X9Cr18MoV steel
X9Cr18MoV steel knives combine high hardness, long cutting edge life and corrosion resistance, making them the ideal choice for everyday use in the kitchen and in the field. This stainless martensitic steel with a high chromium content and added molybdenum and vanadium offers excellent value for money. It is easy to sharpen and maintain, making it popular with both amateur and professional chefs.
Chemical composition (approximate):
C (carbon): ~0.9%
Cr (chromium): ~18%
Mo (molybdenum): ~1%
V (vanadium): ~0.1–0.2%
Mn, Si, Ni: in trace amounts
Properties
- Hardness: High (up to 58–60 HRC) after hardening
- Corrosion resistance: Very good (thanks to high chromium content and molybdenum addition)
- Cutting ability: Good, but not extreme
- Edge retention: Weaker than powder steels (e.g. S35VN, SG2)
- Ease of sharpening: Good – easier to sharpen than super steels
- Toughness: Medium (not as brittle as some ‘hard’ stainless steels, but not an outdoor tank)
Where it is used:
Kitchen knives (especially lower to mid-range) – very common among brands looking for a good price/performance ratio.
Pocket and hunting knives – where corrosion resistance and easy sharpening are important.
Tools and surgical instruments – sometimes used in technical applications.
Comparison
It is the European equivalent of 440B or a partially improved 440C.
Slightly higher quality than standard 5Cr15MoV, but lower than powder steels such as SG2, VG-10 or S30V.
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Care of X9Cr18MoV steel knives
Although X9Cr18MoV is a stainless steel with a high chromium content, it requires basic maintenance to maintain its long service life, perfect cutting edge and aesthetic appearance. Proper care will extend the functionality of the knife and keep it in top condition.
Basic maintenance rules:
Hand washing always wins – wash the knife with lukewarm water and a little mild detergent immediately after use. Dishwashers can cause micro-scratches, dull the surface or blunt the blade.
Dry immediately – after washing, dry the knife thoroughly with a soft cloth. This will prevent stains or surface oxidation, which can occur even on stainless steel when in prolonged contact with moisture.
Oiling is not necessary, but it helps – occasionally applying a drop of mineral or camellia oil to the blade will protect the knife during prolonged storage or in a humid environment.
Proper storage – store the knife in a block, on a magnetic strip or in a protective case. This will prevent contact with other objects that could damage the blade.
Sharpening:
X9Cr18MoV sharpens well – a fine whetstone (e.g. 1000–3000 grit) or diamond sharpener is recommended.
The ideal sharpening angle is approximately 15–20° on each side of the blade.
For routine maintenance, a sharpening steel or ceramic sharpener is sufficient to maintain sharpness without frequent regrinding.
