Datasheet
SANDVIK 14C28N
Developed in a Partnership Between Kershaw and Sandvik Steel
Kershaw worked with Sandvik Steel, one of the world’s leading
manufacturers of stainless steel and special alloys, to produce
this high-performance steel. Increased nitrogen in the formula
enables 14C28N to provide both excellent corrosion resistance
and the ability to be hardened to 58-60 Rockwell. Sandvik calls
14C28N the overall highest performing knife steel in the world
that still maintains the productivity benefi t of being fi ne-blank-
able. (See the glossary for a defi nition.)
8CR13MOV
You may have heard that 8CR13MoV stainless is basically
the equivalent of AUS8A. And it’s true. For everyday use, even
a serious “knife knut” would be hard-pressed to tell the differ-
ence between a well-made 8CR13MoV blade and a well-made
AUS8A blade. Nevertheless, there are slight differences in the
steel formula. While most other components are relatively equal,
8CR13MoV has slightly more carbon for hardness and wear
resistance and slightly less nickel. The key to blade performance
for both of these steels is manufacturing quality. That’s where
Kershaw’s expertise comes in. Kershaw precision heat-treats
8CR13MoV steel to bring out its best high-performance char-
acteristics: the ability to take and hold an edge, strength, and
hardness. 8CR13MoV is top-of-the-line Chinese steel and, we
believe, offers our customers an excellent value.
D2
“Semi-stainless” tool steel known for excellent wear resistance
and good toughness
420
Very stain resistant and tough, but somewhat “softer;” Kershaw
uses this steel in handle liners rather than blades
420 MODIFIED
Highly stain and wear resistant, but more ductile; excellent for use
where “fl ex” is desirable, for example, fi sh fi llet knives
AUS6A
High-quality Japanese stainless steel; provides good wear resis-
tance, toughness, and the ability to take an edge
AUS8A
With slightly more carbon than AUS6A, it offers strength, hard-
ness, and wear resistance
CRUCIBLE CPM S30V
All-around premium knife steel that takes and holds an edge
extremely well; also extremely tough and wear resistant
1.4116
A quality German steel that is highly stain resistant, tough, and
corrosion resistant
65 MN
A tough, durable steel for hard-use applications such as
Kershaw’s Camp Series machetes
There’s no such thing as one “best” type of steel for every type of knife. Instead, think in terms of the best steel for a
particular application. Kershaw chooses its blade steels based on a variety of criteria, from ability to hold an edge and
corrosion resistance to strength, toughness, and value. Then each type of steel is matched to the function of the knife, the
design of the blade, and angle to which it will be sharpened—among other knifemaker’s considerations. As steel technology
continues to evolve, Kershaw will continue to select the very best of these steels to become Kershaw knife blades.
Here’s an introduction to some of our high-performance steels:
KERSHAW BLADE STEELS
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