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9Cr18MoV knife steel

9Cr18MoV is a stainless knife steel, typically hardened to HRC 58-60.

TypeStainless
HardnessHRC 58-60
Edge retentionmediumhigher than 5 of 48, tied with 13
Corrosion resistancehighhigher than 22 of 48, tied with 16
Toughnessmediumhigher than 4 of 48, tied with 20
Ease of sharpeningmoderate to sharpeneasier to sharpen than 20 of 48, tied with 14
Price tierBudget
Best forEDC / foldersKitchenBudget

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Knives in 9Cr18MoV

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Last verified 2026-06-11 · properties are documented consensus tiers; real performance depends on heat treat & geometry (methodology)

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