AUS-6 and 8

[udtjim]

Given equal heat treating and manufacture, what are the pro's and cons of these steels back to back?

 

[winbag338]

6 is tough, 8 holds an edge a tad longer.

 

[rifon2]

AUS8 takes an exceedingly sharp edge and holds it for a decent length of time.

 

[audiopile]

I think AUS-8 is a seriously under rated blade steel. Re-sharpens without much effort - doesn't chip easily and is cheap enough to manufacture and more importantly finish/factory sharpen that is can be used in knives affordable enough that you don't mind using them.

 

[udtjim]

Thanks for the opinions. I do like AUS 8. I really have not had many knives with the 6, or at least I didn't know it if I did. Are there any common knives that use AUS 6?

 

[samhain73]

A lot of CRKT do.

 

[winbag338]

Thanks for the opinions. I do like AUS 8. I really have not had many knives with the 6, or at least I didn't know it if I did. Are there any common knives that use AUS 6?

older sog seal teams were in 6, then the newer ones are in 8.

 

[Tostig]

Spyderco and CRKT come to mind with Aus-6.


I too think Aus-8 is underrated , at least on BF it is. IMO a fine steel , especially for those unaccustomed to sharpening knives.

I get a little pleasure out of folks new to the knife world who want the latest in 'supersteels' only to find what a PITA they are to re-sharpen with limited knowledge on how to sharpen a blade.

Tostig

 

[knarfeng]

I can't say I've ever tried AUS 6, though I have tried AUS 8 and like it very much.

I did side by side Manila rope cutting tests with several blades, each of which had a Rockwell hardness of 59. AUS 8 fell between Buck 420HC and 440C in edge retention.

Some of the Kershaw folders are AUS 6. (models that are made in Japan like the Wild Turkey model.
http://www.knivesplus.com/kershawknifeke-4150tf.html )

 

[Ben Dover]

AUS8 will take a wicked sharp edge and is easy to sharpen.


But,like 420HC and the 440 series, it doesn't hold it very well. A more abrasion resistant steel like S30V will outlast the edge on AUv steels by 5 or more to1.

If ease of sharpening is important to you, the AUS series will please you. If edge retention is your goal, avoid it.