comparison AUS8-A versus 440C

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440C should have better edge retention, but AUS-8A is better. It's tougher.
 
cotdt said:
440C should have better edge retention, but AUS-8A is better. It's tougher.
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I am curious for your explanation why tougher is automatically more important than edge retention, please.
 
AUS8A is essentially equivalent to 440B.

440C, all else being equal, will hold its edge longer.
 
Saint you may be right for the most part but ive read and reread kevin cashens metaluragy and still dont find any true comparisons other than the list of elements. They are not identical steels so im curious . I have some aus 8a steel and some 440c and thought it was a valid question to ask . I know its something that needs to be ansewred by one of the masters here.
 
I wasn't taking a shot at your question. I think that "better" will be a little difficult to answer, but edge retention wasn't. My reply was to Fitzo.
 
From my very limited experience with both steels 440c has a higher corrosion resistance and will take about the same edge as AUS-8. AUS-8 has a higher abrasion resistance and is a bit tougher. I have also found the only knife I've done from AUS-8 to hold a better edge than 440c but thats probably because I do mostly kitchen knives from 440c, so they're all heat treated to roll rather easily.

IMHO I believe they are both decent steels, but I prefer 440c for EDC or kitchen use just because of its better corrosion resistance. I suppose AUS-8 would be better as a user, but I usually use different steels for such a use because there are certainly better ones out there.
 
FWIW, AUS8A contains a bit of Vanadium, while 440C does not. Alloy wise, I believe they are pretty similar, otherwise.

While I would openly welcome either steel, properly heat treated, I believe I'd give the edge to the 8A.
 
Kelly,
I have used both and really find little difference. Perhaps the 440C would be slightly more stain resistant, and the AUS-8A would be a bit tougher. I don't think there is any difference in edge retention, but if there is, I would give it to the AUS-8A.
In practicality, it won't matter which you use, availability would be a bigger factor in choice.

A far as all this goes, comparing nearly identical steels is mostly hype and talk. If the HT isn't spot on and complete ( cryo where called for, etc.) it matters not which steel one chooses. As far as edge retention, mostly that is a factor of good edge geometry and drawing the blade to a proper temper hardness. I get a chuckle about those who post that they think their MagikX blades would be better if they could get Rc65 on the quench and not temper. While there is a place for super hard blades, most user knives are not that place.
Stacy
 
Jeff


Welcome to shop talk.

Have a look at the dates on those posts.
It hasn't been an issue of discussion for four years.
 
Sam Salvati said:
S5 is clearly superior to both, why bother with anything else?
:jerkit:
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i've got a hard time believing S5 is "clearly superior to both" in every instance... not everyone has the same use in mind for a knife they are making. is S5 better for a choppper? guaranteed... filet knife for salt water? one could argue that its quite possibly not clearly better to either of these steels.
 
Old thread.....I will close it.

Start a new thread if you want to argue whether a 2X4 is stronger than a 4X2 :)
 
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