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14C28N and Nitro-V have the same abrasive edge-retention rating, but 14C28N has higher toughness and corrosion resistance. If two knives suit you equally well, 14C28N offers the stronger overall balance of these three properties. Nitro-V can still be a good choice in the better-designed knife.
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 | 14C28N | Nitro-V |
|---|---|---|
| Abrasive edge retention | ||
| Toughness | ||
| Corrosion resistance |
Heat treatment, hardness and geometry affect actual knives.
The Abrasive Wear Scores Match
Both rate 3 for abrasive edge retention. The ratings do not support claiming a longer cutting life for either material simply because of the steel name.
The grind and treatment may still differ between knives. Look there before attributing a noticeable cutting difference to the equal wear scores.
Our 14C28N steel profile explains its properties and care in more detail.
14C28N Has More Toughness
14C28N rates 9 for toughness and Nitro-V 7.5. Both are relatively tough in this framework, with 14C28N having the advantage.
That favors 14C28N when resistance to edge damage matters. It remains important to choose a suitable blade shape and edge angle.
Our NITROV steel profile explains its properties and care in more detail.
14C28N Also Leads Corrosion Resistance
14C28N rates 8.5 for corrosion resistance against Nitro-V at 7. Both are stainless, but 14C28N has more rated margin around moisture.
Nitro-V’s figures are Dr. Thomas’s tested-steel ratings, not an untested prediction. Its name does not establish superior rust resistance over 14C28N.
A Good Tie-Breaker Between Similar Knives
We would choose 14C28N between otherwise comparable knives for its toughness and corrosion advantages. We would still take Nitro-V when its knife has the grip, dimensions or grind we need.
An existing Nitro-V knife that performs well is not suddenly inadequate. The material comparison helps make a purchase, not invalidate a useful tool.
Composition
Our steel composition guide explains the elements and the differences between reported values, ranges and limits.
14C28N: Alleima nominal composition, mass %; selected elements, not a batch analysis. Alleima: 14C28N datasheet.
Nitro-V: Buderus 2019 inspection certificate specification ranges and maxima, mass %; not the measured heat analysis or a universal recipe for every Nitro-V blade. Buderus Nitro-V inspection certificate, hosted by New Jersey Steel Baron.
| Element | 14C28N | Nitro-V |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | 0.62% | 0.66–0.7% |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.2% | 0.3–0.5% |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.6% | 0.6–0.7% |
| Chromium (Cr) | 14% | 12.7–13.3% |
| Nitrogen (N) | 0.11% | 0.1–0.12% |
| Vanadium (V) | Not listed | 0.05–0.1% |
| Phosphorus (P) | Not listed | ≤0.02% |
| Sulfur (S) | Not listed | ≤0.01% |
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.
- Alleima: 14C28N datasheet
- Buderus Nitro-V inspection certificate, hosted by New Jersey Steel Baron
