6, 8, 10?

[Rhesus Feces]

How does AUS-10 compare to AUS-6, and AUS-8?

I have used 6 and 8 before, and I rather like 8's ability to take a mean edge and hold it for a respectable time period.

I've beens sadly disappointed by anything made of 6, but I haven't owned any Spydies in that particular steel. Just CRKT, and lets just say it's unsharpenable crap and leave it at that

I'm considering a SS Calypso Jr, but I want to know if AUS-10 leans more toward 8 or 6?

Thanks

 

[JamesA]

I'm working on a very limited sample here -- one CRKT AUS-6 knife, one Spyderco AUS-6 knife (I believe -- my Ladybug II), one Spyderco AUS-8 knife, and one Spyderco AUS-10 knife.

The two AUS-6s aren't a fair comparison, since the CRKT is plain and the Spyderco is serrated... but I haven't had any trouble getting a shaving sharp edge on either one, and both have held a very sharp edge for a decent amount of time. A perfectly servicable steel. I think it's a better edge holding/sharpening/rust resistance compromise than even some of the super steels.

The AUS-8 knife is one of the few that I've managed to get hair-popping sharp. Also seemed to hold a good edge for a decent amount of time.

The AUS-10 knife is, for some reason, pretty darn hard for me to sharpen -- I haven't been able to get it to shaving sharp. Might be something to do with the edge geometry or the sharpening skills, I don't know. Despite the increased difficulty, I haven't seen a comparable amount of edge retention time. It's used in a different position than the other three knives, but the knife that previously held this position (also a Spyderco, in ATS-55) kept a good edge for considerably longer, maybe half again as long.

It's a perfectly good steel... I'd probably take it over AUS-6, but I, personally, would rather have AUS-8.

 

[calyth]

I have plenty of 6s and I've manage to get it sharp enough to do some arm hair shaving. It's not always possible though.

 

[Rhesus Feces]

Thanks for the replies, the aus-6 knife I had all the problems with was a CRKT Stiff Kiss drop point. I suppose the edge geometry didn't help, but I spent 2 hours one afternoon thinning it out and sharpening and I never did get it to shave well

I'm probably going to get the Calypso Jr. regardless of the steel, and maybe a SS Delica so I can try Spyderco's aus-6 as well. PE's for sure, I've never been a big fan of serrations, although they have their place depending on the end use of the knife in question. My serrated Spydies go back to the factory for a complementary sharpening when they get dull, cause I fear change and I'm lazy

 

[frank k]

I think most of your steel questions can be answered over on the Spyderco site in the EDGE U CATION section, AUS 6, 8, and 10 have differing amounts of carbon, and as a result hardenability. BTW the Calypso Jr. LW, is in VG10 not AUS 10. Due a search on this forum for info on VG10.
The calypso Jr. LW has been discontinued and are beeing closed out over at www.eknifeworks.com for $25, if you want one don't miss out this is a great little knife at a incredibly low price.

 

[calyth]

Well I keep hearing a lot of people despising the 6, but I kind of like it because it's very easy to sharpen. Good for me because I'm somewhat a newbie at sharpening and I could see the results without grinding for a whole full day.
Hope everything works out

 

[Sal Glesser]

AUS-6,8 & 10 are the same chemistry with the difference being the amount of carbon added to the alloy.

AUS-6 = .55 - .65 carbon
AUS-8 = .70 - .75 carbon
AUS-8 = .95 - 1.10 carbon

Carbon is the main ingredient that determents the hardness and toughness in steel. "Generally" speaking, the more carbon, the harder and tougher the steel.

AUS-8 is particulary special in that the grain size is very even, so AUS-8 will get the sharpest of the 3, but AUS-10 will stay the sharpest the longest and be the toughest.

sal