AUS-8A steel

AUS8A is pretty good stuff. A good compromise for the factories. Takes and holds an edge better than the 420HC or 440A or 425M that a lot of factories use. Not too hard that they have a lot of trouble machining it, grinding or finishing it either. Supposedly, it is a lot less expensive and easier to heat treat than ATS34 too. I have never had any complaints with any knife that used a AUS8A blade. Yes, there is better steel, but not without spending a lot more.
 
I think Danbo pretty much covered it. Stain resistance is right up there with 440C (better than ATS-34), and it takes a good edge, though it doesn't seem to hold it as well as the "wonder-steels".
 
I agree with Danbo. AUS8 takes and holds a very good edge (at least in my CS Voyagers), and is quite easy to re-sharpen (certainly easier than VG-10, which is the best stainless steel I have come across for edge-holding). No corrosion problems at all. I think the bit of vanadium in AUS8 adds to its cutting qualities. I've never had any problem cutting what I needed to with an AUS8 blade:)
 
AUS-8A + CRKT Crawford Kasper Pro = one of my favourite EDC's.

The blade is tough enough that it will last through any cutting job I've had to put it through, yet when it's time to sharpen, it doesn't take long to restore it back to hair-popping sharpness.
 
Have to agree with Danbo. I personally like AUS-8, it is a good steel in the reasonble price ranged knives...
 
8a is a fair steel. Good rust resistance and takes a very sharp edge. It is also easy to sharpen. However the edge holding is rather lacking in comparison to the 'super' steels out there. I would consider it one of the lowest acceptable steels in a pocket knife, but very suitable in a larger blade.

I like it, even if I am hardly glowing about it;)
 
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