AUS-8 vs AUS-8A

Not sure where I heard this, and it does not make much sense but, I was told AUS8(A) meant it was an annealed version of AUS8, but then again I thought all steels were annealed as part of the process.
I own a couple SOGS, and I sharpen my brothers rat model II constantly in standard AUS 8, and my gosh do those steels not hold up well. On the other hand, the AUS8a coming from cold steel has performed fantastic, in fact I decided to buy a couple knives in 8a before you can't get them anyone. I really like CS's aus8a, its good for my intentions.
 
I had both of them - AUS 8 and AUS-8A, but I prefer 440C steel over them. 440C holds the edge longer and can be easily sharpened to shave hairs. I cannot tell the same about the AUS 8(A). I think the "A" at the end of the name is some kind of marketing trick.
 
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I agree, 440c is my favorite steel (I favor softer lower allow steels, when it comes to stainless)
154cm is great too being in the same class as 440c, but it is a ton harder to grind. I am notorious for hating s30v. I find Cold Steel's AUS8A to be a close second to 440c. I was just using my small voyager today at work, ripping through my non corrugated super thick cardboard, admiring how it barely did anything to the edge. All my "super steel" blades get tiny chips from cardboard, just little rolls on the aus8a and 440c!
Rock on brotha!
 
I read on another forum that the "A" refers to "annealed." AUS 8 and AUS 8A are the same steel, according to Mike Stewart, if I remember correctly. Once you have it in a knife, it is no longer "A."
I am just repeating what I read here, but it makes sense.
 
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