8Cr13MoV is probably the most common budget knife steel in the world. Spyderco, Kershaw, CRKT and many others have used it in affordable folders.
8Cr13MoV Steel at a Glance
| Type | Stainless steel |
|---|---|
| Made by | Chinese mills (Ahonest Changjiang and others) |
| Typical hardness | 56-58 HRC |
| Key elements | Carbon about 0.8%, chromium about 13%, small amounts of molybdenum, vanadium and nickel |
| Edge retention | 3/10 (modest) |
| Toughness | 5/10 (good) |
| Rust resistance | 7/10 (very good) |
| Ease of sharpening | 8/10 (easy) |
| Best for | Budget EDC folders |
Ratings are relative 1 to 10 scores for typical factory heat treatments. See how 8Cr13MoV ranks against 46 other steels in our Knife Steel Chart.
What Is 8Cr13MoV Steel?
8Cr13MoV is a Chinese stainless steel very similar to Japanese AUS-8. Its quality depends a lot on the maker’s heat treatment, which is why some brands get much better results from it than others.
8Cr13MoV Steel Properties
- Edge retention: Modest.
- Toughness: Good.
- Rust resistance: Very good.
- Ease of sharpening: Easy.
8Cr13MoV Equivalents and Alternatives
AUS-8 is the closest equivalent. 14C28N is a popular upgrade at similar prices.
8Cr13MoV vs Other Steels
8Cr13MoV vs AUS-8
Compared with 8Cr13MoV, AUS-8 is slightly tougher. Read our AUS-8 guide.
8Cr13MoV vs Sandvik 14C28N
Compared with 8Cr13MoV, Sandvik 14C28N holds an edge slightly longer, is tougher and resists rust slightly better. Read our Sandvik 14C28N guide.
8Cr13MoV vs D2
Compared with D2, 8Cr13MoV is tougher, resists rust better and is easier to sharpen. D2 holds an edge longer. Read our D2 guide.
Is 8Cr13MoV Steel Good for Knives?
Yes, for budget EDC knives. It is easy to live with and easy to sharpen. If you want better toughness and edge stability at a similar price, look for 14C28N.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Easy to sharpen
- Good rust resistance
Cons:
- Modest edge retention
- Quality varies by brand
Knives That Use 8Cr13MoV Steel
- Spyderco Tenacious: a popular budget Spyderco in 8Cr13MoV
- Kershaw Cryo
- 8Cr13MoV folding knives
Makers sometimes change blade steels between versions, so check the listing to confirm the steel before you buy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 8Cr13MoV steel stainless?
Yes. 8Cr13MoV is a stainless steel, though no knife steel is completely rust proof. Wipe it dry after use.
How hard is 8Cr13MoV steel?
Knives in 8Cr13MoV are usually heat treated to around 56-58 HRC.
Is 8Cr13MoV easy to sharpen?
Easy. Most standard stones and pull-through sharpeners work.