440C is high-carbon stainless: enough chromium to resist rust, enough carbon to take a real edge. For decades it was the benchmark for stainless blades, and for anything that lives around water, salt or damp air it still is.Against our Damascus. Our 1095 and 15n20 Damascus takes a finer edge and carries the pattern, but it is reactive and wants drying and oiling. 440C forgives neglect. If the knife will live in a boat, a tackle box, a kitchen sink or a coastal climate, 440C is the honest recommendation.Hardness. We run 440C at 58 to 60 HRC. Harder holds an edge longer but chips more readily; softer is tougher but dulls faster. This range is the working middle.Finish. These take a high polish that shows every mark of the hand that ground them, which is why the mirror-finish pieces are the ones people buy as gifts.Is 440C actually rustproof? No steel is. It is highly rust resistant. Leave it wet in salt long enough and it will spot, but it tolerates far more than carbon steel.Does it hold an edge as well as Damascus? Close. Damascus takes a keener edge; 440C keeps a good edge longer under abuse. Pick for how the knife will live.How do I sharpen it? Any decent stone at around 20 degrees. Slightly harder work than carbon steel but nothing unusual.
Want to know more? Read our guides on telling real Damascus from a printed pattern, what 352 layers means and caring for a Damascus blade.
