I don't have any gripes with 440A. I don't see 440C around much these days except for Smith & Wesson knives, and it may or may not be up to the standards of modern 440C. AUS 6 is my absolute cut-off point for most knives. Unless your knife is a weapon, edge retention and strength are good-to-have features. For use as bladed weapons, even a cheap Chinese knife will do in many cases.