AUS-8 vs 8Cr13MoV steel for EDC knives?

For these two steels, IMHO the most important thing is the heat treatment. I'd pick the spyderco first, then the Ontario.

I have seen too many poorly designed or poorly executed Bokers to ever recommend buying one.
 
brownshoe said:
For these two steels, IMHO the most important thing is the heat treatment. I'd pick the spyderco first, then the Ontario.

I have seen too many poorly designed or poorly executed Bokers to ever recommend buying one.
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Their newer Plus models are apparently very good, to be fair. Squail, any of the Anso models, Arctos, etc. Also, Boker Tree makes some fine, fine knives. I picked up a Haddock DLC and was really blown away by the quality. Early lockup, perfectly even grind, fantastic finish, dead center, ceramic detent ball, vault lockup... Very very good for the price.

Edit: But, I cannot recommend the Kwaiken. AUS8, price is too high, quality is too low. I've handled three and each one either had blade play, extremely late lockup, or was way off-center.
 
If I remeber right 8cr13mov is equal to about AUS6. So there really isnt much of a difference that youll be able to tell
 
The reality is that they are both low end steels that meet most people's cutting needs. They are both similar and will have very little difference from a pro and con standpoint. Personally I would be more concerned about blade geometry and ergonomics.
 
Sorry about that guys, it been a while since I researched those two steels.
Oh and the 8cr13mov on the Tenacious can be rolled by scrapping it with your nail.
 
knifeguy101 said:
Maybe I got a bad one then, didnt mean to stir up the Spydie fanboys.
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You're talking about steel being weaker than your keratin fingernails, that will cause a stir in any circle. The guys that questioned you aren't even on the Spyderco subforum much if at all.
 
Is it unlikely that a damascus knife would have 512 layers of 1095 and 15N20 high carbon steel and be under $50?


Also, is damascus just the process of welding two or more different metals together or is damascus specifically two certain metals? Because it says damascus, then says it was made with carbon steel
 
grownstar said:
...EDITED TO ADD: You asked for suggestions, so here's mine. Check out kershawguy.com and see some of his Kershaw blems. They are factory seconds but you can find a lot of good ones for around your budget. Superior steel and made in the USA. Some that come to mind are the Kershaw Knockout, Blur, Leek and Skyline.
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This ^^^^ is an excellent suggestion. For example, you can find a Kershaw Blur blem (the blemishes are cosmetic and never functional) with a Tanto/partially serrated blade well under your budget. The Blur is, IMHO, a great little knife. The Kershaw Skyline blem is another good, cheap knife that fits your needs. Of course he has a big selection of other knives that fit your requirement as well.

Take a look at his selection.

Also - avoid Boker and cheap Damascus. Save the Damascus for a high end knife with quality Damascus. JMO.

Good luck on your choice! Let us know what you choose. :)
 
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8cr is not bad but still Chinese alphebet soup. Aus8 on the other hand has been around forever is made in japan and can be pretty killer with the right heat treat. I don't mind the 8cr but would take aus8 over it any day.
 
I agree with a Kershaw blur. I've had mine since 2008 and have beat the crap out of it. I never used the blade for something it wasn't intended for, but closed? Man, I beat that aluminum handle to death and I never had a problem. Sharpens great, cuts great etc. Ergos are really prettt good. The speed safe works great. The blade coating had withstood a lot of cutting open and/ or through sheet rock, bondo, dope bundles, plastic rivets, etc. Was a great knife for the price and I still carry it when I want to.
 
My recommendation would be a Large Cold Steel Voyager. They can be had for under $50 shipped and are tough, well made and have good edge geometry. The clip point version won't quite out-slice a Resilience, but it will come very close and give you a much stronger knife. Just be aware that the pocket clips are very tight and, in combination with the extremely aggressive texture of the handle, can destroy pants very quickly. A pair of pliers and a bit of sandpaper will fix this, but it's still worth mentioning.
 
I would look at cold steel if I were you, they have the best aus8 that I have experienced and ridiculous marketing aside they make some excellent knives, also theres the tri-ad lock. Check out the voyager series or the american lawman which are both around your budget.
 
addylo said:
For just a few dollars over your budget I prefer the Delica in VG-10. It's been a long-running staple in the Spyderco catalog for good reason. And VG-10 tops both steels IMO.

If you want something bigger the Endura is another great knife for slightly more than the Delica.
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+1

VG-10 is much better than said steels. You will pay a little more ($20-40), but you will thank yourself later. Plus, good VG-10 will give you a small taste of how some "super-steels" perform.

Heck, if you know where to look, you could find a mini-griptillian for around $65-70 which had 154cm and an axis lock!

Good things come to those that wait!
 
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