1095 CRO-Van Steel [Is It The Right Blade Steel For You…?]

1095 cro-van

Certain types of steel are more commonly used for making knives than others…

1095 CRO-Van blade steel is not the same as 1095 steel; both steel types have different compositions and properties…

Since the type of steel you choose for making a blade affects its quality and usefulness, knives made from 1095 CRO-Van steel offer distinct advantages… 

Every 1095 CRO-Van steel blade will be tougher than the regular 1095 blade. So if you want enhanced hardness in your knife, you should pick the CRO-Van steel…

Apart from being used for making knives, this steel alloy makes dies and other items that take advantage of its extraordinary toughness…

If you are a knife enthusiast, you must have encountered knives made from the 1095 CRO-Van steel alloy…

Not to mention many reputed knife brands sell knives made from this alloy for specific purposes…

So, if you plan on buying a knife made out of 1095 CRO-Van, you should first learn more about this particular steel type…

This article will cover everything you need about the 1095 CRO-Van blade steel, so keep reading. 

Top 7 Best 1095 CRO-Van Knives!

ImageKnife
KA-BAR Full Size US Marine Corps Fighting KnifeKA-BAR Full Size US Marine Corps Fighting Knife – Get Best Pricing Here!
KA-BAR #1213 Black Straight Edge KnifeKA-BAR #1213 Black Straight Edge Knife – Get Best Pricing Here!
Ka-Bar Becker BK9KA-BAR Becker BK9 Combat Bowie Knife – Get Best Pricing Here!
Becker KA-BAR HarpoonBecker KA-BAR Harpoon Fixed Blade – Get Best Pricing Here!
Ka-Bar Combat Kukri KnifeKA-BAR Combat Kukri Knife – Get Best Pricing Here!
Ka-Bar KA1245-BRKKA-BAR KA1245-BRK Black Tanto – Get Best Pricing Here!
Ka-Bar 2-5705-6 Orig ZombieKA-BAR 2-5705-6 Orig Zombie – Get Best Pricing Here!

What Is 1095 CRO-Van Blade Steel?

The 1095 CRO-Van steel also goes by Sharon Steel 1095CV, 50-110B, Carbon V, and 0170-6 steel in the USA.

The different names of this steel represent the differences in its composition. Each variation of the 1095 CRO-Van is made to fit a certain application. 

This steel alloy was improved over the 1095 steel and still maintains certain similarities to its predecessor.

The original 1095 steel alloy has been used since the 1800s, and the CRO-Van is its enhanced version.

It is not easy to find blades made out of this particular steel because they are not made as commonly as other alloys.

ka-bar bk7

So knives made out of the 1095 CRO-Van are sought after by knife enthusiasts. 

Despite being a rare type of steel for making knives, its corrosion resistance is subpar, and a knife made out of 1095 CRO-Van won’t survive for long in corrosive environments. 

What Is The Composition Of 1095 CRO-Van?

The composition of the 1095 CRO-Van is not the same as the regular 1095 steel alloy. Here is the percentage breakdown of each component in this steel alloy:

  • Carbon: 1.1%
  • Chromium: 0.6%
  • Molybdenum: 0.6%
  • Nitrogen: 0.25%
  • Manganese: 0.5%
  • Silicone: 0.25%
  • Phosphorus: 0.25%
  • Sulfur: 0.25%
  • Vanadium: 0.25%

You will find many similarities if you compare the above composition with the regular 1095 composition.

However, adding Chromium, Vanadium, Nitrogen, and Molybdenum makes this CRO-Van variation stand out from the regular 1095 steel.

However, the CRO-Van variation’s chromium content is insufficient to prevent corrosion in humid conditions. 

Mechanical Properties Of 1095 CRO-Van Blade Steel

To fully understand how a knife made from a particular steel alloy will perform, you must know its mechanical properties.

Without further ado, here is the information on the mechanical properties of the 1095 CRO-Van:

  • Melting Point: 1424 C
  • Density: 7.81 g/cm3
  • Yield Strength: 525 Mpa
  • Hardness: 690 Rockwell C
  • Thermal Conductivity: 46.6 W/m. K
  • Elastic Modulus: 210 GPa

Applications Of 1095 CRO-Van Steel Alloy

This tough steel alloy has entered various industries besides being used for making knives. The CRO-Van steel is also used for making automotive parts, dies, mill rolls, and fasteners. 

is 1095 cro-van steel good for knives

These industrial applications of the 1095 CRO-Van steel benefit from the toughness and durability of this alloy.

The same properties make it ideal for making certain knives requiring impact resistance and edge retention. 

1095 CRO-Van Blade Steel Physical Properties That Make It Ideal For Knife Making

All the chemical and mechanical properties of the steel come together to create some distinct physical properties that are useful in knife making.

Everything from the hardness of the steel to the different percentages of metals in a steel alloy affects how it will perform when a knife is made from it. 

Some important physical properties of the 1095 CRO-Van steel when used for making knives:

Edge retention: The ability of a knife to retain its sharpness or edge, as most people call it, depends on the hardness of the metal used for manufacturing it.

A knife made of a steel alloy with good hardness will have a more durable edge that won’t chip or fade under regular use. 

Since the 1095 CRO-Van has a hardness rating of 690 Rockwell C for making knives, this steel offers excellent edge retention.

In addition to a good hardness rating, this steel contains chromium, manganese, and carbon in specific percentages, which makes it easier to maintain the knife’s edge. 

Corrosion resistance: As mentioned earlier, the 1095 CRO-Van has a lower amount of chromium which means its corrosion resistance capabilities are not as good as some of the other alloys.

When using a knife made out of this steel, you have to ensure it is not exposed to moisture for prolonged periods. 

1095 steel

In addition to moisture, certain corrosive foods can cause a knife made out of 1095 CRO-Van to rust.

So you have to be extremely careful when using a knife made from low chromium alloys such as this one. 

Wear resistance: What this alloy lacks in corrosion resistance capabilities makes it up with high wear resistance.

You won’t have to worry about the knife GETTING worn out from chopping or cutting tough materials. 

Since enthusiasts buy knives for their unique coloration and markings, high wear resistance ensures that the outer surface of the knife won’t rub off when the knife is used.

Ease of sharpening: Since knives made out of 1095 CRO-Van steel are considered high-carbon steel knives, they are easier to sharpen.

Unlike stainless steel, it is possible to shave off fine layers of the knife’s edge without chipping or damaging the knife. 

Therefore, you can easily sharpen a knife made out of this steel and keep using it for prolonged periods. 

Are Knives Made Out Of 1095 CRO-Van Steel Difficult To Sharpen?

One of the most important things to know about any kind of knife before buying it is how difficult it is to sharpen.

Similar to most carbon steel knives, the 1095 CRO-Van steel can be sharpened with ease.

Since there are lower amounts of chromium in this type of steel, you can use a sharpening stone or other common sharpening methods to sharpen it.

When Should You Use A Knife Made Out Of 1095 CRO-Van Steel?

Now that you know the characteristics and properties of the 1095 CRO-Van steel alloy, you are probably wondering when it is a good idea to use a knife made out of this steel alloy.

There are certain situations where the 1095 CRO-Van steel knives perform exceptionally well.

These applications include indoor uses where there is little to no risk of moisture exposure.

is 1095 cro-van steel stainless

For example, this steel alloy can be used for making knives for opening packages, cutting ropes and cords, or during electrical work. 

However, when it comes to outdoor applications where the knife will be exposed to moisture, this steel alloy is not going to be a good fit.

With that said, if you take extra care of keeping the 1095 CRO-Van knife clean and wipe the moisture off after each use, it is possible to use these knives for fishing, hunting, and survival applications. 

After all, you will find many top knife brands that use the 1095 CRO-Van for making knives for outdoor use.

If you are taking proper care of the knife, there is no restriction on what type of knives can be made out of this alloy.

However, for regular users, it is best to keep a 1095 CRO-Van blade for use in indoor conditions. 

With that said, it doesn’t mean you can’t use knives made out of this alloy in outdoor environments at all.

If exposed to moisture for prolonged periods of time, the knife may not last as long, and it will start to look old due to corrosion.

Most collectors buy 1095 CRO-Van blades to add to their collection of knives. The last thing you want is your expensive knife rusting due to exposure to moisture. 

Brands that do make knives from this steel alloy for outdoor use add protective coating on top of the blade by using mineral oil.

The additional layer makes the knife last longer as the steel is not directly exposed to the environment.

Top 7 Best 1095 CRO-Van Knives!

ImageKnife
KA-BAR Full Size US Marine Corps Fighting KnifeKA-BAR Full Size US Marine Corps Fighting Knife – Get Best Pricing Here!
KA-BAR #1213 Black Straight Edge KnifeKA-BAR #1213 Black Straight Edge Knife – Get Best Pricing Here!
Ka-Bar Becker BK9KA-BAR Becker BK9 Combat Bowie Knife – Get Best Pricing Here!
Becker KA-BAR HarpoonBecker KA-BAR Harpoon Fixed Blade – Get Best Pricing Here!
Ka-Bar Combat Kukri KnifeKA-BAR Combat Kukri Knife – Get Best Pricing Here!
Ka-Bar KA1245-BRKKA-BAR KA1245-BRK Black Tanto – Get Best Pricing Here!
Ka-Bar 2-5705-6 Orig ZombieKA-BAR 2-5705-6 Orig Zombie – Get Best Pricing Here!

1095 CRO-Van – Final Thoughts…

So there you have it. This guide covers everything there is to know about 1095 CRO-Van blade steel and when you should and shouldn’t use it.

This unique steel alloy offers exceptional toughness and wear resistance at the cost of poor corrosion resistance. 

However, if you are a collector who doesn’t care about the poor corrosion resistance of this steel alloy or only intends to use it strictly indoors, then 1095 CRO-Van steel blades can be perfect for you.

After all, there are many top brands that use this steel alloy for making knives, and as long as you buy a 1095 CRO-Van blade from a reputed manufacturer, you can expect it to last longer.