If you purchase 440c steel, that will cut more extended, and 14c28n sharpens easier. We highly recommend 14c28n because you can enjoy a sharper, more precise, polished edge at the cost of cutting endurance.
So, when you need more cutting endurance, then 440c with a coarse edge would be more perfect.
Most of the users like 14c28n. Because the presence of nitrogen in the steel is a huge plus.
On the other hand, the steel, perfect for the manufacturing of knife blades, allows for the highest attainable hardness without compromising micro-structure integrity.
14c28n vs 440c Steel Comparison:




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, Speed safe assisted opening allows for easy blade deployment with the use of a simple pull back on the ambidextrous flipper.
2. QSP Heavy Duty Pocket Knife
- 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.
14c28n vs 440c 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 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.
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 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.
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, it’s hard steel is easy to sharpen.
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.
14c28n steel hardness
If you purchase these types of knife, without any hassle you can easily re-sharpening. On the other hand, edge stability in terms of microchipping 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.
Get for complete information about the 14c28n vs 8cr13mov you can read this review.
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.
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.
|
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. |
Conclusion:
14c28n steel is a perfect material from which to make a knife. If you are buying a blade made of professional quality material, you can compare the 14c28n vs 440c. On the other hand, in our recommendation, 14c28n is the right one for you.