10Cr15MoV is a Chinese low-carbon martensitic stainless tailored for affordable blades that still demand real-world edge retention and corrosion resistance. Built around 0.48–0.55 % carbon, it quenches to 58–60 HRC, giving knives a crisp, working edge that survives busy kitchen or EDC duty without chipping. The 15 % chromium plus 0.8 % molybdenum and 0.15 % vanadium cocktail forms a dense, self-healing passive film that shrugs off fruit acids, humidity, and even brief salt exposure, while vanadium carbides pin grain boundaries for added wear resistance and easy sharpening on a medium stone. Fine, uniform carbides let makers grind thin, laser-like geometry, so a ~15° bevel glides through tomatoes, rope, or cardboard with minimal drag. Widely adopted by value-oriented OEMs for sub-$50 chef’s knives, folders, and outdoor blades, 10Cr15MoV delivers reliable, VG-10-adjacent performance on a budget, asking only for a quick rinse and strop to stay pristine.
