14C28N Steel: Strengths, Weak Points, and Daily Use Tips
Steel selection affects knife performance. 14C28N is a practical everyday carry option, often compared to other steels. This Swedish steel combines easy sharpening, strong corrosion resistance, and reliable toughness for routine cutting.
Alleima, previously Sandvik, created 14C28N in 2009 for Kershaw Knives, aiming for better corrosion resistance than 13C26. Martensitic stainless chromium steel can be heat-treated to 55-62 HRC, with a fine carbide distribution. We use it across several knife models because it delivers reliable performance without specialized maintenance or costly sharpening tools.
Chemical Composition and Properties
14C28N contains 0.62% carbon, 14% chromium, 0.11% nitrogen, 0.6% manganese, and 0.2% silicon. It forms small carbides and nitrides. The high chromium and added nitrogen boost corrosion resistance beyond standard carbon steels.
Nitrogen partially replaces carbon in 14C28N, giving it different properties than those of standard stainless steels. While D2 gets hardness mainly from carbon, 14C28N uses both carbon and nitrogen, forming smaller, more evenly distributed hard particles for better toughness and easier sharpening than high-carbon steels.
Heat Treatment and Hardness Range
Alleima recommends hardening 14C28N to 1,050°C, or 1,922°F, then oil-quenching. The steel typically measures 58-60 HRC, providing good toughness and cutting performance. Some go up to 62 HRC for better edge retention, but at the cost of slightly lower toughness.
Deep-freezing after heat treatment adds 1–2 HRC. Home heat-treaters get 59-60 HRC at 1,060°C, or 1,940°F, without special gear. This flexibility lets makers match hardness to knife design.
Edge Retention Performance
In CATRA testing documented by Knife Steel Nerds, 14C28N ranked in the bottom third for edge retention out of nearly 50 steels. Specifically, it performed about 25% worse than Elmax in standardized cutting tests. Compared to S30V, which holds an edge 37% longer, and D2, which maintains its edge 20% longer, 14C28N's comparative performance is clear. However, edge retention is not the only factor to consider when evaluating overall usability.
BladeForums users find that 14C28N keeps a hair-whittling edge longer than S30V, even if S30V maintains a working edge longer. High-carbide steels like S30V and D2 are more prone to carbide tearout and microchipping, which dull extremely sharp edges.
14C28N’s fine carbide structure helps it retain sharpness longer, even as the edge degrades. Forum users note that while it may need touch-ups more often than premium steels, it stays sharper between maintenance sessions.
Toughness and Impact Resistance
Dr. Larrin Thomas of Knife Steel Nerds rates 14C28N’s toughness at 9 out of 10, placing it alongside AEB-L as the best in the high toughness group. This toughness comes from the steel’s fine-grained structure and small carbide size. Users report no chipping issues when cutting cardboard, rope, zip ties, and copper wire. The steel handles light chopping tasks without fracturing, though it lacks the extreme impact strength of spring steels like 5160.
The practical result of this toughness appears in how thin manufacturers can grind 14C28N blades. While S30V folders typically need 20-degree or higher edge angles for strength, 14C28N performs well at 15 to 17-degree angles. These thinner edges slice through materials more efficiently, compensating somewhat for the steel's lower edge retention compared to super steels.
Corrosion Resistance
Multiple steel comparison resources rate 14C28N’s corrosion resistance at 8.5 out of 10. The 14% chromium content provides ample protection against rust in normal use conditions. According to metallurgical comparisons, 14C28N resists corrosion better than AEB-L, N690, and S35VN because Alleima designed it specifically to maximize chromium in solution rather than tie it up in carbides.
BladeForums users report carrying 14C28N knives for over 2 years with minimal rust issues, though some note that bead blast finishes show rust spots more readily than stonewashed or satin finishes. The steel resists moisture, food acids, and salt spray better than most carbon steels and many stainless steels. Regular wiping after cutting materials with adhesive or residue provides sufficient care for most users.
Sharpening and Maintenance
14C28N sharpens more easily than most modern knife steels. Standard 1,000- to 3,000-grit whetstones bring the steel to razor sharpness in about 10 minutes, even for beginners. This contrasts with S30V, which typically requires diamond stones and 20 to 30 minutes of work to achieve similar results. The steel responds well to bench stones, whetstones, and DMT diamond plates without requiring specialized equipment.
For maintenance between full sharpenings, ceramic rods and leather strops work effectively. Forum members report keeping 14C28N knives sharp for extended periods through occasional stropping every few days. Starting with a coarse-grit stone and progressing to finer grits produces excellent results. The steel takes extremely fine edges easily, making it forgiving for those learning to sharpen knives.
Daily Use Applications
14C28N works well in pocket knives, everyday carry folders, kitchen cutlery, hunting knives, and fishing knives, according to Alleima documentation. The steel performs capably for skinning game, slicing food, carving wood, and routine cutting tasks. We use this steel in folding knives designed for daily carry because it provides reliable cutting performance without requiring constant attention.
The steel falls short for heavy batoning, extreme edge retention, and large choppers that require maximum impact strength. Users seeking maximum edge retention would find M390 or S90V more suitable, while those needing a hard-use, fixed-blade might prefer 5160 or similar spring steels. For typical everyday cutting tasks, though, 14C28N handles cardboard breakdown, package opening, food preparation, and utility cutting without issue.
Comparisons to Common Alternatives
Forum discussions place 14C28N’s edge retention between 12C27 and VG-10, falling slightly short of 154CM. The steel offers better corrosion resistance than D2 while being tougher than both D2 and S30V. Compared to budget options like 8Cr13MoV, 14C28N provides noticeably better edge retention and corrosion resistance. Against premium steels like M390, it trades edge retention for ease of maintenance and toughness.
Users switching from S30V to 14C28N often appreciate the easier sharpening and finer edges possible with the Swedish steel. Those coming from softer steels like 420HC notice the improved edge retention and hardness. The steel occupies a practical middle ground, offering enough performance for serious use without the maintenance headaches of exotic alloys.
Manufacturing Consistency
Knife users on BladeForums note variations in 14C28N performance between manufacturers. Knives from Ruike and Civivi reportedly show better edge retention than test data might suggest, likely due to optimized heat treatment protocols. Most manufacturers run the steel at 58 to 60 HRC, though some push it to 62 HRC for improved performance. These variations mean that two knives with 14C28N might perform differently, depending on the manufacturer's heat-treatment choices.
The steel's forgiving nature during heat treatment contributes to generally consistent results across different manufacturers. Unlike some steels that require precise temperature control and complex cycles, 14C28N achieves good results with relatively simple protocols. This reliability makes it attractive for manufacturers seeking predictable performance without extensive quality control measures.
Value Proposition
Dr. Larrin Thomas describes 14C28N as an ideal budget knife steel, thanks to its blend of practical properties and affordability. Compared to premium alternatives, it offers satisfactory performance and accessibility to buyers seeking quality tools at reasonable prices.
In daily use, 14C28N provides convenience: quick sharpening, strong corrosion resistance, and toughness help users avoid maintenance hassles and enjoy reliable performance. These benefits often matter more to everyday users than the ultimate edge longevity of higher-end steels.
Tips for Getting the Most from 14C28N
Clean your 14C28N blade with a soft, damp cloth after each use to maintain optimal corrosion resistance. Avoid dishwashers and minimize the use of abrasive cleaners. The steel performs best when kept reasonably clean and dry, though it tolerates moisture exposure better than carbon steels. Regular stropping on leather extends the time between sharpenings considerably.
When sharpening, use moderate pressure and consistent angles. The steel removes material easily, so aggressive sharpening is unnecessary. Progress through grits methodically rather than jumping straight to fine stones. For field maintenance, a ceramic rod or small diamond plate handles touch-ups effectively. Set your edge angle to 15-17 degrees per side for optimal cutting performance, leveraging the steel’s toughness to support thinner geometry.
Making an Informed Choice
14C28N represents practical knife steel engineering. It won’t win edge retention contests against M390 or S90V, nor will it match the extreme toughness of 3V or 5160. What it does provide is balanced performance across multiple categories that matter for daily knife use.
The steel sharpens easily enough that maintaining a sharp edge requires minimal effort. It resists corrosion well enough that reasonable care prevents rust. It stays tough enough to handle typical cutting tasks without chipping or breaking.
We selected this steel for several models because it aligns with how our customers use pocket knives. Most cutting tasks involve cardboard, packaging, food, and similar materials rather than extreme use.
For these tasks, 14C28N provides reliable results without requiring any special knowledge or equipment. This steel is a practical choice for those seeking a knife that works dependably without becoming a maintenance project.