14C28N vs 154CM
14C28N is tougher, resists corrosion better and is easier to sharpen; 154CM holds an edge longer. Choose 14C28N for toughness, 154CM for edge retention.
Who wins each property
Side by side
| 14C28N | 154CM | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Stainless steels | Stainless steels |
| Hardness | 57–60 HRC | 58–61 HRC |
| Edge retention | 3/10 | 5/10 |
| Toughness | 8/10 | 4/10 |
| Corrosion resistance | 8/10 | 6/10 |
| Ease of sharpening | 9/10 | 6/10 |
| Price tier | Budget | Mid-range |
| Maker | Alleima (Sandvik) | Crucible / Latrobe |
Composition
| Element | 14C28N | 154CM |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | 0.62 | 1.05 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 14 | 14 |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | — | 4 |
| Nitrogen (N) | 0.11 | — |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.6 | 0.5 |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.2 | 0.3 |
| Phosphorus (P) | 0.025 | 0.03 |
| Sulfur (S) | 0.01 | 0.03 |
Property by property
Edge retention
154CM holds an edge longer: 5/10 against 3/10 for 14C28N, a 2-point gap.
Toughness
14C28N is tougher: 8/10 against 4/10 for 154CM, a 4-point gap. Typical hardness: 57–60 vs 58–61 HRC; harder blades trade toughness for edge holding.
Corrosion resistance
14C28N resists corrosion better: 8/10 against 6/10 for 154CM, a 2-point gap.
Ease of sharpening
14C28N is easier to sharpen: 9/10 against 6/10 for 154CM, a 3-point gap.
Knives in each steel
14C28N
| Knife | Brand | Blade | Weight | Lock | List price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kershaw Leek 1660 | Kershaw | 3" | 3 oz | Frame lock | $124.99 | Blade HQ |
| Kershaw Blur 1670BLK | Kershaw | 3.4" | 3.9 oz | Liner lock | $159.99 | Blade HQ |
154CM
| Knife | Brand | Blade | Weight | Lock | List price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Benchmade Barrage | Benchmade | 3.6" | 4.31 oz | AXIS lock | $250 | Blade HQ |
| Benchmade Mini Barrage | Benchmade | 2.91" | 3.4 oz | AXIS lock | $225 | Blade HQ |
| Pro-Tech Godfather 951 Tuxedo | Pro-Tech | 4" | 3.6 oz | Button lock | $330 | Blade HQ |
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FAQ
Which is better, 14C28N or 154CM?
14C28N is tougher, resists corrosion better and is easier to sharpen; 154CM holds an edge longer. Choose 14C28N for toughness, 154CM for edge retention.
Which is harder, 14C28N or 154CM?
14C28N is typically run at 57–60 HRC and 154CM at 58–61 HRC.
Is 14C28N or 154CM more rust resistant?
14C28N (8/10). Both are conventional stainless steels.