Comparing 4116 Steel to Other Steels for Outdoor Use

The selection of steels for outdoor knives is important for durability, edge retention, and maintenance. 4116 is a favorite among knife users, but how does it fare in comparison with the more established steel types? We will take a look and compare.

1. 4116 Steel vs. 440C Steel

Edge Retention: 440C keeps an edge longer since it has more carbon. 

Corrosion Resistance: 4116 steel has the superior property of resisting rust, which makes it better suited for wet environments.

Ease of Sharpening: 4116 steel is easier to sharpen than 440C.

2. 4116 Steel vs. AUS-8 Steel

Edge Retention: AUS-8 keeps an edge a little better.

Toughness: 4116 has a slight advantage over chipping.

Corrosion Resistance: Both steels perform fairly well; 4116 is a little better.

3. 4116 Steel vs. VG-10 Steel

Edge Retention: In terms of edge retention, VG-10 is far better than 4116.

Sharpening: 4116 is easier to sharpen than VG-10.

Corrosion Resistance: Both have very little difference; they are both fairly corrosion-resistant.

4. 4116 Steel vs. D2 Steel

Edge Retention: D2 keeps an edge much longer.

Corrosion Resistance: 4116 is way better in this regard, thanks to its stainless characteristics.

Toughness: 4116 is better in terms of resistance to being brittle than D2, so it holds up better under impacts. 

Conclusion

Every steel has its pluses, but for campers who want corrosion resistance and easy sharpening in an affordable package, 4116 steel is a good choice. If edge retention tops your list, then a steel such as VG-10 or D2 may be the way to go.