14C28N vs S35VN
14C28N is tougher, resists corrosion better and is easier to sharpen; S35VN holds an edge longer. Choose 14C28N for easy sharpening, S35VN for edge retention.
Who wins each property
Side by side
| 14C28N | S35VN | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Stainless steels | Powder metallurgy stainless steels |
| Hardness | 57–60 HRC | 58–61 HRC |
| Edge retention | 3/10 | 6/10 |
| Toughness | 8/10 | 5/10 |
| Corrosion resistance | 8/10 | 7/10 |
| Ease of sharpening | 9/10 | 5/10 |
| Price tier | Budget | Mid-range |
| Maker | Alleima (Sandvik) | Crucible |
Composition
| Element | 14C28N | S35VN |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | 0.62 | 1.4 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 14 | 14 |
| Vanadium (V) | — | 3 |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | — | 2 |
| Niobium (Nb) | — | 0.5 |
| Nitrogen (N) | 0.11 | — |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.6 | 0.5 |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.2 | 0.5 |
| Phosphorus (P) | 0.025 | 0.03 |
| Sulfur (S) | 0.01 | 0.03 |
Property by property
Edge retention
S35VN holds an edge longer: 6/10 against 3/10 for 14C28N, a 3-point gap. Vanadium: 0% vs 3%; more vanadium carbide generally means more wear resistance.
Toughness
14C28N is tougher: 8/10 against 5/10 for S35VN, a 3-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 7/10 for S35VN, a 1-point gap.
Ease of sharpening
14C28N is easier to sharpen: 9/10 against 5/10 for S35VN, a 4-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 |
S35VN
| Knife | Brand | Blade | Weight | Lock | List price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zero Tolerance 0450CF | Zero Tolerance | 3.25" | 2.45 oz | Titanium frame lock | $295 | Blade HQ |
Shop 14C28N knives Shop S35VN knives
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FAQ
Which is better, 14C28N or S35VN?
14C28N is tougher, resists corrosion better and is easier to sharpen; S35VN holds an edge longer. Choose 14C28N for easy sharpening, S35VN for edge retention.
Which is harder, 14C28N or S35VN?
14C28N is typically run at 57–60 HRC and S35VN at 58–61 HRC.
Is 14C28N or S35VN more rust resistant?
14C28N (8/10). 14C28N is a conventional stainless steel; S35VN is a powder metallurgy stainless steel.