Nitro-V Steel VS 14C28N, which one is better?
Nitro-V and 14C28N are both highly sought-after steel sheets with amazing durability and vigor over their edges. These two are so alike to one another that the buyer gets a brain fog just trying to choose one over the other. So what differences give one of the two the upper hand?
The most visible drawback of Nitro-V Steel is its lesser edge retention compared to the premium edge retention of 14C28N. Other than that, Nitro-V steel might even corrode faster. Now that you have your answer, is that all to know to make your purchase? What’s more? Let me help you to find out.
Nitro-V Steel Overview
Nitro-V wasn’t available in the market before 2017, but people used to know it as AEB-L. You could say this is the latest edition of AEB-L. It is AEB-L with Nitrogen and Vanadium. These two components give it a new edge over hardness, corrosion resistance, and edge retention.
14C28N Overview
14C28N steel is stainless steel created by Sandvik (Another name 14C28N goes by is Sandvik 14C28N steel), a Swedish brand that creates steel. The company, upon its making, turns this steel into knives and shaving razors. Chefs, knife connoisseurs, and duelers enjoy this steel grade for its hardness and premium performance.
Quick Comparison Chart
| Basis for Comparison | Nitro-V Steel | 14C28N |
| Chemical Compounds | 0.68% Carbon 12.98% Chromium 0.11% Nitrogen 0.78% Manganese 0.08% Vanadium 0.30% Silicon | 0.62% Carbon 14% Chromium 0.11% Nitrogen 0.78% Manganese 0.30% Silicon 0.02% Phosphorus 0.01% Sulfur |
| Hardness | 58-62HRC | 55-62 HRC |
| Toughness | Strong | Strong |
| Wear Resistance | Medium | High |
| Edge Retention | Good | Excellent |
| Corrosion Resistance | Highly resistant | Highly resistant |
| Cost | More expensive | Affordable |
Key Differences
Chemical compounds
Nitro-V and 14C28N use similar compositions of almost similar compounds except for vanadium; however, 14C28N has Phosphorus and Sulfur in its design. These two compounds have significantly increased their solderability. So here the winner is 14C28N.
Hardness & toughness
Nitro-V has a hardness of 58-62HRC. Most people would be surprised to learn that Nitro-V has superior toughness to other steels in the same category, given that hard steels are typically not very tough. As a result of its high hardness, this steel can be forged into razor-sharp, ultra-thin blades, making it ideal for a set of cutting tools.
14C28N is a hard steel with a hardness of 55-62 HRC. It is perfect for making many knives, like hunting, fishing, pocket, etc. Its versatility has made it one of the most sought-after knife steels. Being hard steel, 14C28N is thought to be brittle. But it’s not. It’s pretty durable. So from my perception of this category, So here the winner depends on the person’s needs.
Wear resistance
Because of the enhanced alloy, Nitro-V steel has good wear resistance because of the enhanced alloy. Despite its lower wear resistance compared to other steels, blades constructed from this material will not distort even when used in demanding situations.
14C28N steel has high wear resistance because of the carbon and manganese content. Knives forged from 14C28N will last long without deteriorating or breaking, no matter how often you use them. So the winner here is 14C28N.
Edge retention
Nitro-V steel, an upgraded version of AEB-L, is said to have superior edge retention. There is no difference in edge retention between the two sheets of steel because of the same levels of carbides present in each.
The high carbon and chromium content of 14C28N steel is primarily responsible for its excellent edge retention.
Corrosion Resistance
Nitro V’s chromium percentage and alloy allow it great flexibility in providing as much resistance as needed.
14C28N has corrosion resistance similar to BD1N and 440A steels. They are highly resistant to corrosion and are also manufactured in humidity. So the winner is 14C28N
Sharpening
Both are easy-to-sharpen knife steel. if you follow the proper procedure you can keep this knife always razor sharp.
Conclusion
Nitro-V steel VS 14C28N comes at a brutal draw, with both being premium-grade steels. They have slight flaws, but they shine like a haystack needle. 14C28N makes a good Nitro-V equivalent, but I have to compensate for Nitro-V’s lack of vanadium elements.
Vanadium elements produce more complex carbides, so 14C28N has superior edge retention. Their wear resistance factor is equivalent too. Other aspects only slightly vary.
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You are showing vanadium in nitro v but not 14c. So what you’ve said in this entire article is all contradictory.