9cr18mov is another steel from the ‘Cr’ or ‘MoV’ range that is steadily gaining popularity. You’ll have noticed a lot of great mid-range quality knives being made from this steel. If you’re curious to know more about 9cr18mov, Read the complete guide on 9cr18mov steel review.
In this article, we’ll dissect everything there is to know about 9cr18mov. We’ll look at its chemical composition, properties, how it compares to other steels in the same range, and even the best stainless steel knives in the market made out of 9cr18mov.
What is 9cr18mov?
9cr18mov is a Chinese mid-range stainless steel that’s known for its exceptional corrosion resistance. Like other steels in the same range, 9cr18mov is martensitic and undergoes tempering in order to obtain its high crystalline structure.
9cr18mov is also called 90cr18mov. Both names refer to the same stainless steel.
Even though 9cr18mov has great hardness and decent toughness, it’s shining (metaphorically and literally!) feature is the corrosion resistance due to the high amounts of Chromium. For this reason, 9cr18mov is often used in applications where corrosion is a big no-no: such as medical equipment and food-grade equipment.
Apart from having great corrosion resistance, 9cr18mov is also known for holding a good edge. The edge resistance of 9cr18mov is definitely worth the mention, and this is one of the major reasons why it makes such a good knife. In fact, 9cr18mov isn’t just used for knives — it is also used for cutters, scissors, injectors, and surgical tools.
What is the Composition of 9cr18mov?
9cr18Mov is high-alloy steel — meaning that it has the perfect combination of a lot of elements. Each of these elements plays a role in the final product’s properties. Understanding the role that each element plays can be vital in making your decision between two steels, in order to understand which would be the better choice in a knife.
Let’s look at the chemical composition of 9cr18mov:
- Carbon 0.95% – Above 0.50% is considered to be a high amount of carbon for steel, and 9cr18mov has quite a bit of carbon in it. This means that 9cr18mov has great hardness since Carbon is directly responsible for the hardness and edge retention of steel.
- Chromium 18% – This is where the ‘18’ of 9cr18mov comes from. Chromium is primarily responsible for corrosion resistance, and the very high percentage of Chromium means that 9cr18mov is extremely corrosion resistant. You can enjoy the corrosion resistance of this steel by not having to be ultra-careful with it.
- Molybdenum 1.3% – Molybdenum is an extremely important alloy since it contributes to the strength and internal structure of the steel. Even though there is a high level of carbon which means hardness is 9cr18mov, Molybdenum helps in its structural strength. Furthermore, Molybdenum helps with the machinability of the steel, making it easier to shape into a knife.
- Nickel 0.6% – 9cr18mov has great edge retention, and this is partly due to the addition of Nickel. Nickel contributes to both strength and edge retention when added to steel.
- Manganese 0.8% – 9cr18mov has 0.8% of Manganese in it. Manganese increases the brittleness of the 9cr18mov steel, making it easier to sharpen.
- Silicon 0.8% – Silicon is a vital addition to any high-alloy steel. It works towards deoxidizing steel during the smelting process.
- Phosphorus 0.04% – Phosphorus is another important addition to 9cr18mov, helping in making it much stronger. Small quantities of a variety of additional metals like phosphorus contribute towards a more robust strength in 9cr18mov steel.
- Sulfur 0.03% – Like Molybdenum, Sulfur also contributes to the machinability of the steel. This helps in the knife-making process.
- Vanadium 0.12% – Vanadium is a powerful addition, even in such small quantities. Vanadium in 9cr18mov contributes to its hardenability, while also boosting its life span and wear resistance. The ‘V’ in 9cr18mov refers to Vanadium.
9cr18MoV is high in Carbon, Chromium, Molybdenum, and Vanadium: all of which take credit for 9cr18mov’s great hardness, strength, corrosion resistance, and edge retention.
How Hard is 9cr18mov?
As far as stainless steels go, 9cr18mov has pretty impressive hardness due to the high amounts of Carbon in it. 9cr18mov scores a 62 on the Rockwell Hardness Scale, but can vary anywhere between 58 to 62 HRC depending on the manufacturers.
What is the Heat Treatment of 9cr18mov?
9cr18mov is martensitic steel, and undergoes three phases of heat treatment in order for it to reach optimum hardness, edge resistance, and wear resistance.
It first goes through the process of annealing, which is to heat it above the critical temperature and then cool it down slowly in a controlled temperature and atmosphere. The typical temperature range for annealing for the 9cr18mov is 800 – 920 ℃.
The second heat process that 9cr18mov undergoes is tempering. Tempering also involves heating and cooling but is generally done in an air vacuum. The tempering range of temperature for 9cr18mov is 100 – 200 ℃ and happens in the air.
Finally, quenching is done. Quenching also involves heating the steel but cooling it down in a liquid such as oil or saline water, or even regular water. 9cr18mov is generally cooled down in an oil quench. This is done for the internal strength to be improved. The temperature range for oil quenching for 9cr18mov is 1050 – 1075 ℃.
9cr18mov Properties
We now come to arguably the most important part: the properties of the 9cr18mov steel. 9cr18mov is high-alloy steel, and the multiple elements make a big difference in its final capabilities.
You should always pay attention to the properties of a steel if you’re planning to buy a knife that’s made from it. That’s because certain properties might be more important to you than others, and you might be willing to compromise on some weaknesses of the steel while others are a dealbreaker.
Let’s look at what the 9cr18mov can offer in terms of its properties, and how this affects a knife that’s built from it.
9cr18mov Hardness
9cr18mov has pretty good hardness because of the high amounts of carbon in it, as well as the addition of alloy elements like Molybdenum and Vanadium. It also scores between 58-62 on the HRC scale, which is good for mid-range stainless steel.
9cr18mov Toughness
The toughness of 9cr18mov isn’t that impressive, but it isn’t bad either. Since you get great hardness with the 9cr18mov due to the high carbon content, it’s only expected that the toughness of the steel might take a hit.
However, it’s still acceptable considering all the other great properties of the 9cr18mov. The toughness is good enough for mild to moderate applications.
9cr18mov Edge Retention
9cr18mov has great edge retention. Due to the hardness, you’ll see that you don’t have to sharpen your 9cr18mov too often, and it’s capable of retaining that sharp edge for a good amount of time. If you’re using a kitchen knife made out of 9cr18mov you might have to sharpen the knife much less often than if you’re using a 9cr18mov outdoor knife.
How often you have to sharpen the knife strongly depends on the surfaces that the knife often comes in contact with. While the 9cr18mov does have good edge retention, you should carry sharpening tools with you if you plan to take it on an outdoor camping trip.
9cr18move Ease of Sharpening
Due to its high level of hardness and brittle nature, the 9cr18mov isn’t very easy to sharpen. A knife made out of 9cr18mov will take a while to sharpen, should you undertake the task.
However, the good news is that you may not have to do it very often thanks to the great edge retention capabilities that the 9cr18mov has. Even though sharpening will be a chore, its one that you can conveniently forget about for long intervals.
9cr18mov Corrosion Resistance
The corrosion resistance of 9cr18mov is one of its best properties. The 9cr18mov offers great corrosion resistance, thanks to the very high levels of Chromium in it. Of course, this means that the knife is corrosion-resistant, but not corrosion-immune.
You would still have to take care of the knife to ensure that it’s not spending too long soaking in water or being stored in a damp location.
A knife made out of 9cr18mov will not rust easily if given minimal care!
Is 9cr18mov Good for Knives?
After looking at the chemical composition and steel properties, it’s easy to conclude that 9cr18mov is a great stainless steel for knives. With good hardness, edge retention, and corrosion resistance, this is the perfect mid-range knife to invest in. It will definitely hold up for a long time, good as new.
Does 9cr18mov Form Rust?
No, it’s difficult for 9cr18mov to form rust, thanks to the high chromium content that’s found in it. Knives made out of 9cr18mov won’t rust easily, and also have great wear resistance.
However, it’s recommended that you take care of your knives by keeping them clean, dry and even oil them once in a while.
Is 9cr18mov Steel Stainless?
Yes, due to the high levels of chromium in 9cr18mov, it is stainless steel. Not only does this mean that it won’t form any rust, but it will also be safe from tarnishing. You can be rest assured that your 9cr18mov knife will remain in a good ‘like new’ condition for a long time.
How does 9cr18mov Compare to Other Steels in the Market?
9cr18mov is great high-alloy steel in the mid-range with great properties such as corrosion resistance, edge retention, and hardness. However, in order to determine if it’s the best steel for the kind of knife you have in mind: you have to take a look at the other steel options.
We’ve rounded up the three most similar steels to 9cr18mov in terms of price and properties in order for you to make an informed decision about which performs the best.
9cr18mov vs. 8cr13mov
| Properties | 9cr18mov | 8cr13mov |
|---|---|---|
| Edge Retention | 6/10 | 1/10 |
| Ease of Sharpening | 3/10 | 8/10 |
| Corrosion Resistance | 8/10 | 6/10 |
| Toughness | 4/10 | 6/10 |
| Hardness | 6/10 | 4/10 |
Even though 8cr13mov and 9cr18mov are in the same MoV Chinese steels range, they have very different properties. 9cr18mov far outperforms 8cr13mov in terms of edge retention.
9cr18mov vs. AUS8
| Properties | 9cr18mov | AUS8 |
|---|---|---|
| Edge Retention | 6/10 | 2/10 |
| Ease of Sharpening | 3/10 | 9/10 |
| Corrosion Resistance | 8/10 | 7/10 |
| Toughness | 4/10 | 6/10 |
| Hardness | 6/10 | 4/10 |
9cr18mov has much of the advantage over AUS8 in terms of edge retention, as well as hardness and corrosion resistance. AUS8 has an edge over 9cr18mov in toughness and ease of sharpening.
9cr18mov vs. 440c
| Properties | 9cr18mov | 440C |
|---|---|---|
| Edge Retention | 6/10 | 7/10 |
| Ease of Sharpening | 3/10 | 3/10 |
| Corrosion Resistance | 8/10 | 9/10 |
| Toughness | 4/10 | 4/10 |
| Hardness | 6/10 | 6/10 |
The 9cr18mov and 440c are the closest in terms of properties. However, many knife experts are of the opinion that 440C feels higher quality and makes more durable knives. Keep in mind that 9cr18mov is more affordable than 440c.
9cr18mov Steel Equivalent
If you think 9cr18mov sounds perfect for your next knife, but cannot locate it anywhere: you can opt for the closest equivalent. The 440c is the next best thing in terms of what the 9cr18mov offers. They’re both great stainless steel knives with high hardness, toughness and corrosion resistance. Many people are of the opinion that both 440b and 440c are of better quality than the 9cr18mov, but this may also be an assumption since they are costlier steels!
Best 9cr18mov Steel Knives in the Market
Now that you’re convinced that 9cr18mov is the perfect material for knives, it’s time to look at some knife options. While it’s important to focus on the material of the knife you’re purchasing, especially the properties and composition — it’s also imperative to pay attention to the features of the knife itself.
You should look at the blade geometry, which is the cut and design of the knife. Some knives can have the exact same steel composition but will last longer and perform better due to the clever design.
We’ve rounded up the best 9cr18mov steel knives in the market for you to take a look at. These knives have been known to perform well over time and do justice to the great stainless steel that 9cr18mov is!
Best 9cr18mov Pocket Knife: Civivi Badlands Vagabond Flipper Pocket Knife, 3.25″
Civivi Badlands Vagabond Flipper Pocket Knife
This flipper pocket knife is a thing to behold. The 3.25” flat blade with a plain sharp edge is made out of pure 9cr18mov steel, and the handle is easy to grip, made out of fiberglass reinforced nylon. It’s easy to flip this pocket knife open and close, but we particularly like the locking system that ensures the knife owner’s safety during use.
If you’re doubtful of the performance of this flipper pocket knife, it has a lifetime warranty that you can rely on!
Best 9cr18mov Chef Knife: Gyuto Chef’s Knife, 8-inch Japanese Chef Knife 3 layers
9cr18mov makes a great kitchen knife: it has the perfect hardness and edge retention to tackle any ingredient, whether that’s slicing onions or carefully filleting fresh fish.
This Gyuto Chef’s Knife does complete justice to the incredible steel that 9cr18mov is, with an 8.5-inch blade and an octagon textured handle for great grip.
Chopping and slicing become that much easier (and safer) with a great knife like the Gyuto Chef’s Knife! Japanese knives are known for their great quality and precision, and this one is no exception.
Conclusion
If you were unsure about getting a knife made out of 9cr18mov, don’t be! This great stainless steel knife is perfect for a knife that will last you a long time, thanks to its superior corrosion resistance, hardness that doesn’t compromise on toughness, and most importantly edge retention.
9cr18mov provides premium performance at mid-range price points, which is a great bargain. Let us know your thoughts on the 9cr18mov steel.