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440C offers more abrasive edge retention, while 8Cr13MoV has the higher toughness rating. Both are stainless, with 440C only slightly ahead in corrosion resistance. The steel choice is mainly about the wear-versus-toughness tradeoff.
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 | 8Cr13MoV |
|---|---|---|
| Abrasive edge retention | ||
| Toughness | ||
| Corrosion resistance |
Heat treatment, hardness and geometry affect actual knives.
440C Favors Abrasive Cutting
440C rates 4.5 for abrasive edge retention against 8Cr13MoV at 3. We would favor 440C when repeated abrasive slicing is the primary job.
Check the full grade: an unspecified 440 label does not necessarily mean 440C. The distinction matters when using this comparison.
Our 440C steel profile explains its properties and care in more detail.
8Cr13MoV Has More Toughness
8Cr13MoV rates 6 for toughness and 440C 3.5. That is useful when resistance to edge damage deserves more weight than abrasive wear.
The rating does not guarantee a particular manufacturer’s treatment. A poorly formed edge is not rescued by a good material-level score.
Our 8CR13MOV steel profile explains its properties and care in more detail.
The Corrosion Gap Is Small
440C rates 7.5 for corrosion resistance against 8Cr13MoV at 7. Both need ordinary cleaning and drying.
We would not make half a corrosion point the deciding factor between otherwise different knives. Their larger wear and toughness differences matter more.
Spend on the Design You Need
Choose 440C for more abrasive-wear capability and 8Cr13MoV for its toughness advantage. Then compare the handle, lock, grind and actual selling price.
Neither steel name settles value by itself. A well-executed knife in either grade can be a useful everyday tool.
Composition
Our steel composition guide explains the elements and the differences between reported values, ranges and limits.
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.
8Cr13MoV: Spyderco reported 8Cr13MoV chemistry; values are not individually labeled nominal or typical; not a finished-blade assay. Spyderco: 2026 Steel Chart, 8Cr13MoV.
| Element | 440C | 8Cr13MoV |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | 0.95–1.2% | 0.8% |
| Chromium (Cr) | 16–18% | 13% |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | ≤0.75% | 0.15% |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤1% | 0.4% |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤1% | 0.5% |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤0.04% | 0.02% |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤0.03% | 0.01% |
| Vanadium (V) | Not listed | 0.1% |
| Nickel (Ni) | 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.
- Carpenter Technology: 440C alloy data sheet
- Spyderco: 2026 Steel Chart, 8Cr13MoV
