AUS8A vs CTS-BD1

Kwon Kwang

Kwon Kwang

Joined
Jul 7, 2013
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I'm still not too convinced about CTS-BD1 for the Spartan, Rajahs and new Voyagers. AUS8A is a proven, all-around good performing steel. Cold Steel has been using 8A for years, and they've got their heat treatment on it down pat. We know it's tough, and though I admittedly have not used a blade in CTS-BD1, I've done my homework, and I'm hearing mixed reports about its edge retention in comparison with 8A's. The rust resistance will be greater, but I've never had a problem with rust on 8A so that's pretty moot to me. It's old news by now, but I'm still not digging the change.

Now that they've been out for a little while, does anyone know how tough CTS-BD1 is in comparison? I know the CS rep likes it.
 
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Well, it's simply a comparable steel, it will be fine. There are benefits though, what it does is allow Cold Steel to do some marketing, "Hey, we're using a new steel." It's also an American made steel, if I'm not mistaken, and that can play a part in its marketing and a purchaser's decision.
 
farmer ted said:
Well, it's simply a comparable steel, it will be fine. There are benefits though, what it does is allow Cold Steel to do some marketing, "Hey, we're using a new steel." It's also an American made steel, if I'm not mistaken, and that can play a part in its marketing and a purchaser's decision.
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Since the knives themselves aren't American made, not sure why it would matter. Sort of like Carhartt clothes being made here but assembled in Mexico.
 
average gimp said:
Since the knives themselves aren't American made, not sure why it would matter. Sort of like Carhartt clothes being made here but assembled in Mexico.
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Taiwan has been putting out folding knives of exceptional fit and finish for at least a few years. Most Spyderco fans will tell you that Spyderco's models made over there rival custom knives in fit and finish. Unfortunately, higher grade steels aren't readily available in Taiwan. I personally consider CTS-BD1 an upgrade from 8A. I've used both and BD1 just performs better in my experience in most categories. I think the mixed reports the OP mentions probably come from people who were expecting more of an upgrade than they got out of BD1.
 
MaxFisher said:
Taiwan has been putting out folding knives of exceptional fit and finish for at least a few years. Most Spyderco fans will tell you that Spyderco's models made over there rival custom knives in fit and finish. Unfortunately, higher grade steels aren't readily available in Taiwan. I personally consider CTS-BD1 an upgrade from 8A. I've used both and BD1 just performs better in my experience in most categories. I think the mixed reports the OP mentions probably come from people who were expecting more of an upgrade than they got out of BD1.
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I personally don't dispute foreign manufacture. I noted that US-made steel in foreign-made products was something of a wash. Also, I personally see BD1 as a downgrade based on reports when Spyderco started using it in their lightweight Manix. XHP, from the CS comparison video, is a clear upgrade and worthy of the price jumps.
 
average gimp said:
I personally don't dispute foreign manufacture. I noted that US-made steel in foreign-made products was something of a wash. Also, I personally see BD1 as a downgrade based on reports when Spyderco started using it in their lightweight Manix.
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When Spyderco started using it in their Manix it WAS a downgrade, cause the prior Manix was S30V, not AUS-8. S30V to BD1 IS a downgrade. AUS-8 to BD1 is NOT a downgrade, it's an upgrade.
 
i don't see much of a major difference. new steel costs more, but should be as good if not better in a few ways than the aus8...at least on paper/specs anyways....
 
It is funny. I remember when 440a was thought to be a fine steel for a pocket knife, when properly heat treated. It can take high hardness. 440b was a much lesser steel and 440C was a super steel. Now, even VG10 and 154CM are passe'. AUS8 is similar to 440a and some would argue 440b. It is a lower end steel. That does not mean it is a bad steel. BD1 is similar to 440C with a bit added to make it maybe, maybe better. But 440C can be hardened pretty high and will perform better than most think and certainly better than AUS8. BD1 is a definite move in the right direction.
 
DocT said:
It is funny. I remember when 440a was thought to be a fine steel for a pocket knife, when properly heat treated. It can take high hardness. 440b was a much lesser steel and 440C was a super steel. Now, even VG10 and 154CM are passe'. AUS8 is similar to 440a and some would argue 440b. It is a lower end steel. That does not mean it is a bad steel. BD1 is similar to 440C with a bit added to make it maybe, maybe better. But 440C can be hardened pretty high and will perform better than most think and certainly better than AUS8. BD1 is a definite move in the right direction.
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yeah everything is relative. it's funny, what is considered space age material 10 years ago are crap now and the market is driven by the constant pursuit for marginally better material. i'm all for constant improvements, but the i think people are getting too obsessive to the latest & greatest steel. People use box cutter all days and none of them complain about not having premium steel. I bet most of our kitchen knives has what's considered "crap" steel too, but we probably use it more than anything else to cut stuff. I personally have a Victorinox Fibrox chef knife which most people think it's the best kitchen knife for the money. Yet its steel may be inferior to 440A...
 
hkyew said:
yeah everything is relative. it's funny, what is considered space age material 10 years ago are crap now and the market is driven by the constant pursuit for marginally better material. i'm all for constant improvements, but the i think people are getting too obsessive to the latest & greatest steel. People use box cutter all days and none of them complain about not having premium steel. I bet most of our kitchen knives has what's considered "crap" steel too, but we probably use it more than anything else to cut stuff. I personally have a Victorinox Fibrox chef knife which most people think it's the best kitchen knife for the money. Yet its steel may be inferior to 440A...
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Speak for yourself, my kitchen knives have AEB-L and S35VN. ;)

(I actually agree with you, but high carbide steels definitely have some real world advantages.)
 
MichaelMyers said:
Not impressed with BD1. Underwhelming even for a budget steel.
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This kind of statement is worth less than no statement at all, without some elaboration. So...elaborate, if you expect anyone to give your comments any credence whatsoever. :rolleyes:.
 
ichor said:
This kind of statement is worth less than no statement at all, without some elaboration. So...elaborate, if you expect anyone to give your comments any credence whatsoever. :rolleyes:.
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+1

Mars is blue and Jupiter is green. Yes i've been there otherwise i wont comment.
 
ichor said:
This kind of statement is worth less than no statement at all, without some elaboration. So...elaborate, if you expect anyone to give your comments any credence whatsoever. :rolleyes:.
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I agree as I'm debating whether to buy a couple more aus8 xl voyagers for a good price or CTS bd1

I already have a bd1 and XHP XL voyager tanto coming in lol
 
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