14C28N vs D2
14C28N is tougher, resists corrosion better and is easier to sharpen; D2 holds an edge longer. Choose 14C28N for toughness, D2 for edge retention.
Who wins each property
Side by side
| 14C28N | D2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Stainless steels | Tool steels |
| Hardness | 57–60 HRC | 58–61 HRC |
| Edge retention | 3/10 | 6/10 |
| Toughness | 8/10 | 3/10 |
| Corrosion resistance | 8/10 | 4/10 |
| Ease of sharpening | 9/10 | 4/10 |
| Price tier | Budget | Budget |
| Maker | Alleima (Sandvik) | Generic (AISI) |
Composition
| Element | 14C28N | D2 |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | 0.62 | 1.5 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 14 | 12 |
| Vanadium (V) | — | 0.9 |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | — | 1 |
| Nitrogen (N) | 0.11 | — |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.6 | 0.4 |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.2 | 0.4 |
| Phosphorus (P) | 0.025 | 0.03 |
| Sulfur (S) | 0.01 | 0.03 |
Property by property
Edge retention
D2 holds an edge longer: 6/10 against 3/10 for 14C28N, a 3-point gap. Vanadium: 0% vs 0.9%; more vanadium carbide generally means more wear resistance.
Toughness
14C28N is tougher: 8/10 against 3/10 for D2, a 5-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 4/10 for D2, a 4-point gap. Chromium: 14% vs 12%, though what matters is the chromium left in solution, not the total.
Ease of sharpening
14C28N is easier to sharpen: 9/10 against 4/10 for D2, a 5-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 |
D2
| Knife | Brand | Blade | Weight | Lock | List price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Civivi Elementum C907A | Civivi | 2.96" | 2.89 oz | Liner lock | $59 | Blade HQ |
| QSP Penguin QS130 | QSP | 3.06" | 3.14 oz | Liner lock | — | Blade HQ |
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FAQ
Which is better, 14C28N or D2?
14C28N is tougher, resists corrosion better and is easier to sharpen; D2 holds an edge longer. Choose 14C28N for toughness, D2 for edge retention.
Which is harder, 14C28N or D2?
14C28N is typically run at 57–60 HRC and D2 at 58–61 HRC.
Is 14C28N or D2 more rust resistant?
14C28N (8/10). 14C28N is a conventional stainless steel; D2 is a tool steel.