If you shop for a new knife, you might have come across 7CR17 and 8CR13 blades. While both are stainless steel alloys used in knives, you must remember some essential differences before buying. Moreover, with many available options, it is natural for anyone to feel overwhelmed. To help you make the right decision, we have created this blog post to discuss the differences between 7CR17 and 8CR13 blades.
What is 7CR17 Steel?
7CR17 Steel is a Chinese stainless steel grade containing 0.7% Carbon, 17% Chromium and other alloying elements. It has excellent corrosion resistance and strong toughness, making it great for knife blades used in wet outdoor conditions. It is also very wear-resistant, making it an ideal choice for high-end cutlery applications.
What is 8CR13 Steel?
8CR13 Steel is an alloyed stainless steel composed of eight per cent chromium, thirteen per cent carbon, and additional trace elements. It offers superior hardness and strength to other steels in the same metal family. Its high corrosion resistance is ideal for high-pressure applications such as kitchen knives and other cutting tools.
Difference Between 7CR17 and 8CR13 Steel
Composition:
Both 7CR17 and 8CR13 are Chinese steel alloys and are part of the 4XX series of alloys. However, 7CR17 has more Chromium than 8CR13, making it more corrosion-resistant and durable. On the other hand, 8CR13 has more Carbon as compared to 7CR17, which makes it harder but less rust-resistant.
Hardness:
If we talk about hardness, then 8CR13 has an edge over 7CR17, as it has a higher Carbon content, which allows it to maintain its shape for a longer time. The hardness measured on the Rockwell scale for 7CR17 is around 56-58HRC, while 8CR13 is around 58-60HRC.
Sharpness:
Regarding sharpness, 7CR17 has an advantage because it is a softer steel alloy, making it easier to sharpen and maintain the edge. Moreover, 7CR17 has a wider angle, making it less prone to chipping. In contrast, while 8CR13 remains sharp for a longer time, it is harder to sharpen and has a narrow-angle, which makes it more prone to chipping.
Price:
Another factor that differentiates 7CR17 and 8CR13 is their price. Since 7CR17 has fewer alloys, it is cheaper to produce and, therefore, less expensive than 8CR13, which has a higher Carbon content and is costlier. However, the price of a knife also depends on other factors such as handle material, brand name, etc.
Usage:
Lastly, it is essential to consider the usage before buying a knife. If you are looking for a knife that requires less maintenance and is corrosion-resistant, then 7CR17 is a better choice. On the other hand, if you are looking for a knife with high hardness that stays sharp for longer but requires more effort to sharpen, then 8CR13 is the way to go.
Conclusion:
In Conclusion, 7CR17 and 8CR13 have advantages and disadvantages, and the choice between them depends on personal preferences and needs. However, if we compare both, then 7CR17 is better in corrosion resistance and ease of sharpening, while 8CR13 has better hardness and edge retention. Therefore, choosing a knife that meets your requirements and is suitable for your usage is essential. Our blog post was informative and helped you make an informed decision.
Meet Heer, a dynamic and driven writer learning tricks of her trade in the metal industry. With a background in Digital Marketing, Heer brings a unique perspective to her writing, sharing valuable insights. Apart from blogging she like reading and hiking.
