I am looking at a few Kershaw fixed blades that use this steel. Can anybody please tell me a little more about it? What rc do they run it at? How is it at edge retention? Just really don't know much, but would like to know more. Thanks for the help guys.
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14C28N steel
- Thread starter L2bravo
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Any of the Sandvik steels, such as this one, should do pretty well. They have a great reputation for fine grain (read: suitability for very fine edges), and edge retention should be good also. Sandvik rates the steel all the way up to 62 RC, but I don't know what Kershaw actually treats it to.
With Kershaw's blades, I'd just be wary of bead-blast finishes on the blades. Kershaw had some big issues with rusting on some of their Sandvik bead-blast finish blades, a while back. Bead-blast finishes in general aren't known for the best corrosion-resitance, even in stainless. The finish creates lots of pores in the steel, which trap & hold stuff that accelerates corrosion (moisture, salts, acids, etc.). This isn't a knock against the steel itself; just the way it's finished.
David
With Kershaw's blades, I'd just be wary of bead-blast finishes on the blades. Kershaw had some big issues with rusting on some of their Sandvik bead-blast finish blades, a while back. Bead-blast finishes in general aren't known for the best corrosion-resitance, even in stainless. The finish creates lots of pores in the steel, which trap & hold stuff that accelerates corrosion (moisture, salts, acids, etc.). This isn't a knock against the steel itself; just the way it's finished.
David
Thanks David! I can always count on you for some good info. You never fail....unless I'm asking about Chicago Cutlery that is! LOL. Yes the Kershaw blades have a bead blast finish, but then again, they are pretty affordable. With knowing what you are saying, I'll just keep em oiled well. Thanks again bud, Josh
spyderco lover
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This has popped up a few times and let me give you some opinions, having heavily used the steel over the last two years. I find that it is extremely easy to get a hair whittling edge on 14C28N when reprofiled to 35 or 30 degrees inclusive. It sharpens incredibly easily, is rather tough, and has good edge retention in my experience. I've had rust on the stonewashed 14c, but not on satin finished like the ener-g2 (Sadly discontinued). I only chipped the edge once from dropping it on tile, and even that only took five minutes to fix with my edge pro. Overall I give it an 8 out of ten for overall performance, I consider it very similar to s35vn in that it performs very well in many categories, but not exceptionally. As long as you're not chopping bones, it will serve you quite well for years to come 
hope that helps mate
hope that helps mate
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If you haven't seen any issues in your use of the knife, I wouldn't worry. It's just something to be aware of, if it does come up. Might be a valid warranty issue for blade replacement, if so (based on how Kershaw has dealt with it in the past).
This is quoted from Kershaw's site description of the 'Needs Work' knife:
David