Kershaw 13C26 compared to other steels

Q

Quy4n8

Joined
Nov 27, 2002
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659
How does 13C26 as heat treated by Kershaw compare to 154CM or S30V as done by Benchmade? I like several models of Kershaws, but don't know how their metals perform. I am familiar with the other two steels and if you have some thoughts, that might help.

I read somewhere that they run this particular steel fairly soft (55-57 Rc), can anyone confirm this? Thanks.
 
Hello Qui4n8, 13c26 is a class of stainless made by Sandvik Materials in Sweeden. This particular steel is primarily used in the making of razor blades and surgical tools. Sandvick considers it a premium stainless. As far as Kershaw, the numbers you quoted sound about right. If they say 55 to 57, its almost sure you will get 56. About equal to 440A. But don't let these numbers alone scare you off. There are many other factors involved in finding a good EDC. Ease of sharpening, and good stain resistance help. Hope this helps a little.
 
Kershaw's steel choice is the primary reason I no longer purchase their knives. Every new Kershaw I've bought with the Sandvik steel won't hold and edge at all. My Mini Cyclone would go dull after cutting up one small cardboard box. That's just my opinion/experiance with Kershaw's knives, others on this forum seem to really like them. They have excellent fit and finish and nice designs for sure though, just not the blade to back it up.
 
The 13c26 is a very good steel that when heat treated can range form 58 to 60. Then tempered and brought down in one point increments to what ever you want. Kershaw makes alot of knives and I can only assume they know how to heat treat blade steel. So if it is advertived as 55-57 then it is by choice.

Or they just suck
 
13C26 will hold a better edge than 440A but not as well as 154CM or S30V. If your 13C26 is not holding an edge well try re-profiling the blade edge to around 25 to 27 degrees. The steel works very well with a finer edge and will hold it longer. It will remain very strong even with thin edge profiles due to grain size of the steel. IIRC Kershaw generally runs them around 58-60 RC.
Check here for more info. http://www.smt.sandvik.com/hardeningguide
 
Learn how to sharpen your own knives and hardness won't be quite as important. There is a lot going on in the world of knife steel. Dollar for dollar the 13c26 Kershaws will serve you well and will be a lot easier to re-sharpen. Plus it will help you develop good sharpening skills so you will be ready to take on Rc60 or 61.
 
I think they harden the steel to about 58-60 RC.

I've had it hold an edge similar to AUS8 and 8Cr13MoV but not as well as , ZDP189, S30V or VG10. I have more difficulty getting it hair whittling sharp than I do the ZDP, S30V or VG10, because it tends to burr more easily using my sharpening setup (Fine ceramic rod or fine DMT stone followed by a strop).

If the model has a beadblast coating on the blade I've also observed a tendency to show poor corrosion resistance.

The durability of the steel hasn't struck me as particularly better or worse than other steels I've used in an EDC. It stands up to regular use fine, but will chip or deform if you smack it against rocks or steel by accident.
 
Know what you mean. The recurve presents a little different approach to sharpening. I hand sharpen mine with ceramic sticks. A round or oval sharpening tool would be what you need in this case. DMT makes a Deluxe rod guide kit that has a cresent shape diamond hone for recurve and hawkbill type knives. Eventually, you'll be sharpening recurves perfectly by hand. Good Luck. Keep trying.
 
I think 13C26 performs quite well. We rarely get complaints about the performance, and run it in the 58-60 Rc range. Can't think of another steel that can be fine blanked that I would switch over to.

Of course we also use 154CM, CPM-154, CPM-D2, SG2, ZDP-189, CPM-S30V, CPM-S60V, VG-10, 440C, and soon to be CPM-110V on a multitude of different patterns if they are more your speed.
 
My only 13C26 are my Cyclones ( 2 large and 1 mini) and I really like those knives. I don't feel under-steeled at all when I carry them . . .
 
I have a lot of Kershaws utilizing 13C26 steel. I don't have any problems with
edge holding ability with them.
Some I have changed to profile on, but that's a personal preference.
I don't compare this steel to VG10 or S30V because that is apples to oranges.
It's a pricing factor. A $40 knife in 13C26 is around $65-70 in S30V.
For that I would expect the S30V to perform better. And it does of course.
But for something that is reasonably priced and maintains a decent edge, 13C26 it at the top.

As Thomas mentioned, there are many more steels that Kershaw is using and more to come! :D

mike
 
No problems getting mine to whittle hair.
12 per side with a 1200 DMT followed with a micro bevel on a 2200 ceramic....no strop.
Personally, I love the stuff. Takes a good keen edge and holds it pretty decent.

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