AUS-6 vs. ATS-35...What's the deal?

T

TCW

Joined
Nov 16, 2001
Messages
29
Hi,
I was wondering...I'm probably going to get a Spyderco Delica II for Christmas (wife). I just realized that they use AUS-6 steel on this knife instead of ATS-35 (Delica I). Is there going to be a difference in quality of these two steels? I assumed that all spyderco steel was top-notch. The knife is for general light use and self defense.

Thanks!
TCW:confused:
 
aus6 is about equivelent too 440a in U.S. steel. good on corrotion resistance not so good on edge retintion. ats-34 has about twice the edge retintion of aus-6 but about 30% less corrosion resistance than aus-6. there will be a diff, in price with the ats-34 running higher. i use a lot of ats-34 and some 440c, bg-42 etc. you will get a longer lasting edge with the ats-34.but if you are going to have this knife working in and around water, fresh or salt go with the aus-6 if these are your only steel options hope this helps
 
Actually, the Spyderco Delica 1 with the black FRN handles uses ATS-55 (the other common steel is ATS-34). The reason that the Delica 2 with steel handles uses AUS-6 is because it keeps the price down. The steel handles cost quite a bit more to manufacture, and the want to keep the overall price of the knife down, so they lowered the quality of the steel. You are going to see differences in actual use between AUS-6 and ATS-55, there are always pros and cons to steels. ATS-55 will probably hold a longer edge, where AUS-6 will probably have better rust resistance.
mmtmatrix
 
I bought a Delica II in stainless a few weeks ago. The steel is surprisingly good (Spyderco geometry and heat-treat). My only problem is that I bought it for "gentleman" carry and it's a bit too heavy for pocket clip carry with Dockers type pants.
 
Spyderco has changed to VG-10, so I would get one of those rather than the ATS-55, which is prone to rust.

6a is a poor steel in comparison.
 
Hey, only a small part of me was trying to be a smartass. :) I was also wondering if they came out with a new steel in those Spydercos.
 
it has been my EDC for that whole time. seriously everyday

I have only lightly tuned it up a few times on a ceramic rod.

I am not a big fan of aus 6, aus 8 isn't too bad but If I had to chose it would be ATS-55 :D


good luck

chris
 
By the way, AUS-6 is not to be confused with AUS-6M. 6M is used by CRKT extensively. The "M" stands for molybdenum. AUS-6 has no molybdenum, so it can be assertained that 6M has just enough to qualify it with a designated "M". Just thought I would add to the confusion!
 
Huh?
It's the same steel, only people confusing the designations.
The steel has two names: AUS-6 and 6M (the latter being the american name, iirc)
There is no such steel as "AUS-6M", it's just a mixup of the two different names.
 
A very different animal. Much better edge holding, less strength and better rust resistance. A better steel in most cases. Unless you want to chop rather than cut, in which case it is not the best choice.
 
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