When we look at 14c28n vs 420hc steels, we see that there are some design similarities and differences to consider. Although these two steel differences might seem small between comparable knives, many of these features impact performance and how they feel in hand.
14c28n vs 420hc Compared
Here’s quick index to navigate through this comparison guide about these two steel:
1. Kershaw Leek
- KERSHAW LEEK POCKET KNIFE: The Kershaw Leek might just be your new favorite EDC....
- DROP POINT PLAIN EDGE BLADE: Made from high-performance Sandvik 14C28N stainless...
- 410 STAINLESS STEEL HANDLE: The corrosion-resistant, stainless-steel handle is...
- DESIGNED WITH SAFETY IN MIND: Equipped with Kershaw’s SpeedSafe assisted...
The Kershaw Leek is a most popular EDC knife that design by legendary custom knife maker Ken Onion. Most of the user loves this one that has received a lot of attention on this site. There one of the best reason that he is highly regarded as a knife designer.
Without any confusion, you can purchase this set that has a slim, versatile, modified drip-point blade with good slicing capabilities. On the other hand the professional performing blade steels sharpen to a razor edge and hold the edge for an extended use.
For this perfect size that for most tasks and the slim tip allows the knife to excel at piercing and detail work.
On the other hand, Speedsafe assisted opening allows for easy blade deployment with the use of a simple pull back on the ambidextrous flipper.
Read More 7cr17mov vs 8cr13mov: Which for Better [Compared]
2. Gerber LMF II
- Originally designed to free an aircrew from a downed aircraft
- Tough enough to cut through the fuselage of an aircraft
- Purposeful break between the tang and the butt cap, providing insulated...
- Handle Material: Glass-filled nylon with TPV overmold
Who searching for professional quality knives then, the Gerber LMF II Infantry Knife is one of the best ways for you. That comes with a 4.84 drop point blade with a serrated edge, and include glass-filled nylon with TPV over mold handle and a reinforced sheath.
On the other hand, it made of stainless steel in the end of the blade that can pierce glass. The knife comes with ergonomic comfortable to handle and according to Gerber its originally designed to free an aircrew from a downed aircraft.
Read More 14c28n vs 8cr13mov – The Definitive Guide
14c28n vs 420hc Compared
What is 14c28n steel?
14c28n is the most popular material for the knife: stainless steel and made by the Swedish company. It mainly made for knife and it high in Chromium for excellent corrosion resistance.
However, Kershaw asked Sandvik to make their 13C26 steel more resistant to corrosion, and the result was 14C28N.
It richly deserves its reputation for high-quality gained over the years by Sandvik, a Swedish manufacturer of world-renowned steel. That comes with an excellent return of experience that makes it ideal for the manufacturer of outdoor and tactical knife blades.
What is 420hc steel?
The 420hc is an evolution of the 420 steel, that include with low-end stainless steel use for cutlery, custom knives, scissors and surgical tools. Most of the knives company uses these steel for professional knife. It is a professional carbon content 420 stainless steel.
However it has a wonderful carbon base and is mixed to a harder finish than 420 stainless steel, but under normal processes, falls around 55 HRC.
Buck knives are just one of the many products that are made from 420hc tough material. As from features, there are many different levels of steel. But product made from 420hc steel that are definitely different from other types of steel in terms of performance and reliability.
Is 14c28n steel good for knife?
Honestly, yes, because it’s perfect steel for your knife, besides it depends on which knife, so when you’re talking about chef knives, then 14c28n would be an ideal pick thanks to professional corrosion resistance and edge retention.
However the 14c28n steel would be great for an EDC knife with typical usage. But if when you’re searching for tough steel for your outdoor experience camping, or hunting, it would be perfect steel but not the best choice there’re other steels with better than toughness that would suit your usage.
Is 420hc steel good for knife?
For this low-end stainless steel the 420hc is wonderful steel for the low-entry knife. However the steel comes with decent edge retention, perfect corrosion resistance and it’s easy to sharpen, that’s why our answer is yes, the 420hc steel is good for knives.
These types of knives are more durable and easy to sharpen when in constant use and they’re pretty rust-resistant. On the other hand, these types of steel make them a great for some machetes.
Is 14c28n steel easy to sharpen?
It is a Sandvik stainless steel that originally developed for razor blades. And easy to sharpen in our experience; and that will get an excellent razor edge that lasts for a reasonable price of time.
However, the 14c28n provides perfect edge retention with a maximum hardness of 62Hrc and the mixture of Chromium and Carbon. That provides 14% Chromium and offers excellent corrosion resistance. So, its hard steel is easy to sharpen.
Is 420hc steel easy to sharpen?
Although 420hc doesn’t hold an edge well, but luckily the steels relatively stain-resistant and tough. That is easy to use and sharpen. However, there is one exception: the 420hc is produce using a proprietary heat treatment.
So, there is one of the top advantage in using 420hc steel. That is already most popularity in market for their high-quality performance and easy to sharpen. However, this is wonderful material is use for hatchets, knives.
14c28n steel hardness
If you purchase this types of knife, without any hassle you can easily re-sharpening. On the other hand, edge stability in terms of micro chipping and edge folding is also good.
With recommended hardness range of 55-62 HRC; the 14C28N is great for knife applications which place very high demands on edge sharpness, edge stability and corrosion resistance such as chef’s knives, hunting knife, pocket knives and fishing knives.
420hc steel hardness
The 420hc obtains about 57 HRC after suitable heat treatment. That is higher carbon content 420 stainless steel. However, the steel is perfect high carbon and it can brought to a higher hardness than regular 420 and should not be mistakes for it. As for professional features, Buck knives and Gerber knives use the steel extensively.
14c28n steel composition
| Materials | Quantity | Works | |
| Carbon | 0.625 | Improves hardness
Wear/corrosion resistance Unfortunately a high amount of it decreases strength. |
|
| Chromium | 14% | Great for tensile strength and Edge retention.
Even it enhances corrosion resistance and wear resistance |
|
| Nitrogen | 0.11% | Great for strength and edge retention. | |
| Manganese | 0.6% | It improves hardness and brittleness. | |
| Silicon | 0.2% | Great for strength. | |
| Phosphorus | 0.025% | Improves strength. | |
| Sulfur | 0.01% | Improves machinability.
|
|
420hc steel composition
| Materials | Quantity | Works |
| Carbon | 0.46 | Improves hardness Wear/corrosion resistance Unfortunately a high amount of it decreases strength. |
| Chromium | 13 % | Great for tensile strength and Edge retention. Even it enhances corrosion resistance and wear resistance |
| Manganese | 0.4 % | It improves hardness and brittleness. |
| Vanadium | 0.3% | Increases wear resistance and hardenability. |
| Silicon | 0.4 | Perfect for strength. |
Conclusion:
14c28n vs 420hc steel have many things in common, but the steel you ultimately prefer largely depend on your personal preference and what you’ll be using the steel for your knives.
Who looking for long-lasting knives then these types of steel will best for you. That is more professional and longer.