Sandvik 12C27 is a Swedish stainless steel known for its fine grain and clean, consistent quality. Mora uses it in its popular stainless outdoor knives.
Sandvik 12C27 Steel at a Glance
| Type | Stainless steel |
|---|---|
| Made by | Alleima (formerly Sandvik), Sweden |
| Typical hardness | 56-58 HRC |
| Key elements | Carbon about 0.6%, chromium about 13.5% |
| Edge retention | 3/10 (modest) |
| Toughness | 7/10 (very good) |
| Rust resistance | 8/10 (very good) |
| Ease of sharpening | 9/10 (very easy) |
| Best for | Mora and outdoor knives |
Ratings are relative 1 to 10 scores for typical factory heat treatments. See how Sandvik 12C27 ranks against 46 other steels in our Knife Steel Chart.
What Is Sandvik 12C27 Steel?
12C27 was developed for knives and razor blades. Its simple, clean composition produces a very fine grain, so it sharpens easily to a keen edge. Sandvik’s materials business now operates as Alleima.
Sandvik 12C27 Steel Properties
- Edge retention: Modest.
- Toughness: Very good.
- Rust resistance: Very good.
- Ease of sharpening: Very easy.
Sandvik 12C27 Equivalents and Alternatives
14C28N is its upgraded sibling with better edge retention and rust resistance. AEB-L is similar in character.
Sandvik 12C27 vs Other Steels
Sandvik 12C27 vs Sandvik 14C28N
Compared with Sandvik 14C28N, Sandvik 12C27 is slightly easier to sharpen. Sandvik 14C28N holds an edge slightly longer. Read our Sandvik 14C28N guide.
Sandvik 12C27 vs AEB-L
Compared with AEB-L, Sandvik 12C27 resists rust slightly better. AEB-L is slightly tougher. Read our AEB-L guide.
Sandvik 12C27 vs 420HC
Compared with 420HC, Sandvik 12C27 holds an edge slightly longer and is slightly tougher. Read our 420HC guide.
Is Sandvik 12C27 Steel Good for Knives?
Yes. It is a great choice for outdoor and kitchen knives where toughness and easy sharpening matter more than long edge life.
Pros:
- Tough
- Very easy to sharpen
- Very good rust resistance
Cons:
- Modest edge retention
Knives That Use Sandvik 12C27 Steel
- Mora Companion (stainless): a classic, inexpensive 12C27 outdoor knife
- 12C27 folding knives
Makers sometimes change blade steels between versions, so check the listing to confirm the steel before you buy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sandvik 12C27 steel stainless?
Yes. Sandvik 12C27 is a stainless steel, though no knife steel is completely rust proof. Wipe it dry after use.
How hard is Sandvik 12C27 steel?
Knives in Sandvik 12C27 are usually heat treated to around 56-58 HRC.
Is Sandvik 12C27 easy to sharpen?
Very easy. Most standard stones and pull-through sharpeners work.
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