifications. We have ranked them from 1 to 10, and our rankings are based on their hardware, value positive review, builds quality, and long-lasting performance.
12c27 vs 440c Comparison:
1. Morakniv Kansbol Fixed Blade Knife
- Fixed blade outdoor knife with 4.1-inch high carbon steel blade
- Extra-large ergonomic handle with patterned, high-friction grip that makes the...
- Blade Thickness: 0.125 inches (3.2 mm), Blade Length: 4.1 inches (104 mm),...
- Color-matching plastic sheath with belt clip
If you searching for fix blade knife then the Morakniv Kansbol Fixed Blade knife from the Swedish company MORAKNIV.
Most of the users like this one, that comes with a 4.3 blade with a square-ground spine and of course, these types knife made from the 12c27 stainless steel. After all, the knife specially design for outdoor activities, like camping, hunting or even fishing.
On the other hand, it comes with a plastic sheath system, (so we highly recommend the multi-mount system, their plastic sheath isn’t that great), If you purchase this one you will get comfortable design that perform in wet and cold conditions. So, who searching for 12c27 knife for your outdoor activities, it is the best knife.
2. QSP Heavy Duty Pocket Knife Review
- Razor sharp 440C full edge Blade, HRC58-60, Non-Slip G10 Handle
- Left or Right Handed Flipper, Ball Bearing Smooth and Fast Opening
- G10 spine, Sturdy constructed, feel comfortable in hands
- Applicated for heavy duty work. 5.2" Handle, Net weight 177g, Good for Left...
Our top pick for the best pocket knife is the QSP Heavy Duty Pocket Knife with Ball Bearing Flipper Fast Opening. With a razor-sharp blade that stays sharp over the long term, a sturdy and comfortable ambidextrous handle, and a highly-responsive.
It sharp 440c full edge blade, and non-slip G10 handle.
The razor sharp design has a very sharp point that gives an excellent control, making the razor a perfect choice for detailed work, drilling and cutting.
However, the razor blade has a notch in the nail, which makes it easy and safe to open. On the other hand, locking machnisum ensure that the blade remains open and that you have strength and security while work. Read More 8cr13mov vs 420hc: Which Knife Is Right for You?.
12c27 vs 440c Steel for Knife Compared Review
What is 12c27 steel?
Specially, it is a martensitic stainless chromium steel design for the manufacture of kitchen tools with high wear and corrosion resistance properties.
The steel is great for wear and corrosion resistance. On the other hand, it is mostly use for kitchen tool, such as several types of knives and scissors which need to tolerate dishwashing. It comes with Chromium-14.50%, Carbon, 0.52% and Manganese-0.60%.
What is 440c Steel
Especially 440c stainless steel is a high carbon martensitic stainless steel. That comes with high strength, moderate corrosion resistance, and perfect hardness and wear resistance.
On the other hand, it is capable of attaining, after heat treatment, the highest strength, hardness and wear resistance of all the stainless alloys.
7cr17mov vs 8cr13mov which the better for you, get for right answer you can check out our these compared review.
Is 12c27 steel good for knife?
The steel has low-end steel that’s so close to mid-range steels, it provides perfect edge retention toughness, hardness, wear resistance and corrosion resistance, which perfect for knives.
So, without any confusion, the 12c27 steel good for knife. Even, when you looking to have hunting or finish knife, then the steel are great for an outdoor or humid environment.
Is 440c steel good for knife?
If you looking for stainless steel, then you can use these 440c because it is mid-range stainless steel that provides perfect corrosion resistance and perfect water resistance and will take a wonderful mirror polish. That’s why this is good for knives and provides long-lasting using performance. Read More 5cr15mov vs 8cr13mov: Which Steel is Better?.
Is 12c27 steel easy to sharpen?
Get for perfect result, use a diamond tool or wet stone for sharpening. You can one side until you can feel a slight burr on the opposite side.
After all, the stainless steel is their main knife steel and is very perfect rounded, providing good balance between quality and value.
Is 440c steel easy to sharpen?
440c get most popularity for its blocky carbide structure and large grain. The steel can certainly take a sharp edge but will never be like razor blade steel. There is one the best advance it will cut through the carbides. Get for best result keep your synthetic stone clean and I’m pretty sure any of them can do that.
12c27 steel hardness
With a hardness range of 54-61 HRC, high toughness, scary sharpness and perfect corrosion resistance, the 12c27 is the highly recommend grade for hunting knives, camping knives, pocket knives, high-end chef’s knives and tactical knives.
440c steel hardness
440c is a martensitic 400 series stainless steel, and it the high-quality content from 400 stainless steel series. That is usually heat treated to reach hardness of 58-60 HRC. Use can use for this bearing steel, and use in rolling contact stainless bearing, e.g. ball bearings and roller bearings.
12c27 steel composition:
| Materials | Quantity | Works |
| Carbon | 0.6% | Improves hardness Wear/corrosion resistance Unfortunately a high amount of it decreases strength. |
| Chromium | 13.5% | Great for tensile strength and Edge retention. Even it enhances corrosion resistance and wear resistance |
| Manganese | 0.1% | It improves hardness and brittleness. |
| Silicon | 0.4% | Great for strength. |
| Phosphorus | 0.03% | Improves strength. |
| Sulfur | 0.03% | Improves machinability. |
440c steel composition
| Materials | Quantity | Works |
| Carbon | 1.1% | Improves hardness Wear/corrosion resistance Unfortunately a high amount of it decreases strength. |
| Sulfur | 0.02% | It will increases machinability |
| Molybdenum | 0.70% | It increase Machinability and strength |
| Manganese | 0.80% | It improves hardness and brittleness. |
| Chromium | 17.00% | Great for tensile strength and Edge retention. Even it enhances corrosion resistance and wears resistance. |
| Phosphorus | 0.20% | Improves strength. |
| Silicon | 0.50% | Great for strength. |
12c27 steel properties
| 12c27 | Work |
| 9 | EDGE RETENTION |
| 3 | CORROSION RESISTANCE |
| 2 | EASE OF SHARPENING |
| 6 | TOUGHNESS |
440c steel properties
| 440c | Work |
| 2.5 | EDGE RETENTION |
| 7 | CORROSION RESISTANCE |
| 7 | EASE OF SHARPENING |
| 5 | TOUGHNESS |
12c27 vs 440c – Final Verdict
We believe you are done reading our article about 12c27 vs 440c and now understand what steel is the best steel. You also need to check their reviews and specifications before buying, and you should always go with your favorite brand.
In case your budget is little more or less then you can also check our guides for 12c27 sandvick stainless and 440c steel.