440C is a high-carbon, high-hardenability, rust-resistant stainless steel. The steel offers a good combination of edge retention, corrosion resistance, and everyday usability.
Three key characteristics of the steel: Edge retention, rust resistance, and sharpenability
Edge retention: high
★★★★☆
The high carbon content allows for high hardness and improves wear resistance compared to 440A and 440B.
Rust resistance: high
★★★★☆
The high chromium content ensures good corrosion resistance.
Sharpenability: good
★★★★☆
440C can be sharpened well, but due to its higher hardness, it requires slightly more effort than softer stainless steels.
Areas of application
Pocket knives: The combination of hardness and rust resistance makes 440C a proven steel for high-quality pocket knives.
Everyday knives: The balanced properties make the steel suitable for versatile cutting tasks.
Low-maintenance blades: Good corrosion resistance is an advantage over non-stainless carbon steels.
Steel composition
| Element | Proportion |
|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | approx. 1.00–1.20% |
| Chromium (Cr) | approx. 16–18% |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | approx. 0.75% |
Products with 440C Knife Steel
