We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. Any products or services put forward appear in no particular order. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.
440C is an established stainless knife steel with moderate abrasive edge retention and useful corrosion resistance. It remains worth considering in a well-designed knife, even though newer alloys often get more attention. Its toughness is more modest, so the blade geometry and intended cutting matter more than the age or reputation of the name.
What Is 440C Steel?
440C is a conventional martensitic stainless steel designation used by multiple producers. Carpenter's specification is the source for the selected chemistry here, not a claim that every 440C knife comes from Carpenter. It is separate from 440A, 440B and CPM 440V, the former name of S60V.
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 | 440C |
|---|---|
| Abrasive edge retention | |
| Toughness | |
| Corrosion resistance |
Heat treatment, hardness and geometry affect actual knives.
Explore 440C’s Tradeoffs
Choose a steel above to highlight its position and see all three exact ratings below. The full map fits your screen.
Stainless
440C
- Abrasive edge retention
- 4.5
- Toughness
- 3.5
- Corrosion resistance
- 7.5
Same position; corrosion ratings may differ:
All 48 rated materials. Numbers group steels at identical coordinates; colors describe stainless classification, not corrosion scores. Neither direction means a universally better knife.
440C’s ratings are shown above. Enable JavaScript to select another steel, or browse the full ratings table.
Edge Retention for Everyday Use
440C scores 4.5 for abrasive edge retention, matching 154CM and VG-10 in this framework. That offers a reasonable balance for mixed cutting rather than a specialist high-wear role. The actual grind, heat treatment and sharpness can make two knives in the same grade feel quite different.
Our VG-10 profile explains another stainless option with the same abrasive edge-retention rating.
Toughness and the 440 Family
Its toughness rating is 3.5, the same as 440A in these ratings. 440C's higher wear rating is not a reason to assume higher resistance to edge damage as well. Choose a blade and edge angle appropriate to the work, especially when comparing thin slicing designs with heavier knives.
Sharpening and Corrosion Resistance
Suitable conventional sharpening stones can be used for 440C, with diamond abrasives another option. Keep the bevel steady, start with a grit suited to the condition of the edge and finish by removing the burr. Restoring a damaged bevel is a different job from a light touch-up.
440C has a corrosion-resistance rating of 7.5. Clean away residue and dry the knife after wet use, particularly around salt or acidic food. Stainless care is useful convenience, not a reason to leave moisture trapped around the blade or pivot.
Is 440C Still Worth Buying?
A 440C knife can still be a sound choice if the design, condition and price make sense. For an older example, check edge condition and the rest of the knife rather than assuming its steel tells the whole story. A blade marked only 440 is less specific, so clarify the grade instead of treating that marking as proof of 440C. Our knife steel guide explains the alternatives.
Composition
Our steel composition guide explains what the elements do and how to read these values.
440C: Carpenter Type Analysis ranges and maxima, mass %. Iron is the balance; values describe this source rather than every producer’s material. Carpenter Technology: 440C alloy data sheet.
| Element | 440C |
|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | 0.95–1.2% |
| Chromium (Cr) | 16–18% |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | ≤0.75% |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤1% |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤1% |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤0.04% |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤0.03% |
