7Cr17MoV Steel: Full Details and Review

What is 7Cr17MoV Steel? 

7Cr17MoV steel is a Chinese stainless steel used in many survival knives. The steel is a modified version of 440A steel. More vanadium elements have been added to give it extra strength, increase toughness and wear resistance.

The high levels of carbon (0.7%) and chromium (17%) increase its hardness and corrosion resistance making it a great choice for survival blades. 

In terms of quality, 7Cr17MoV steel falls under the mid-range steels. It’s softer compared with high-end grades, but it’s durable thanks to the added elements which boost its wear resistance. 

Though 7Cr17MoV may not be the best in regard to edge retention, it does make sharpening an easier experience. 

Regardless, the steel is resilient under constant hard use which makes it ideal for kitchen and outdoor budget knives.  Another steel we have discussed in detail that is very similar is 8Cr13MoV.

In a nutshell, here are the highlights of 7Cr17MoV steel;

• Relatively tough
• High wear resistance
• Durable
• Affordable 

7Cr17MoV Composition 

7Cr17MoV steel contains 0.7% Carbon and 17% Chromium. The MoV initials on its name indicate an addition of Molybdenum and Vanadium elements. 

The full chemical composition is as follows;

• 0.7% Carbon
• 17% Chromium 
• 1% Silicon 
• 1% Manganese 
• 0.6% Nickel 
• 0.04% Phosphorus 
• 0.03% Sulfur 
• 0.75% Molybdenum 
• 0.1-0.2% Vanadium

Properties of 7Cr17MoV Steel 

The properties of a steel are determined by its chemical composition. These properties should help in informing how a particular steel is suitable for your needs. 

Edge Retention

7Cr17MoV Steel contains Sulphur and Phosphorus. While this increases brittleness and compromise edge retention, the steel compensates for this with good amounts of Carbon and Vanadium. These increase the steel’s hardness, a property that helps boost edge retention.  

Overall, 7Cr17MoV Steel may not match up with other high-end steels, but it does have a decent edge retention for its price.

Hardness

The high amounts of Carbon in 7Cr17MoV (0.7%), plus Vanadium and Chromium, make the steel considerably hard. After being heat treated, the hardness reaches 60 HRC. This makes 7Cr17MoV steel blades reliable for both general and outdoor use.

Toughness

Having hailed 7Cr17MoV for its hardness, one may conclude that the steel is equally tough. Far from it. Hardness and toughness may mean the same thing in general language, but when it comes to steel, it’s different. 

While hardness refers to a metal’s ability to withstand abrasion, toughness of the steel is determined by its ability to resist fracture.

7Cr17MoV steel does not score highly in terms of toughness. Though compared to other high-end steels, it does hold up decently well against abuse.

Corrosion Resistance

One of the properties that make 7Cr17MoV steel great for outdoor and survival blades is its high corrosion resistance. It does feature high amounts of Chromium elements which prevents staining. 

With a good maintenance routine, 7Cr17MoV steel knives will stay stainless for long, even with some level of abuse.

Sharpening

Owing to its relatively low hardness, 7Cr17MoV steel sharpens fairly easily. However, it’s a softer steel compared to others and therefore also loses its sharpness easily. 

7Cr17MoV Equivalent Steels

The closest equivalent of 7Cr17MoV steel is the 440A. Actually, 7Cr17MoV is a modified 440A, with added Vanadium elements for hardness and wear resistance. Other than the absence of Vanadium in 440A, the chemical composition of the two is almost identical.

Another close match is AUS-6 and AUS-8 Knife Steel. Only that 7Cr17MoV steel has slightly higher amounts of Carbon and Chromium.   Also closely related is 5Cr15Mov which has slightly lower amounts of carbon and chromium.

A similar steel that shows a decent increase in edge retention is 9Cr18MoV.  

Is 7Cr17MoV Steel a Good Knife Steel? 

7Cr17MoV is a decent steel that features mostly on hunting, camping, and chef knives. If you intend to use a knife with this steel for such purposes, then yes, 7Cr17MoV steel is a fairly great blade.

Its hardness and corrosion resistance properties make it a durable low budget steel that offers decent performance. And even though it does hold up well against rust and wear, basic maintenance would go a long way in prolonging the knife’s usability. 

The edge retention is also decent for its price range. 7Cr17MoV is among the best entry-level steels that offers high performance for anyone looking to buy a great steel on a budget.

Best 7Cr17MoV Knives

Old Timer 8OTY Yellow Senior 6.9in S.S. 

Traditional Pocket Knife - Older Timer is a reliable brand that’s recognized globally. It features a fixed blade, traditional folder, and Copperhead series designed to cater for every day needs. The brand is hailed for making durable knives as evidenced by the tradition - of passing Old Timers from one generation to another.

This particular Old Timer features a robust 7Cr17MoV steel blade that is secured in place by heat-treated back springs. Coupled with its sleek sawcut handle that comes with a nylon sheath, the knife is a great choice for hunting, camping and EDC.

7Cr17MoV is a durable knife steel that derives its robustness from the hardness and corrosion resistance properties found in its chemical composition.

There are many 7Cr17MoV steel knives in the market (the above mentioned are just a couple picks from a pack of many mid-range knives.) If you’re looking for an average-cost hunting, camping, kitchen, or EDC knife, then 7Cr17MoV steel is a great blade.