i think that i may be able to help ya out there clacker.
420HC is a low grade steel that will take a nice sharp edge, but will dull very very quickly. not the best steel, but it works well in knives like the Chive. easy to sharpen.
440A is a step up from 420HC. it will hold that edge longer, and is still easy to sharpen, despite it being harder.
AUS6 is better than 420HC, but is more or less the same 440A. same properties overall.
sandvik 13c26 is a great steel. way beyond that of AUS6 or 440A. It takes a wicked edge, is still easy to sharpen, and holds the edge for quite awhile. it is quickly becoming the premium steel, on the low end of the spectrum.
as for what else Kershaw uses, you have S30V, 154cm, SG2, VG-10, ZDP-189.
IMO, VG-10 is the best. takes a freakin scary edge (the Lahar is the best example. only knife that i am honestly scared of the edge out of the box
), holds it for forever and a day, and is fairly ok to sharpen.
S30V is easily sharpened if you have the right stones. it holds its edge for quite awhile (not as long as VG-10 though give or take). sharp as can be. great steel. as a friend of mine said, its the "cadillac of steels" right now. i kinda have to agree. best over all.
SG2 is new to the group, but holds that edge forever also. great high-end steel. not sure on sharpening, but im sure others will answer that one.
154cm is a step under S30V in some people's eyes. easier to sharpen for sure. holds an edge for a nice long time.
ZDP-189 holds an edge forever also. only steel that i personally compare to VG-10. hard to sharpen cause it is so freakin hard.
hope that answers your questions. others will be along i am sure.
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