Which is better 440 or 420 steel?

440C is a harder and more wear resistant steel. One of the reasons that Buck knives stopped using it was that their customer's had trouble getting it sharp. Buck first went to 425M, but this still gave their customers sharpening problems. Most recently they went to 420HC as their standard steel because it was easier to sharpen than 425M. That still wasn't giving their customers the cutting performance that they wanted so Buck went to a thinner hollow grind blade profile that they called Edge 2000. Now an average guy can get a high performing edge. It won't stay sharp as long as 440C, but for most people it will be sharper.

I am one of those guys who cursed the original 440C in Buck knives. I was good at sharpening, but no matter what I did it would never take the type of razor edge that I insist on for my knives. I developed a lifelong prejudice against the 440 series steels back in the 1960's. They are very heavy in chrome and to me take second rate edges. They are my least favorite. I even like them less than ATS134/154CM which I also dislike for the same reasons. 420HC is OK in a knife that I don't expect to stay sharp during the process of skinning an elk. For example it would be OK if I was only hunting deer.

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420 and 440 stainless steel are both popular grades of stainless steel with high levels of chromium. While 420 and 440 stainless steel sheets may look nearly identical, they have some major differences that must be considered when selecting the right one for your project. Let’s take a closer look at each grade to understand their differences.

420 Stainless Steel

420 stainless steel is a martensitic grade that contains 11.5-13% chromium, 0.15-0.35% carbon, 1% manganese, 1.0% silicon, and trace amounts of phosphorus and sulfur. It is ideal for applications that don’t require extensive wear resistance but have excellent corrosion resistance properties, such as knives, scissors, medical instruments, razor blades, surgical tools, valves, pump parts, nuts and bolts. It is also used in food processing equipment due to its non-magnetic nature.

440 Stainless Steel

440 stainless steel contains 16-18% chromium and other elements like iron (Fe) and carbon (C). The combination gives it excellent corrosion resistance properties that make it ideal for use in marine environments or humid climates where rusting may occur if not appropriately treated with proper protection techniques like galvanizing or painting. It also has good heat resistance properties making it suitable for cookware or as an addition to knives and other cutting tools due to its edge retention capabilities. Additionally, this grade is magnetic, making it great for motors or electrical components because it can be easily magnetized.

Difference Between 420 and 440 stainless steel

Chemical Composition

The main difference between 420 and 440 stainless steel is the composition. 420 stainless steel contains carbon, manganese, silicon, chromium, and molybdenum. 440 stainless steel contains carbon, chromium, manganese, silicon, molybdenum, copper, tungsten, and vanadium.

Hardness

420 stainless steel is softer than 440 stainless steel. This makes it easier to shape and form and less durable. 440 stainless steel is harder than 420 stainless steel and is more resistant to wear and tear.

Corrosion Resistance

Both 420 and 440 stainless steel are resistant to corrosion. However, 440 stainless steel is more corrosion-resistant than 420 stainless steel. This is due to the higher levels of chromium in 440 stainless steel.

Heat Resistance

420 stainless steel has a lower heat resistance than 440 stainless steel. It is more likely to warp or deform at high temperatures. 440 stainless steel has a higher heat resistance and is less likely to warp or deform at high temperatures.

Cost

420 stainless steel is cheaper than 440 stainless steel. This is due to the lower levels of chromium in 420 stainless steel.

Conclusion:

When choosing between 420 and 440 stainless steel, you must consider what environment the materials will be exposed to and what type of application the material will be used for since each grade offers different benefits depending on what you need them for. For general-purpose applications where corrosion resistance is essential but wear resistance isn’t necessary, 420 is the better choice. If you need something more resistant to abrasion, then 440 would be a better option due to its higher hardness rating than 420 stainless steel. Ultimately the best choice depends on your specific needs, so consider all factors before making a decision!

Abhishek is a seasoned blogger and industry expert, sharing his insights and knowledge on various topics. With his research, Abhishek offers valuable insights and tips for professionals and enthusiasts. Follow him for expert advice on the latest trends and developments in the metal industry.