440A vs 440C Steel | Is there any difference?

The 440A and 440C steels are both high-carbon stainless steels containing chromium as the primary alloying element. However, these two grades differ in a few important respects. 440A has less carbon than 440C, which is the main reason why its microstructure is softer and more resistant to corrosion. In this blog post, we’ll take a more in-depth look at the key differences between 440A and 440C steel.

Which One Is Best?

The answer to this question depends on the application.

The main difference between 440A and 440C stainless steel is that 440A has a lower carbon content than 440C. This makes 440A more corrosion resistant, but it is also less hardenable. As a result, 440A is typically used in applications where corrosion resistance is more important than hardness, such as knives and surgical instruments.

440C, on the other hand, has a higher carbon content than 440A. This makes 440C harder and more wear-resistant, but it also makes it less corrosion-resistant. Because of this, 440C is often used in bearings and valve seats, even hatchet knives, where hardness and wear resistance are more critical than corrosion resistance.

440A is our top pick for its corrosion resistance and ease of sharpening & mostly it’s cheap, but if you need a knife that’s going to see a lot of hard use, 440C is the way to go.

440A Vs 440C: A Quick Comparison Chart

Key Differences

Although both 440A and 440C steel are excellent choices for a knife, there are some crucial distinctions.

Built Quality

The first significant difference is in built quality. 440A has a lower carbon content, meaning that it is less wear-resistant but tougher. This also contributes to corrosion resistance. Because of this, 440A is often used in construction where there is a need to avoid corrosion but not so much wear, such as knives and surgical instruments.

440C, in contrast, contains more carbon. The higher carbon content makes the steel harder but also susceptible to corrosion. As a result, 440C is often employed in conditions where hardness and resistance to wear are paramount instead of avoiding corrosion – such as hatchet knives and bearings.

Corrosion Resistance

The 440A steel is less likely to corrode than 440C, making it a better choice for kitchen knives and other applications where rust resistance is vital. The higher carbon content in 440C gives it better wear resistance but also makes it more sensitive to corrosion.

Ease of Sharpening

Both steels perform the same in this category. They can both be sharpened to a fine edge and will hold that edge well. Also, because of the high carbon content, both sheets of steel can be honed to a razor-like edge.

Cost

The 440A is less expensive than the 440C. This is because the 440A has a lower carbon content, making it easier to produce. The 440C, on the other hand, is more expensive due to its higher carbon content. Another reason is that 440A is more accessible to manufacture than 440C.

Favorite Knife In Each Category

440A

This knife is a great choice for those who are looking for a pocket knife with excellent corrosion resistance. The Sergeant is made with 440A stainless steel and features an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene handle. It has a blade length of 4.3 inches and an overall length of 7.5 inches.

440C

The iField 1505 tactical folding knife is a great choice for those who need a hard-use knife that can take a beating. It is made with 440C stainless steel and features a wooden handle. Best for using surviving and camping.

Conclusion

So, what is the better choice? If you need a knife that is going to see a lot of hard use, 440A is the way to go. It is more corrosion-resistant and easier to sharpen. If you need a knife that is going to be used for more delicate tasks, 440C is the better choice. It is harder and will hold an edge for longer. However, it is also more expensive and less corrosion-resistant.

If you like to read more comparisons dive below,

• 420HC vs 440C Steel: Which is better and why?
• 420HC Vs D2 Steel: An in-depth comparison