AUS-8 Vs. CTS-BD1

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hevnerknifereview

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Apr 9, 2014
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Since CS is now switching to this steel I am curious about it. Please post any experience or knowledge of this steel. 😄
 
Honestly, a lot of people say that it will perform similarly to AUA-8. Based on the chemistry, I understand that opinion; however, I've found that CTS-BD1 out performs AUS-8 in practical use. I've used it extensively in my Spyderco Manix 2 Ltwt. In my uses, the best comparison that I can make is that it performs very much like an American version of VG-10. It holds an edge for a very decent amount of time, sharpens very easily, and is extremely corrosion resistant.

To be completely honest, it's quite possibly my favorite steel for a straight user knife.
 
I have had the same experience as Max.. pretty much same as vg10.. even Sal said its very similar
 
I haven't used BD1, but it sure isn't VG10, or even close to it. It doesn't have any vanadium in it, and the carbon level isn't quite as high, but close. I have lots of knives in VG10 and like the steel, but it isn't BD1.
I don't know if AUS8 is any better or worse than BD1, since I only have 1 knife in that steel, and I haven't used it that much.
I would much rather have a good knife in VG10 than BD1.
 
arty said:
I haven't used BD1, but it sure isn't VG10, or even close to it. It doesn't have any vanadium in it, and the carbon level isn't quite as high, but close. I have lots of knives in VG10 and like the steel, but it isn't BD1.
I don't know if AUS8 is any better or worse than BD1, since I only have 1 knife in that steel, and I haven't used it that much.
I would much rather have a good knife in VG10 than BD1.
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If you haven't used it, you really shouldn't be trying to wax philosophical about it.
 
I have one of the Manix 2 Lightweights too.

I find the CTS-BD1 to be much more stain-resistant than Aus-8A. It hasn't rusted at all so far.

It takes a smoother edge and doesn't feel as sharp as Aus-8A either.

I am still experimenting with different sharpening methods and grits with it though.
 
GCG199 said:
I find the CTS-BD1 to be much more stain-resistant than Aus-8A. It hasn't rusted at all so far.
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I really like BD-1. I used many G2 (Gin-1) blades in the 90's. The Japanese version of BD-1. Very rust resistant and a durable steel.
 
Yes, it is a good idea to point out that Carpenter CTS-BD1 is a newer version of Japanese GIN-1.
 
I know this is a couple of months old but just to set the record straight Carpenter's CTS-BD1 does indeed have Vanadium in it, 0.1%, a little less than VG-10 but it is there. This provides more support to BD1 performing similar to VG10. It's also good to see manufacturers like cold steel switch to material made by US companies. Although I happen to like aus8 as a pretty tough stainless steel.

"Carpenter CTS BD1 Alloy

Nominal Analysis
0.90 C, 0.60 Mn, 0.37 Si, 15.75 Cr, 0.30 Mo, 0.10 V"

http://www.cartech.com/ssalloysprod.aspx?id=3706



arty said:
I haven't used BD1, but it sure isn't VG10, or even close to it. It doesn't have any vanadium in it, and the carbon level isn't quite as high, but close. I have lots of knives in VG10 and like the steel, but it isn't BD1.
I don't know if AUS8 is any better or worse than BD1, since I only have 1 knife in that steel, and I haven't used it that much.
I would much rather have a good knife in VG10 than BD1.
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A representative at the Cold Steel booth at the NRA Convention in Nashville Friday told me that the new steel has shown to hold an edge 8 times longer than AUS-8 (his words, not mine)
 
DocT said:
Don't snort. Sal Glesser said this is one of his favorite all around steels. It is pretty good stuff. It will hold an edge better than AUS8 any day. :)
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Of course its a better steel and holds an edge longer. I don't think I said it wasn't. The snort was in response ..."8 times longer". I simply don't buy that unless I see some documentation.... Even tho' I think Sal is the best in the business. And no one said Sal said it. ;')
 
ricklee4570 said:
A representative at the Cold Steel booth at the NRA Convention in Nashville Friday told me that the new steel has shown to hold an edge 8 times longer than AUS-8 (his words, not mine)
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Perhaps compared to CTS-XHP in some types of cutting tests. I don't believe that would be true of CTS-BD1. That said, I have a Spyderco Manix2 Lightweight in BD1 and it's a fine performer. The steel takes a high polish easily.
 
In my experience I would never say bd1 is 8 times better. Its marginally better then aus8 from what I've seen using it in other knives, but to say 8 times is a bit of an exaggeration.
 
Eight times longer? That's ridiculous.

So if AUS-8 kept it's edge for a week, CTS-BD1 would keep it's edge for 8 weeks? Please...

In my experience they're very similar. CTS-BD1 might outperform AUS-8 slightly, but is definitely not 8 goddamn times better.
 
We don't know what kind of cutting tests he was referring to. It could be he meant that cutting a particular material an AUS8 knife made 40 cuts before reaching an unacceptable level of dullness, while a BD1 knife made 320 cuts in the same material before reaching that same level of dullness. That might not have much applicability to our usage, but we can say that BD1 has a bit better edge holding, is more stain resistant, and appears to be tougher for a given hardness.
 
I thought it was an exaggeration as well when I heard it. Maybe the representative got BD1 mixed up with CTS-XHP
 
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