Steel is a popular material for making various tools and products. However, this material has many grades that primarily differ in carbon content. Among those grades, 80crv2 and 1095 are very popular for making knives and other tools. Their excellent advantages and value propositions ignite debate between 80crv2 vs 1095.
Many believe 1095 high-carbon steel is better for most products, including swords and knives. Is it true or merely hype? In this article, I will discuss all the differences between these steel high carbon steels. In the end, you’ll know which is suitable for your product. So, let’s get started!
Overview of 80crv2 & 1095 Carbon Steel
Both 80crv2 and 1095 are high-carbon steels. However, 80crv2 is tougher, corrosion-resistant, and durable due to its higher chromium content. 1095 carbon steel has more carbon, which makes it harder and more brittle. However, this grade of steel is less wear—and corrosion-resistant due to having little or no chromium.
Before discussing more, let’s first have a look at the composition of these two carbon steel grades:
| Element | 80CrV2 Steel (%) | 1095 Steel (%) |
| Carbon (C) | 0.75 – 0.85 | 0.90 – 1.03 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 0.40 – 0.60 | 0.00 |
| Vanadium (V) | 0.15 – 0.30 | 0.00 |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.25 – 0.45 | 0.30 – 0.50 |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.15 – 0.30 | 0.00 |
| Phosphorus (P) | Present as impurity | ≤ 0.03 |
| Sulfur (S) | Present as impurity | ≤ 0.05 |
The presence of chromium and 80crv2 makes 80crv2 superior despite its low carbon content. Chromium enhances this material’s corrosion resistance. Furthermore, 80crv2 also has some vanadium, which improves its structure. However, the 1095 steel lacks both elements, making it weaker and less wear-resistant.
Interestingly, 1095 steel has been in use for over a century. You will see many old swords made of this steel. However, the 80crv2 is relatively new and evolved from tool steels like L2 and 52100. This carbon steel is very tough, so it is popular in making saw blades and other tools. Due to its prominent usage as a saw blade, it is also known as “Swedish saw steel.”
Differences Between 80crv2 & 1095 Steel
Both of these high-carbon steel grades are excellent in their ways. One cannot declare one as the best and the other inferior. Deciding between these requires understanding their differences. In the section below, I will compare these two materials head to head. It will help you determine which steel grade is better for what.
1- Carbon Content
The first difference between these steel grades is the content of carbon. As you know, the presence of carbon enhances the hardness of the material. 80crv2 has 0.75 to 0.95 percent of carbon. On the other hand, the 1095 steel has 0.90 to 1.03 percent of carbon content. In this regard, 1095 steel is better and harder.
For example, 80CrV2’s hardness is around 57-61 HRC. On the flipside, 1095 notes its hardness around 55-65 HRC. These measurements are taken using the Rockwell Hardness Scale (HRC). The higher hardness helps 1095 steel products retain their shape and edges for longer. However, as their brittleness increases, they become sensitive to impact.
2- Corrosion & Wear Resistance
The 80CrV2 steel has a higher chromium content of around 0.40 – 0.60%. However, the 1095 steel lacks chromium, which makes it inferior in corrosion resistance. Chromium increases corrosion resistance. Are you wondering how chromium improves corrosion resistance?
When chromium comes in contact with oxygen, it creates a chromium oxide layer. This oxide layer is highly corrosion-resistant, so 80CrV2-made products, including saw blades or knives, will be corrosion-resistant. Regarding wear resistance, I consider 1095 steel a slightly better option.
It has slightly higher manganese (0.30 – 0.50) than 80CrV2 (0.25 – 0.40). This manganese improves the hardness of 1095 and enhances its overall strength. So, the 1095 is better regarding the wear resistance. Remember, the lower carbon content of 80CrV2 also contributes to its lower wear resistance.
3- Toughness & Durability
Toughness indicates how well a material withstands impact. A tough material absorbs the energy or impact and doesn’t break. Conversely, less tough material breaks and doesn’t absorb energy. The 80CrV2 has silicone (0.15 – 0.30%).
So, it still gives this a bit of elasticity and energy absorption capability. On the other hand, 1095 steel doesn’t have silicone. Moreover, it has a higher carbon content, which makes it hard and very brittle. It does not absorb energy and breaks when faced with a sudden impact. So, 80CrV2 is tougher and can easily handle extreme force of impact.
Quick Highlight: Corrosion resistance is a measure of a material’s durability. Between these 80crv2 vs 1095, I consider 80crv2 more durable and long-lasting. The reason is that it has excellent corrosion resistance. Knives and other tools made of 80crv2 will remain in good shape in moist or extreme conditions.
4- Edge Retention
Edge retention indicates the ability of a material to keep its shape and sharpness despite consistent use. As I said earlier, both steel grades are generally used in making knives, blades, and swords. So, knowing their edge retention capability is very important. The 1095 high-carbon steel is excellent when it comes to edge retention.
The reason is that it has a higher carbon content. Knives made with this material don’t get dull despite being used for a long time. On the other hand, the 80crv2 is poor at retaining shape. Products made with this material start to get dull after use for a short duration. The reason is that this material is less hard, so its edges and sharpness get eaten away with time.
5- Ease of Sharpening
Ease of sharpness is an important parameter to consider when choosing between 80crv2 and 1095 steel. Have you ever honed a knife due to its dull edge? The honing process sharpens the blade, and knives cut more smoothly, right? 80crv2 offers better ease of sharpness.
Honing a blade made of 80crv2 steel will be easier and less time-consuming. This is due to its lesser hardness and strength. On the flip side, 1095 steel has a higher carbon content, which enhances its hardness. As a result, it is difficult and more time-consuming to sharpen the edges of knives or blades made with 1095 steel.
6- Brittleness, Ductility & Fatigue Strength
All three parameters are interrelated. For example, a brittle material will be less ductile and weak in fatigue strength. As I said earlier, the 1095 steel contains a higher proportion of carbon. This higher content increases the hardness and strength of this steel.
When it becomes too hard, a slight force or impact can easily break it. So it becomes brittle and less fatigue-resistant. On the flip side, the 80CrV2 has vanadium, silicon, and chromium. All these elements increase the toughness of this steel. It means, its energy absorption increases, which makes it more elastic and flexible.
Moreover, its lower carbon content reduces its hardness, making it less brittle. When exposed to higher impact, it absorbs the energy and doesn’t break. Additionally, its higher elasticity improves fatigue strength. You can use it consistently, and it won’t show any signs of wear and tear.
7- Cost and Suitability
Price is one of the ultimate parameters of key importance. 80CrV2 steel consists of chromium, which is a premium metal. Its presence improves its corrosion and wear resistance. However, there is a downside: This chromium is very expensive, increasing the price of 80CrV2 steel.
On the flip side, 1095 steel doesn’t have such ingredients, so its price is low and can be affordable to everyone. This is why most knives available are made from 1095 steel. But I believe that the higher price of 80CrV2 is worth every penny. Products made with this material are long-lasting and very strong.
Let’s discuss suitability, as both materials differ here, too. The 1095 steel is inexpensive, and small knives, blades, and swords should be used. It will keep the product price low and maintain its quality. Conversely, 80CrV2 is only suitable for premium products such as automobiles and aircraft parts. You can also use it to make tactical products that require extreme toughness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 80CrV2 steel better than 1095 for making knives?
Yes, 80CrV2 steel offers better corrosion and wear resistance. Sharpening knives made of 80CrV2 is easy and less time-consuming, so I consider it a suitable option for knives. However, its higher price is a real drawback.
Does 1095 steel break easily?
1095 steel is very brittle, which makes it break easily. Remember, it does not break with mild impact. However, if the force is extreme, it can break into pieces.
What is 80CrV2 steel good for?
This material is suitable for making various extreme-strength tools. It is commonly used to make many automobile parts and tools. People also use it to create robust swords, saw blades, and knives.
What are the disadvantages of 1095 steel?
1095 high-carbon steel is widely used across various industries. However, it has some downsides, which are as follows:
- High brittleness
- Low fatigue strength
- Less flexibility & ease of sharpening
- Compromised wear resistance and toughness
- Less durability and compromised corrosion resistance
Conclusion
Long story short, both of these steel grades are excellent. However, they are suitable for different products because they are very different from each other. 80crv2 is very strong, corrosion resistant, and offers exceptional longevity. On the flip side, the 1095 steel is a compromise regarding its strength and durability.
However, its lower price makes it stand out, and manufacturers use it to make entry-level knives. The low cost of such knives makes them very popular among customers with tight budgets. In this article, I explained all the ins and outs of these two steel grades. If you ask my opinion, I would favor 80crv2 steel due to its user-friendly properties.