Knife Country, USA

440 Stainless Steel Folding Pocket Knives deliver a strong combination of hardness, corrosion resistance, and everyday cutting performance, making the 440 series one of the most widely used stainless steels in the knife industry. Variants like 440A, 440B, and especially 440C are known for their increased carbon content, which provides improved edge retention and durability. 440 stainless is a trusted choice for outdoor knives, EDC folders, work tools, and tactical models thanks to its ability to resist rust while holding a sharper edge than many entry-level steels.

 

If you want a dependable stainless steel knife that stays sharp, resists the elements, and maintains excellent value, 440 stainless steel is a strong performer.

 

Start With These Core Categories

Folding Pocket Knives
Browse all folding knife styles across every steel type.

Stainless Steel Folding Pocket Knives
Shop the full range of rust-resistant stainless steel blades.

440 Stainless Steel Folding Pocket Knives
A popular stainless steel family offering balanced performance for EDC and outdoor use.

 

Sibling Stainless Steel Categories:

420 Stainless Steel Folding Pocket Knives

7Cr17MoV Stainless Steel Folding Pocket Knives

AUS-8 Stainless Steel Folding Pocket Knives

8Cr13MoV Stainless Steel Folding Pocket Knives

 

Why Choose 440 Stainless Steel?

440 stainless steel is celebrated for its solid, dependable performance in a wide variety of knife designs—especially in outdoor, work, and tactical folders. It’s a step above basic stainless steels, offering stronger edge retention and enhanced hardness.

Key advantages include:

• Good edge retention compared to lower-tier steels

• Strong corrosion resistance for all-weather use

• High hardness (especially in 440C)

• Ideal for outdoor, tactical, and EDC applications

• Affordable materials with excellent user feedback

440C, the most premium variant, remains a favorite for users who want a stainless blade that holds a crisp edge and performs reliably under pressure.

 

Top Brands Featuring 440 Stainless Steel Folding Knives

Cold Steel Knives

Cold Steel produces many rugged models using 440-series steels for strength, durability, and utility.

Kershaw Knives

Kershaw offers accessible everyday carry knives using 440A and 440C formulations.

Gerber Knives

Gerber utilizes 440-series steels across budget-friendly and work-focused folding knives.

SOG Knives

SOG’s tactical and performance-oriented folders often include 440A for corrosion resistance and reliability.

Case XX Knives

Case blends traditional pocketknife designs with modern stainless steel performance.

 

FAQ – 440 Stainless Steel Folding Knives

What is the best 440 stainless steel?

440C is the highest carbon and highest performing version, providing better hardness and edge retention than 440A or 440B.

Does 440 stainless steel rust?

It is highly resistant to corrosion, making it excellent for wet or outdoor environments.

Is 440 a premium steel?

440C is considered a higher-end traditional stainless steel, while 440A is more value-focused.

Is 440 easy to sharpen?

Yes—while harder than basic steels, 440-series blades are still relatively easy for most users to sharpen.

Is 440 good for EDC?

Absolutely. It offers a strong balance of durability, rust resistance, and dependable cutting performance.

 

Related Categories

• Stainless Steel Folding Pocket Knives (Parent Category)

• Folding Pocket Knives (Main Category)

• 420 Stainless Steel Folding Pocket Knives

• 7Cr17MoV Stainless Steel Folding Pocket Knives

• AUS-8 Stainless Steel Folding Pocket Knives