13C26 vs. 14c28n

[Outpatient]

I have just purchased a Kershaw Skyline. Come to find out that they made this knife in at least two different steel types that I know of, 13C26 and 14C28N. I have been looking on the web to try and find a difference between the two steels and see if one is better that the other. As of now I have had no luck in my findings. I was wondering if anyone has had experience with ether or both of these steels and what they thought (witch holds a better edge, witch can you get sharper) I myself would rather have an incredibly sharp knife and sharpen it often then a mediocre blade and not have to sharpen as much. I also know that these a not high end steels so I cant expect to much from them. Thank you for you time.

 

[knivesandguns]

14C28N was made as an upgrade to the 13C26. You can get either incredibly sharp.

You might find that the steels surprise you. People have compared them against VG-10 and found that it performed better. Kershaw does not use "mediocre" steel...

 

[Dorito Monk]

My understanding is that 14c28 was designed to have superior corrosion resistance over 13c26 - not sure if it boasts much of an improvement in other areas.

In my experience, there isn't a huge difference between the two, functionally speaking. I have a Leek in 14c28 and a Cyclone in 13c26 that I've used quite a lot and the two steels are extremely similar. I probably wouldn't have been able to tell the difference between the two, to be perfectly honest.

I can get both sharp enough to whittle hair without a great deal of effort, and I haven't noticed a huge difference between their edge holding capabilities (although I use the Cyclone hard, as a work knife, while the Leek sees lighter use). Very few steels I've used have taken such a fine edge so readily, and they hold that fine edge for quite a while.

I think you'll be perfectly happy with either one.

 

[Gator97]

Actually, Kershaw just published full composition of the 14C28n. It has 0.08% Nitrogen in it, with 0.06% less carbon though, but theoretically Nitrogen should compensate. It is also a little more stainless, having 1% more Cr. Plus trace amounts of Molybdenum. Given the differences it's hard to tell the practical difference though.

For the reference - 14C28n vs. 13C26 steel composition comparison.

 

[The Mastiff]

Both 13C and 14c like to get really sharp and operate there. It doesn't have huge volumes of vanadium carbides. If you are cutting cardboard, or fiberglass it'll need to be sharpened more often than some steels.

Edge stability is good as 13C was designed as a razor blade steel. 14C loses none of the good attributes that 13C has and adds better corrosion resistance.

Both are good steels that sharpen easily, and take a wicked edge. I like them both, though I don't have a preference between them.

 

[gomipile]

Both 13C and 14c like to get really sharp and operate there. It doesn't have huge volumes of vanadium carbides. If you are cutting cardboard, or fiberglass it'll need to be sharpened more often than some steels.

Although, to be fair, stockmen with 14c28n knives have praised this steel as one that can cut tape and cardboard all day between sharpenings better than any cheaper steel, and as well as S30V (or better in some ways, since the edge wear is more gradual, without the initial plateau of S30V.)

For any kind of light EDC use that might require a razor sharp edge for a short to medium time, 14c28n is probably a really damn good choice.

 

[jimnolimit]

Both 13C and 14c like to get really sharp and operate there. It doesn't have huge volumes of vanadium carbides. If you are cutting cardboard, or fiberglass it'll need to be sharpened more often than some steels.

Edge stability is good as 13C was designed as a razor blade steel. 14C loses none of the good attributes that 13C has and adds better corrosion resistance.

Both are good steels that sharpen easily, and take a wicked edge. I like them both, though I don't have a preference between them.

^ +1.

outpatient - which blade steel did your skyline come with?

"high end steel" is a relative term, there are many factors and situations that will determine a steel's use and performance. i doubt you'll be dissatisfied with kershaw's sandvik steels.

 

[gomipile]

^ +1.

outpatient - which blade steel did your skyline come with?

"high end steel" is a relative term, there are many factors and situations that will determine a steel's use and performance. i doubt you'll be dissatisfied with kershaw's sandvik steels.

Yeah, compared to the steels common in the 80's and early 90's, 14c28n is science fiction miracle material. It is definitely among if not the best of the stainless steels you'll find in any sub-$30 production knife.

 

[jimnolimit]

Yeah, compared to the steels common in the 80's and early 90's, 14c28n is science fiction miracle material. It is definitely among if not the best of the stainless steels you'll find in any sub-$30 production knife.

i agree, the "normal" steels from reputable knife makers today would have been "exotic" and high end just short time ago.

i have a little steel snob in me (most of us do), but i like to buy knives in all different steels so i can have the most experience possible. over the last 10+ years i've sharpened many knives, all different types and steels, i've realized that (for the most part) every steel has it's place. i read alot of times people talking trash about or talking down on certain steels just because they're not "exotic". these razor steels are great because they are easy to sharpen and take a wicked edge. also, because of their price people aren't afraid to use them (a used knife is better than a stored knife IMO). most people don't want to spend a while working on an edge or don't have the experience to get it perfect with these exotic steels. in many situations it's much easier and more productive to take 30 seconds to touch up a blade made out of "normal" steel and get the edge back to 100%.

 

[J.Mattson]

You can get either incredibly sharp.

Bingo, very sharp and without much effort.

I’ve had and used a Skyline in 13c26 for two years. In many ways it a fantastic steel for what it is. I haven’t had any problems with rust but I wipe down and oil my EDC knives every night.

 

[cramsey3006]

I've had no rust issues with any Kershaw knife I've had. I've carried my Skyline every day for over two years now. An occasional wipe every once in a while, usually after cutting something with adhesive on it or some other material that leaves residue on the blade is all the care it gets.

 

[Supra1988t]

How does bark rivers 12c27 compare to these two?

 

[Outpatient]

@jimnolimit I have to agree with you on your comment "everyone has a little steel snob in them" me maybe a bit more than others.I just paid $40 more to get ZDP-189 on a FFG Spyderco Endura. However I love lesser steels as well. Also I was lucky enough to get my Skyline with 14C28N and after doing cutting test with it all morning I am finding myself nothing but impressed. especially spending just $35 on the knife.

 

[cramsey3006]

How does bark rivers 12c27 compare to these two?

Steel is very comparable, it's just got a little less carbon. What one will do, so will the other two.

They are all Sandvik steels. Most of the popular scandinavian knife companies use 12c27 or 13c26. I believe that only Kershaw uses 14c28n, since they were instrumental in it's development. They wanted a steel with a bit more stain resistance.

As for sharpening and edge retention, it all depends on the heat treat. 12c27 on the Mora knives is 57-58RC and they take and hold a very sharp edge.

 

[knarfeng]

I have just purchased a Kershaw Skyline. Come to find out that they made this knife in at least two different steel types that I know of, 13C26 and 14C28N. I have been looking on the web to try and find a difference between the two steels and see if one is better that the other. As of now I have had no luck in my findings. I was wondering if anyone has had experience with ether or both of these steels and what they thought (witch holds a better edge, witch can you get sharper) I myself would rather have an incredibly sharp knife and sharpen it often then a mediocre blade and not have to sharpen as much. I also know that these a not high end steels so I cant expect to much from them. Thank you for you time.

I might restate your desire, but I understand that you would rather have a blade with sharper edge than one that is less sharp, but holds that edge longer. I think either 13C26 or 14C28 will suit you just fine. It's not for nothing they are used for razors. I can't tell the difference between them in either ease of obtaining a very fine edge or in edge retention.