440C is the highest carbon variant in the 440 stainless steel family, giving it better hardness and edge retention than 440A and 440B. It was once considered a premium knife steel before modern powder metallurgy steels became dominant. Today, it is still widely used in mid-range knives due to its good corrosion resistance, ease of sharpening, and reliable performance in general cutting tasks. While it is no longer a “super steel,” it remains a proven and stable option for everyday use.
优点
- Good corrosion resistance
- Easy to sharpen
- Decent edge retention for its class
- Widely available and affordable
- Stable and proven performance