Does 14C28N out perform AEB-L?

[DeadboxHero]

Got a great deal on a Kershaw Leek from a buddy, just curious though how these steels compare after searching I couldn't find a consensus.

I know the there is the nitrogen aid in performance.

But AEB-L is held in high esteem for extremely keen edges.

 

[shecky]

14c28N probably outperforms in corrosion resistance. I believe that's why Kershaw changed over from 13C26, which is closer to AEB-L. Probably theoretically capable of higher hardness, but in actual implementaion may or may not be any difference.

 

[matus]

AEB-L became famous once HT procedure was found that really boosted its properties (I think it was Devin Thomas, but please do not hesitate to correct me) what gained it a lot recgnition in high end kitchen cuttlery. It is not a 'super steel' if you look at its composition. I would say - these two steels are not that different, so it will be the HT that will decide on the main properties.

 

[chiral.grolim]

...these two steels are not that different, so it will be the HT that will decide on the main properties.

This^ These steels are nearly identical. If anyone can tell the difference between these two steels based on performance, it has less to do with the difference in chemistry and more to do with the different HT protocols being implemented, which would be true if you compared 13C26/AEB-L against itself with two different HT protocols - one to maximize hardness, the other to maximize corrosion resistance. 14C28N swaps out some carbon for nitrogen and adds more chromium to get a tiny bit more 'stainless'.

 

[DeadboxHero]

Thanks for the responses guys