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Sandvik 12C27 knife steel

Sandvik 12C27 is a stainless knife steel, typically hardened to HRC 57-59.

TypeStainless
HardnessHRC 57-59
Edge retentionmediumhigher than 5 of 48, tied with 13
Corrosion resistancehighhigher than 22 of 48, tied with 16
Toughnesshighhigher than 25 of 48, tied with 14
Ease of sharpeningeasy to sharpeneasier to sharpen than 35 of 48, tied with 13
Price tierBudget
Best forKitchenOutdoor / bushcraftBudget

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Last verified 2026-06-11 · properties are documented consensus tiers; real performance depends on heat treat & geometry (methodology)

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