AUS-8 Vs. CTS-BD1

ricklee4570 said:
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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Yes, it sounds like the guy at the show was confused and talking about XHP.
In our tests BD-1 does hold an edge longer than 8A, but the increase in edge holding isn't as significant as XHP.
BD-1's other advantage is sheer durability. We've found it to be considerably stronger than the 8A counterparts.
We're very happy with it, especially for tough "workhorse" knives like the Voyagers

Thanks and apologies for the confusion
 
Cold Steel Knives said:
Yes, it sounds like the guy at the show was confused and talking about XHP.
In our tests BD-1 does hold an edge longer than 8A, but the increase in edge holding isn't as significant as XHP.
BD-1's other advantage is sheer durability. We've found it to be considerably stronger than the 8A counterparts.
We're very happy with it, especially for tough "workhorse" knives like the Voyagers

Thanks and apologies for the confusion
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Sooo, maybe I missed it. Ignoring an understandable slip of the tongue by the guy at the show, regarding BD-1 ...... Is Cold steel saying that XHP holds an edge 8 times longer AUS8?
 
From what reading I've done, edge retention is one of the areas XHP is regarded highly in, while it isn't exactly AUS8's strong suit, so I'd say that eight times doesn't seem unreasonable.
 
I don't know the exact numbers, but I'll ask the guys from R&D.
In the tests I've personally witnessed, the edge retention was quite considerably better.

As a side note, I took my new BD-1 Voyager to the NRA show myself. It was my work knife for the week, opening boxes, cutting cardboard, slicing zip-ties and even prying open crates.
In all my years at CS I've always used a Voyager Clip Point as a work knife at events and during PROOF shoots.
I noticed a big difference in edge retention between the BD-1 model I used last week, and the AUS8A one I used last year.
Not exactly a scientific test, but more than enough of a difference for me to take notice even while hustling at a show.
I'm a fan for sure
 
Cold Steel Knives said:
I don't know the exact numbers, but I'll ask the guys from R&D.
In the tests I've personally witnessed, the edge retention was quite considerably better.

As a side note, I took my new BD-1 Voyager to the NRA show myself. It was my work knife for the week, opening boxes, cutting cardboard, slicing zip-ties and even prying open crates.
In all my years at CS I've always used a Voyager Clip Point as a work knife at events and during PROOF shoots.
I noticed a big difference in edge retention between the BD-1 model I used last week, and the AUS8A one I used last year.
Not exactly a scientific test, but more than enough of a difference for me to take notice even while hustling at a show.
I'm a fan for sure
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I'd be happy if the Vaquero Large wasn't discontinued. I would have liked to see it in CTS BD1, either that or a Rajah 4 with a 4.5" blade.
 
the only aus8 blade i used was a crkt. the knife was great but i found the blade to tiny little rust spots. so I'm hesitant to get aus8 again.
 
I've had rust issues with CTKT, that I have not had in CS's Aus8 steel.

The surface finish makes a very big difference. I've never had any issues with rust on CS AUS8.

I have had a few CS knives in a bare, bead blast? Finish that was more prone to spotting.

Nothing a rub on a strop would not fix.

I'm excited to try some of the new steel offerings. But I never did have any discontent with the old AUS8.

That said, their laminated VG1 held a great edge in my old Trail Master.
 
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Bigfattyt said:
I've never had any issues with rust on CS AUS8.
I'm excited to try some of the new steel offerings. But I never did have any discontent with the old AUS8.

That said, their laminated VG10 held a great edge in my old Trail Master .
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I agree, from my experience, but maybe you mean VG 1 laminated Trail Master?
 
Indeed. I can never remember if it was vg1 or VG10 (which Falkniven uses), and am always too lazy to look it up.

I don't own it any more. I sold it after about 7 or so years ago when I got a Busse FBMLE.
 
So the BD1 is tougher and a bit more rust resistant, with a slight increase in edge holding. XHP, from what I've read, is a bit closer to being a super-steel, rating close to VG-10. VG-1 got high marks from users when the Voyagers were upgraded to it a few years back, but I don't know how it compares to the other two steels.

I've heard few complaints about AUS8A's edge-holding ability, especially with Cold Steel's offerings, but I have heard a number of complaints about its rust resistance. Even that, however, seems to be with a problem with some people's body chemistry or the blade's finish (bead blasted), or even its heat treat. I've always been very happy with Cold Steel's products in relation to their prices, but if I could pay a little more and get a lot more, who wouldn't go for that? (There are few steels I hate more than 440A, because few companies heat treat it right. But Cold Steel somehow did it right years ago when it put out its first Recon 1, Pro- and Night Force knives. Came out of the box sharp and stayed sharp -- but all my other 440A knives have never been sharp a day of their lives!)

But now that Cold Steel is moving into better steels, how is it affecting their prices? Should I buy up the old stock that's still available, or wait until the new stock is available and has stabilized and grab that? What do you think?



I've always loved Cold Steel's polished stainless blades. But like this old Gunsite 5-incher, one day they're available and the next day they're not.
 
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Iron4045 said:
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
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If you say that BD1 have Vanadium in it , why you not say that AUS 8A have twice as more vandium in it! (0.26 instead of 0.1 in BD1)

AUS 8 also have Nickel in it which BD1 has not and it consist of more Silicon.
But in other hand AUS 8 have less Carbon, Chrome and Mn.

http://www.zknives.com/knives/steels/steelgraph.php?nm=+aus8%2C+bd1%2C1.4116

In chart above we can see the actual chemical difference between Carpenter BD1 and Aichi AUS 8A.

And it is not too much difference at all. In some charts AUS 8A is a winner in some it lose, but total it is aproximately the same level steels.

If you want to make an upgrade from your AUS 8 to BD1, so its just the waste of money. If you have option to jump for something like Carpenter XHP it could be a good option, but also not necessary if you do not use your knife everyday,offten and hard.

But if so you probably are familiar with how to sharpen it and how to care it.And probably it is just the plesure for you. Knife is your companion and friend so keep it good and it will help you good.

AUS 8A is pretty much the same as Carpenter BD1,except Carpenter is basic level,but AUS 8 was a middle range level steel, thats why it consist of more Vanadium, Nickel and Silicon.

Also AUS 8A is longer in human history use and no doubt become classic among working,hunting,fishing and other everyday purpose knifes and tools.
It sharpenes better and eassier, but in other hands it require basic, simple care steps such as cleaning and lubricating to avoid rustiness.

Also electricity in Japan since they have troubles with their atom reactors are become more expensive. Thats means that price for AUS-8A become much higher and it definetly is the main reason why american companies are now with Carpenter manufacture.

Old users with AUS 8A can keep their classic safe. New users will apreciate BD1 it definetly will serve them as good as AUS 8A and even slightly better.
 
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