
Throughout the past few decades, knife makers have used dozens of steel grades and even non-steel materials like granite in manufacturing multipurpose and kitchen knives. However, no material out there has it all; the user still has to compromise on something.
To solve this problem, you have to think about which properties matter more to you based on your usage and take it from there.
The X50CrMoV15 is one of the most common steel grades used in manufacturing knife blades. But how does perform it in day-to-day usage? Are its properties suitable for what you do with a knife? That’s what we’re going to uncover in our ultimate X50CrMoV15 steel review.
What Is X50CrMoV15 Carbon Steel?
X50CrMoV15 carbon steel is a stainless steel grade used in making knife blades. Its most notable property is its excellent corrosion resistance. X50CrMoV15 knife blades are also known for their sharp edges and superb hardness.
X50CrMoV15 Steel Composition
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the chemical composition of X50CrMoV15 steel:
- 0.55% Carbon: Enhances hardness and wear resistance. At the same time, it makes the material more brittle.
- 0.8% Molybdenum: Boosts machinability and makes steel sturdier.
- 1% Silicon: Enhances strength and impact resistance.
- 15% Chromium: Greatly improves corrosion and wear resistance. It also increases the material’s tensile strength and makes it able to hold an edge pretty well.
- 0.04% Phosphorus: Improves strength.
- 1% Manganese: Increases hardness while also making the material a bit more brittle. For every 0.1% of manganese, the material becomes 1.5% harder.
- 0.015% Sulfur: Makes the material easier to work and machine.
- 0.20% Vanadium: Increases wear resistance.
X50CrMoV15 Steel Properties
Based on the material’s chemical composition, you get the following properties:
Toughness
X50CrMoV15 is very hard, which explains why it falls short when it comes to toughness. Both properties are inversely proportional to each other. The harder a material is, the less tough it becomes.
However, its toughness is still quite acceptable compared to other steel grades.
Wear Resistance
X50CrMoV15 steel exhibits outstanding wear resistance properties because of its high carbon and vanadium content. Even materials like sand and cement won’t chip it.
Sharpness
Despite its high hardness, X50CrMoV15 steel is relatively easy to sharpen, and you can obtain a great result quickly. Not to mention, it’s capable of remaining sharp for extended periods.
Corrosion Resistance
With a high chromium content, X50CrMoV15 steel flaunts impressive corrosion resistance properties. It’ll last for many years to come without showing any signs of rust or oxidation. Even if you live in a humid environment, a knife blade made of X50CrMoV15 can hold its ground pretty well. The addition of molybdenum significantly helps with corrosion resistance too.
Edge Retention
Edge retention is considered X50CrMoV15 steel’s weakest point. And while its ability to hold its edge isn’t disastrous, it’s far from being the best. Nevertheless, for light usage in the kitchen, like cutting groceries, it should be just fine.
X50CrMoV15 Steel Rockwell Hardness
According to the Rockwell Hardness test, X50crmov15 steel scored a hardness rating of 56HRC. That’s pretty impressive, considering that many other grades of high carbon steel have a rating of less than 50HRC.
X50CrMoV15 Steel Heat Treatment
X50CrMoV15 steel can be heat treated by heating to 730-780 degrees Celsius then letting it cool slowly. The heat treatment of X50CrMoV15 steel can enhance its hardness. However, the material will be weaker and more brittle.
Is X50CrMoV15 Steel Good for Knives?
X50CrMoV15 steel makes a great material for knife blades with its top-notch hardness, corrosion and wear-resistance, as well as edge retention properties.
Is X50CrMoV15 Steel Stainless?
Yes, X50CrMoV15 is classified as stainless steel. For a steel grade to be considered stainless steel, it must have a minimum chromium content of 10.5% and a maximum carbon content of 1.2%. It should also contain other alloying elements like molybdenum and manganese.
Since X50CrMoV15 has 15% chromium and 0.55% carbon, along with limited concentrations of other alloying elements, we can safely classify it as stainless steel.
X50CrMoV15 Sharpening
X50CrMoV15 steel is very easy to sharpen. You don’t need any special equipment to sharpen the blade of your X50CrMoV15 knife. All it takes is a regular sharpening stone, such as white stone.
5 Best X50CrMoV15 Steel Knives in 2021
These are some of the most top-rated X50CrMoV15 steel knives you can find on the market:
1. TUO Nakiri Vegetable Knife
The TUO Nakiri Japanese kitchen knife is perfect for cutting vegetables and fruits. It boasts a 6.5” X50CrMoV15 blade with a razor-sharp tip.
What’s more, the knife is equipped with a full tang handle made of high-density Pakkawood composite for unmatched stability and grip.
The icing on top is that you get a lifetime guarantee for your peace of mind!
Pros
- Japanese style
- Sharp blade
- Suitable for cutting watermelons
- Stable handle with good grip
Cons
- Rivets aren’t flush with the handle
2. Hammer Stahl 10-Inch Scimitar Meat Knife
Hammer Stahl 10-Inch Scimitar Meat Knife
Need an X50CrMoV15 with a long blade? Then you should definitely take a look at the Hammer Stahl Scimitar meat knife. It has a 10-inch blade that’s perfect for cutting meat.
Additionally, the Quad-Tang Pakkawood handle feels great in hand and makes working with the knife for prolonged periods a breeze.
Not to mention, the edge is super sharp, with a cutting angle of 20 degrees that’s designed specifically for cutting meat.
Pros
- Durable handle
- Long 10-inch X50CrMoV15 blade
- Great for cutting meat
- Sharp edge
Cons
- A bit expensive
3. Cutlery-Pro Gourmet Chef Scalloped Bread Knife
Cutlery-Pro Gourmet Chef Scalloped Bread Knife
The Cutlery-Pro Gourmet knife flaunts a long 10-inch blade that makes it perfect for cutting long loaves of bread. In addition, the blade is serrated, allowing you to cut thick bread quickly and effortlessly.
The ergonomic handle is hermetically sealed to prevent your food from getting contaminated. It provides a good grip too. It’s also worth noting that you can wash this knife in a dishwasher.
Pros
- Long 10-inch serrated blade for bread cutting
- Hermetically sealed ergonomic handle
- Dishwasher-safe
Cons
- Limited usage
4. T3 Folding Knife 3.125" X50CrMoV15 Steel Blade White Corian Handle T3CC - Knife & knives for you!!!
T3 Folding Knife 3.125" X50CrMoV15 Steel Blade White Corian Handle T3CC - Knife & knives for you!!!
The T3 folding knife is a multipurpose knife that you can carry around on camping trips and other adventures.
One notable feature of this knife is the double cone locking system that compensates for blade play.
The blade is 3.125” long, which is just enough for a pocket knife. What’s more, the flanges’ large bearing surfaces ensure accurate guidance.
Pros
- Portable
- Blade play compensation mechanism
- Accurate guidance
- Suitable for a wide variety of purposes
Cons
- Very expensive
- Not made for kitchen use
5. Cangshan D Series 59120 Chef's Knife
Cangshan D Series 59120 Chef's Knife
The Cangshan D Series 59120 is a standard chef’s knife equipped with an 8” X50CrMoV15 blade. This is a well-rounded knife that you can use for lots of cooking purposes, including chopping, dicing, mincing, and slicing.
The carbon steel blade is heat-treated for the best possible strength and functionality. The knife is also capable of holding its edge quite well, and whenever it requires sharpening, you won’t need more than a few minutes to get it just as sharp as it was.
And as a bonus, the knife comes with a lifetime guarantee against manufacturing defects.
Pros
- Sharp 8” blade
- Suitable for multipurpose kitchen usage
- 5” handle provides a comfortable grip
- Lifetime guarantee
Cons
- No bolster
X50CrMoV15 Steel Equivalent
The closest material to X50CrMoV15 steel is 4116 steel, another German-made grade of steel that offers excellent properties. Just like X50CrMoV15, it’s hard and corrosion-resistant. Both materials also have a similar chemical composition.
X50CrMoV15 Steel Alternatives
Some steel grades share many similarities with X50CrMoV15 when it comes to chemical composition. They differ in concentration, though, which also reflects in the material’s properties.
Now, we’ll put X50CrMoV15 head to head with other popular steel grades used in making kitchen knife blades and see how it fares.
X50CrMoV15 vs. 440C
Feature | X50CrMoV15 | 440C |
---|---|---|
Edge Retention | 8/10 | 4/10 |
Ease of Sharpness | 9/10 | 6/10 |
Corrosion Resistance | 9/10 | 7/10 |
Toughness | 6/10 | 5/10 |
440C steel is a cheaper alternative to X50CrMoV15. However, it doesn’t come close to X50CrMoV15 when it comes to edge retention and ease of sharpness. Other than that, both materials are comparable.
X50CrMoV15 vs. VG10
Feature | X50CrMoV15 | VG10 |
---|---|---|
Edge Retention | 8/10 | 9/10 |
Ease of Sharpness | 9/10 | 6/10 |
Corrosion Resistance | 9/10 | 8/10 |
Toughness | 6/10 | 5/10 |
VG10 steel can maintain its edge better than X50CrMoV15 steel. However, it’s not as easy to sharpen. Not to mention, X50CrMoV15 is tougher.
X50CrMoV15 vs. 14C28N
Feature | X50CrMoV15 | 14C28N |
---|---|---|
Edge Retention | 8/10 | 8/10 |
Ease of Sharpness | 9/10 | 8/10 |
Corrosion Resistance | 9/10 | 9/10 |
Toughness | 6/10 | 5/10 |
AUS10 has similar properties to X50CrMoV15. It has excellent edge retention capabilities but falls behind in toughness and ease of sharpening when compared to X50CrMoV15.
X50CrMoV15 vs. X30Cr13
Feature | X50CrMoV15 | X30Cr13 |
---|---|---|
Edge Retention | 8/10 | 5/10 |
Ease of Sharpness | 9/10 | 9/10 |
Corrosion Resistance | 9/10 | 8/10 |
Toughness | 6/10 | 8/10 |
X30Cr13 is just as easy to sharpen as X50CrMoV15. However, its edge retention capabilities aren’t that great. And since it’s softer than X50CrMoV15, it’s also tougher.
Conclusion
To sum it all up, X50CrMoV15 carbon steel is an excellent material for kitchen knife blades. It has everything you could ask for, from hardness to rust and wear resistance. It’s pretty easy to sharpen too.
All in all, it’s easy to recommend this material for kitchen knife blades, whether for vegetable, meat, or bread cutting.