Beyond the Numbers of Steel Types

T

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Is it possible for, say, a knife of steel type of AUS-6 to have better edge retention than a knife of steel type AUS-8, as perhaps the AUS-6 was forged exceptionally well whilst the AUS-8 was not?

In other words, is it possible that a steel's "type" is not always an apt measure of relative quality against others labeled a different "type"?
 
Though lacking experience myself, I'd say that's certainly the case. Some companies do a poor job with "name-brand" steels, and others do an excellent job with steels held in somewhat lower regard. Using the steels you mentioned as an example, Spyderco knives made with AUS-6 are held in fairly high regard, whereas in several brands of East Asian manufacture, AUS-8 blades can be rust prone, easily dulled, etc. Essentially, numbers are a guide to a steel's potential, which means that they tell you what properties a steel can possess, as opposed to what any single sample of that steel does possess. Proper hardening and tempering is what determines actual performance as opposed to potential performance.
 
Don't forget edge grind angles and their part in edge retention. Too thin an edge, that is, one containing fewer degrees in it's angle, can roll when used and lose it's effectiveness prematurely. The edge angle must be matched, somewhat, to the intended usage of the tool. Correct me if I've failed to state this properly, but I believe this is one of the many factoids I've picked up here in my participation!:D

Larry S.
 
The way the steel has been heat treated has alot to do with how well it hold an edge. Poor heat treat, worthless. A good heat treat and a lower grade of stainless could actually be better then a high grade with a bad heat treat.
Scott
 
Interesting. Thanks for the replies.

Speaking of Spyderco and AUS-6, I was wondering recently why the Edura II features AUS-6, while the regular Endura features VG-10. I suppose that Spyderco's AUS-6, however, is better than that of most manufacturers.

BTW, does anybody know how CRKT's AUS-6 blades compare to those of most other manufacturers?

Thanks.
 
I thought the Endura II had an AUS-6 blade to offset the cost of the stainless steel handle. That way they can offer it at a price point similar to the FRN handled regular Enduras. As for CRKT's AUS-6, it's a serviceable steel, easy to sharpen and happy to take a fearsome edge. It loses that edge about as fast as you'd expect, though. Also, CRKT's bead blasted blades tend to be more rust-prone than those of higher-tier manufacturers. Mr. Glesser of Spyderco also made the very important point that AUS-6 is actually a trade name for a steel manufactured by Aichi of Japan, but many companies will market a steel with similar alloying elements as AUS-6 without regard for source, manufacturing process, or quality control procedures. So there's another reason for any observed superiority in Spyderco's AUS-6 blades.
 
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