12c27 vs 9Cr18MoV

T

theaxel

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Feb 27, 2013
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Hi guys im looking at two knives one from Boker and the other CRKT. I'm just asking about how the two steels compare and which would be considered better. i already have a boker knife in 12c27 and really like that steel(seem to be able to get it really sharp).
 
I think 12c27 is a low carbide steel so will take a very sharp edge. 9Cr has a lot of carbon and a lot of chromium, which suggests that it will produce larger carbides during processing.
 
12C27 is similar to 440A.

9Cr18MoV is similar to 440B.


Comparison
http://www.zknives.com/knives/steels/steelgraph.php?nm=9Cr18MoV,12C27&ni=,704&hrn=1&gm=0

From Sandvik:

http://www.smt.sandvik.com/en/produ...ife-steel/sandvik-knife-steels/sandvik-12c27/

Simple answer:

440A type steel is very fine grained with edge stability and keen edges being key if properly heat treated.
440B is fine grained but with higher wear resistance then 440A
440C is not so fine grained but with even higher wear resistance.

Here is a good read on edge performance.

Knife Steel Knowledge by Sandvik
 
Nowadays, 12C27 is probably the favorite steel for high end pocket knives in french cutlery. I don't like the shiny stuff but I must say it performs brilliantly. Swedish and norsk brands (EKA, Helle) also like this steel a lot and here again, it's a winner. Given the low carbon content it's quite amazing and perhaps they use some cryogenic hardening. Don't know, but it's reasonably easy to sharpen, the edge holds up well to everyday use/abuse and the sharpness lasts quite
well. Not a fan of stainless, but this one has certainly some advantages.
 
I have found 9Cr to act similarly to VG-10. Sharpens easily, holds a decent edge, takes a really sharp edge without much effort. 12c27 is an awesome steel too, though. Takes a screaming sharp edge in no time, holds it pretty well, and makes an excellent slicer. The Sandvik steels are the finest grained steels I have seems that aren't particle steels.

I actually prefer 9Cr and Sandvik steels to the super steels (excluding the lower end ones like VG-10 and N690Co, because those rock).
 
dkb45 said:
I have found 9Cr to act similarly to VG-10. Sharpens easily, holds a decent edge, takes a really sharp edge without much effort. 12c27 is an awesome steel too, though. Takes a screaming sharp edge in no time, holds it pretty well, and makes an excellent slicer. The Sandvik steels are the finest grained steels I have seems that aren't particle steels.

I actually prefer 9Cr and Sandvik steels to the super steels (excluding the lower end ones like VG-10 and N690Co, because those rock).
Click to expand...

A char I put togeather to show the chemical composition for each of these steels.


........................ Carbon (C) Manganese (Mn) Chromium (Cr) Nickel (Ni) Vanadium (V) Molybdenum (Mo) Silicon (S) Tungsten (W) Cobalt (Co)


12C27................0.60............... 0.40.................13.50.............................................................................0.40


9Cr18MoV......... 0.95.................0.30...............16.00..............0.10..................................0.50

So 12c27 has more Manganese, but less carbon and chromium in it. It does have some Silicon which is usually added to low carbon knives for surface life. It also adds some hardness and toughness, but not like Manganese does.

9cr18mov has Nickel which adds strength and toughness. It also has Molybdenum which adds hardness.

Honestly both of these steels will take a razor sharp edge and keep it for quite sometime. Both are good steels.
 
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I have had experience with both and the Winner will always be 12c27 IMHO.

12c27 is a VERY pure steel and will transform into a scalpel in no time, also probably the toughest stainless out there.

Wear resistance is wear this steel is underrated. Once sharpened to a screaming edge, it will hold that sharpness for a long time. (this is from my own experience)

I own knives with all sorts of high wear resistant steels such as 10v, S110V, 20cv, but i always find pleasure in coming back to my 12c27 knives.
 
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For basic no frills steels, Both are pretty solid and tough options when heat treated properly.

12c27 will take a finer razor edge due to low carbide content, and may be a bit tougher

9cr18mov will hold an edge longer, (especially the "working edge"), thanks to higher volume of carbides, but is still tough enough thanks to additional nickel
 
Hi.

I have been trying to do a comparison between "n690co and 9Cr18Mov", But i cannot figure out the comparison website in the links below, I can add one steel type but not two, what am i missing.

EDIT: I managed to edit one of the link above to compare the two steels i wanted.

Thanks for any help.
 
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12C27 has been a favorite with knifemakers for a long time. It is under-rated IMHO. Sandvik knows their stuff. Tough, highly corrosion resistant, easy to sharpen, holds an edge a long time... what's not to like?
 
I have an Mora Pro-S it uses 12C27, The curve of the blade became blunt after i opened only a few parcels and i was a bit disappointed.
 
Having 4 more years experience with steels since this thread came around the first time, and having since gotten diamond stones and a guided sharpener, I can say that I now do prefer 9Cr to 12c27, but I will accept either on a knife designed how I like. Neither have any issue with edge retention, neither have issues with corrosion if cared for, and neither are prone to edge damage or deformation. Having much better sharpening system now, though, I do prefer the slightly harder to sharpen one (9Cr), but both steels are perfectly serviceable and can be had at pretty affordable prices on most all knives they are on.
 
Graphics and composition...
Screenshot_20171006_090446.png
 
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