80CrV2 steel
80CrV2 is a carbon steel. It rates 3/10 for edge retention, 8/10 for toughness and 1/10 for corrosion resistance, and is usually hardened to 57–60 HRC.
At a glance
- Type
- Carbon steels
- Hardness
- 57–60 HRC
- Maker
- Generic (DIN) / Buderus / Uddeholm (Germany / Sweden)
- Process
- ingot
- Price tier
- Budget
- Used by
- Brisa / Enzo, Böker (Vox designs), Hultafors (select), Carbon Knife Co., Winkler (select), many custom makers
- Also called
- 1.2235, 80CrV2, Swedish saw steel
Composition
| Element | Weight % |
|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | 0.8 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 0.5 |
| Vanadium (V) | 0.2 |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.4 |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.25 |
| Phosphorus (P) | 0.025 |
| Sulfur (S) | 0.015 |
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 80CrV2 behave the way it does
80CrV2 contains 0.8% carbon, enough to reach typical knife hardness.
A small vanadium addition (0.2%) mainly refines grain size.
Tough, easy-to-heat-treat 1084 alternative with Cr/V; common in European bushcraft knives.
Equivalent and similar steels
- 1084 class (similar class; compositions differ): 1084, 1080, SK-5, 80CrV2
Knives in 80CrV2
| Knife | Brand | Blade | Weight | Lock | List price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winkler Knives WK Belt Knife | Winkler Knives | 4.5" | 6.7 oz | — | $350 | Blade HQ |
| Winkler Knives WK Blue Ridge Hunter | Winkler Knives | 4" | — | — | $325 | Blade HQ |
| Böker DBK Bushfriend 2000 | Böker | 4.33" | 5.64 oz | — | $279 | Blade HQ |
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How to sharpen 80CrV2
80CrV2 is easy to sharpen (9/10). Aluminium-oxide and water stones work well, and it takes a fine edge quickly; a ceramic rod or strop keeps it going between sharpenings.
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FAQ
Is 80CrV2 a good knife steel?
80CrV2 is strongest in ease of sharpening (9/10) and weakest in corrosion resistance (1/10). Its average across the four ratings is 5.2/10, and it sits in the budget price tier.
Does 80CrV2 rust?
Yes. 80CrV2 rates 1/10 and will rust or patina without care; dry it after use and keep a thin coat of oil on it.
Is 80CrV2 hard to sharpen?
80CrV2 is easy to sharpen (9/10). Aluminium-oxide and water stones work well, and it takes a fine edge quickly; a ceramic rod or strop keeps it going between sharpenings.
What hardness is 80CrV2?
Knives in 80CrV2 are usually hardened to 57–60 HRC. Makers can run it outside that range; harder means better edge retention but lower toughness.