14C28N Steel

Description

14C28N is a stainless steel from Sandvik (Sweden), developed as an improvement over 13C26/AEB-L. With increased chromium and nitrogen content, it offers better corrosion resistance while maintaining excellent toughness. Commonly used in pocket knives (e.g. Kershaw), kitchen knives, and EDC knives.

Composition

Element	Content
Carbon (C)	0.68 %
Chromium (Cr)	14 %
Nitrogen (N)	0.11 %
Manganese (Mn)	0.4 %

Properties

Property	Value	Rating (1-10)
Hardness	60–62 HRC	—
Toughness	10–15 ft-lbs at 61 HRC	8/10
Corrosion Resistance	Very good	8/10
Edge Retention (CATRA TCC)	~400–450 mm at 61 HRC	5/10
Carbide Volume	~6–7 % (chromium carbides)	—
Grindability	Very good	8/10

Microstructure

14C28N has a very fine microstructure similar to AEB-L/13C26. The chromium carbides are small and evenly distributed. The nitrogen addition improves corrosion resistance and enables higher hardness.

Heat Treatment

Step	Temperature / Duration
Austenitizing	1050–1075 °C
Quench	Oil or air
Cryo	Optional for maximum hardness
Tempering	150–200 °C (2×)
Achievable Hardness	60–62 HRC

Steel	Hardness	Toughness	Corrosion	Edge Retention
14C28N	61 HRC	8/10	8/10	5/10
AEB-L / 13C26	60 HRC	8/10	7/10	5/10
12C27	59 HRC	8/10	8/10	5/10
VG10	60 HRC	5/10	8/10	5/10

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Excellent toughness for a stainless steel
Very good corrosion resistance (better than AEB-L)
Very fine microstructure
Easy to grind
Good edge stability
Cost-effective

Cons:

Moderate edge retention compared to higher-alloyed steels
Not suitable for extreme applications
Limited availability outside factory knives

Conclusion

14C28N is one of the best budget steels with an excellent combination of properties. It offers the best balance of toughness, corrosion resistance, and edge retention in the budget category. Ideal for EDC knives and kitchen knives.