420HC steel vs 154CM | Which steel is better?

420HC and 154CM steel Both are high quality and offer outstanding durability and performance, but one may be better suited for your needs than the other. Also, keep in mind that steel is not a “one size fits all” solution, and the best steel for your knife will ultimately depend on how you plan to use it.

Which Steel Is Better?

420HC is a high-carbon stainless steel that is commonly used in knife making. It offers good corrosion resistance and edge retention but is not as wear-resistant as 154CM.

154CM is also a high-carbon stainless steel, but it contains additional molybdenum, which gives it better edge holding and hardness & retains sharpness longer. However, this comes at the expense of slightly lower corrosion resistance.

We collectively think 420HC is overall better for serious knife users who demand the absolute best in terms of edge retention, toughness & corrosion resistance. However, 154CM is still a great steel and will offer excellent performance for most users. It’s also worth noting that many knife makers use 154CM as it is easier to work with during manufacturing.

A quick comparison chart

Key Differences

If you want to make a knife, both 420HC and 154CM steel are great options. However, there are some critical differences between the two.

Built Quality

154CM is made with high-quality materials and tends to have slightly better build quality. This is because it contains additional molybdenum, which makes the steel harder to work with during manufacturing. As a result, knives made with 154CM steel tend to have higher built quality overall. But 420HC is no slouch in this department either – it’s still a high-quality steel that offers great durability and performance.

Edge Retention

154CM performs better in terms of edge retention. This is because it’s high-carbon stainless steel and has a higher carbon content. This results in a harder blade less likely to dull over time. The extra molybdenum in 154CM steel makes it a better choice for those who want a blade that can take tough tasks and stay sharper longer.

420HC is also very good in this regard but not quite as good as 154CM. But 420HC is still capable of maintaining its sharpness for a long time. But most likely, you’ll have to sharpen your 420HC blade more frequently than a 154CM blade.

Corrosion Resistance

Both steels are better are corrosion resisting but 420CM offers better corrosion resistance. This is because it’s high-carbon stainless steel and has a higher chromium content. As a result, the blade is less likely to rust or corrode over time.

Wear Resistance

It’s vital to wear resistance if you plan on using your knife often. The better option in terms of 154CM contains molybdenum, making the blade harder to show signs of wear. Although 420HC is still durable steel, it doesn’t have as much wear resistance because it is softer and more prone over time without molybdenum.

Ease of Sharpening

This is the unique reason we chose 420HC over 154CM. People tend to find an easy way to sharpen their knives and 420HC offers much easier sharpening. Because of hardness, 154CM is quite tricky to sharpen, and you need special tools & techniques that the average person doesn’t have. However, with 420HC, all you need is a good sharpening stone and patience – it can be done at home without fancy equipment.

Conclusion

In conclusion, for anyone looking for a premium pocket knife, the 420HC and 154CM are excellent options. Despite their obvious commonalities, they nevertheless differ significantly to accommodate various requirements and tastes. While 154cm steel offers superior durability and edge retention, 420HC steel is sharp and easy to sharpen. Which of the two you choose will ultimately rely on your tastes, intended use, and financial situation. You’ve gained insightful knowledge about the distinctions between 420HC and 154CM steel from this blog post, which will aid you in making your next knife purchase.

Read More:

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Favorite Knife In Each Category

So, there you have it – a brief overview of 420HC vs 154CM steel. Now, let’s look at some of our favorite knives in each category.

154CM

The Mini Barrage 585 from Benchmade is one of our favorite knives made with 154CM steel. This knife is perfect for everyday carry, as it’s a small and lightweight, reversible pocket clip, yet still offers excellent performance. The blade is just 2.91 inches long, making it easy to carry around without being too big or bulky.

420HC

Gerber lmf knife is a great all-arounder that can be used for everything from camping to survival. The full-tang 4.84-inch blade is made from 420HC stainless steel and offers excellent durability and performance. The knife also comes with glass filled nylon sheath for easy handling.