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80CrV2 has the stronger toughness rating, while 1095 and 80CrV2 share the same abrasive edge-retention and corrosion ratings. For a new outdoor fixed blade, we would usually favor 80CrV2 when the knives are otherwise comparable. A good 1095 knife can still be worth keeping for its design, fit and familiar maintenance.
Performance Ratings
For the science, we turn to Dr. Larrin Thomas of Knife Steel Nerds, who has kindly allowed us to share his ratings here.
| Property | 1095 | 80CrV2 |
|---|---|---|
| Abrasive edge retention | ||
| Toughness | ||
| Corrosion resistance |
Heat treatment, hardness and geometry affect actual knives.
80CrV2’s Main Advantage Is Toughness
80CrV2 rates 8 for toughness and 1095 4.5. That gives 80CrV2 a useful advantage when resisting edge damage is important, such as on a fixed blade used for wood carving and other outdoor cutting. It does not make every 80CrV2 knife suitable for impact work or prying.
The complete knife still matters. A comfortable handle, a secure sheath and a blade ground for the intended work can make a larger practical difference than choosing an awkward knife purely for its steel.
The 80CrV2 steel profile looks more closely at its toughness and outdoor use.
Equal Wear Ratings Do Not Mean Poor Cutting
Both steels rate 1.5 for abrasive edge retention. These low scores describe wear in the rating framework, not how sharp a blade can become or how pleasantly it cuts wood. A keen edge with suitable geometry can be very useful even when it needs regular touch-ups.
Changing from 1095 to 80CrV2 is therefore not a rated upgrade for longer abrasive wear. If that is your main goal, compare other steels rather than expecting this change to extend the interval between sharpenings.
Our 1095 steel profile explains where this simple carbon steel remains useful.
The Chromium in 80CrV2 Does Not Make It Stainless
Both steels have a corrosion-resistance rating of 0. This is the low end of this framework, not a time-to-rust measurement. 80CrV2’s small chromium addition does not put it in the stainless category.
Clean and dry either blade after use, and use an appropriate protective oil for storage. A coating protects covered surfaces but leaves the sharpened edge exposed. If food preparation is part of the knife’s job, choose a protective product suitable for that use.
Choose the Maker’s Knife, Not Just the Alloy
For a new purchase with otherwise similar specifications, 80CrV2’s toughness is a strong reason to choose it. We would not replace a 1095 knife that already serves you well solely because it has the lower score.
Dr. Thomas’s 80CrV2 work shows how starting structure and heat treatment affect results. For buyers, that makes the maker’s treatment and intended use more useful than claims that a steel name alone guarantees performance. Both remain practical options for someone who accepts regular sharpening and rust care.
Composition
Our steel composition guide explains what the elements do and how to read these values.
1095: Published supplier chemistry ranges and maximum limits, percent; not nominal values and not a certificate for a particular knife or heat. Online Metals: 1095 Product Guide.
80CrV2: SIJ SIHARD 2235 average analysis, not every 80CrV2 stock; selected reported elements, not a finished-blade assay. SIJ Metal Ravne: SIHARD 2235 / 80CrV2.
| Element | 1095 | 80CrV2 |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | 0.9–1.03% | 0.8% |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.3–0.5% | 0.4% |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤0.04% | Not listed |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤0.05% | Not listed |
| Silicon (Si) | Not listed | 0.33% |
| Chromium (Cr) | Not listed | 0.55% |
| Vanadium (V) | Not listed | 0.2% |
Compare Two Knife Steels
Sources and Update Notes
- Dr. Larrin Thomas: knife steel ratings · Property ratings; the scores describe steels rather than individual finished knives.
- Online Metals: 1095 Product Guide
- SIJ Metal Ravne: SIHARD 2235 / 80CrV2
- Knife Steel Nerds: 80CrV2 testing and heat treatment · Research on toughness, wear resistance and the influence of processing.
