8Cr13MoV

[knarfeng]

Are blades made from 8Cr13MoV able to get a hair splitting edge, or is a utility edge the best i will get. and if so what is the best way to get that keen edge.

8Cr13MoV is quite similar to AUS8. It can take a fine edge and holds it reasonably well. It will take a finer edge than 440C, though it will not hold it as long.

The alloy certainly can be heat treated to decent hardness. I have a Byrd in that alloy that I measured at 59 HRC. Gunsite Mike has one that he measured at 61. The blade I have at 59 is not delicate.

Because it does not have carbides, you can sharpen it on almost any sharpening medium. Natural stone, ceramic, or diamond all work fine.

Increasing the hardness of an alloy improves edge retention. It does not improve wear resistance. There is a difference between the two terms. Comparing different materials such as diamond and aluminum to a single material that is heat treated to different hardnesses is an incorrect comparison.