440C steel
440C is a conventional stainless steel. It rates 4/10 for edge retention, 3/10 for toughness and 7/10 for corrosion resistance, and is usually hardened to 57–59 HRC.
At a glance
- Type
- Stainless steels
- Hardness
- 57–59 HRC
- Maker
- Generic (AISI) (USA / various)
- Process
- ingot
- Price tier
- Budget
- Used by
- Boker, Puma, Randall, Schrade, Rough Ryder, Buck (older)
- Also called
- SUS440C, X105CrMo17, 1.4125
Composition
| Element | Weight % |
|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | 1.05 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 17 |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 0.75 |
| Nickel (Ni) | 0.5 |
| Manganese (Mn) | 1 |
| Silicon (Si) | 1 |
| Phosphorus (P) | 0.04 |
| Sulfur (S) | 0.03 |
Source: published standard (AISI/DIN/JIS/GB). Nominal values; where a range is published, the midpoint is shown. Phosphorus and sulfur, where listed, are maximums.
What makes 440C behave the way it does
440C contains 1.05% carbon, enough to reach typical knife hardness; 17% chromium for corrosion resistance.
Molybdenum (0.75%) improves hardenability and pitting resistance.
Large primary chromium carbides limit toughness. Mn, Si, Ni listed as maximums.
Equivalent and similar steels
- 440C class (similar class; compositions differ): 440C, N695, 9Cr18MoV, CTS-40CP, 1.4125
Knives in 440C
| Knife | Brand | Blade | Weight | Lock | List price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Böker Plus Fafo | Böker Plus | 3.81" | 3.7 oz | — | $89.95 | Blade HQ |
| Böker Plus HL Fixed Universal Drop Point | Böker Plus | 3.54" | 3.46 oz | — | $49.95 | Blade HQ |
| Böker Plus Zenshin 42 Brass | Böker Plus | 2.95" | 2.5 oz | Slip joint | $79.95 | Blade HQ |
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How to sharpen 440C
440C is moderately easy to sharpen (6/10). Water stones and ceramics work; diamond plates speed up reprofiling or repairing a damaged edge.
Compare 440C with
FAQ
Is 440C a good knife steel?
440C is strongest in corrosion resistance (7/10) and weakest in toughness (3/10). Its average across the four ratings is 5.0/10, and it sits in the budget price tier.
Does 440C rust?
Not in normal use. 440C rates 7/10 for corrosion resistance; wipe it dry after contact with salt or acidic food.
Is 440C hard to sharpen?
440C is moderately easy to sharpen (6/10). Water stones and ceramics work; diamond plates speed up reprofiling or repairing a damaged edge.
What hardness is 440C?
Knives in 440C are usually hardened to 57–59 HRC. Makers can run it outside that range; harder means better edge retention but lower toughness.