How about AUS8?

A definition of "hard use knife" would help. You mention it being inferior to 154cm, which it IS in terms of edge retention when slicing abrasive materials or push cutting through hard materials (whittling maple or something like), but in terms of absorbing impact without fracturing or surviving twisting forces, AUS-8 leaves 154cm behind at equivalent geometry and hardness. While I'd really never want a stainless Bowie for myself, I'd much prefer one out of 420HC, 12c27 or Aus-8 than their less ductile, higher carbon stainless brethren. It's not as simple as one being better than another.

Anyway, yes...properly done AUS-8 is a capable cutlery steel.
 
CrimsonTideShooter said:
Good point. I really like this knife so I'm glad the steel isn't complete garbage. I just can't believe how solid this knife locks up. There is blade play in every one of my knives except this one, so CS does something right.


Can anyone fill me in on the locking mechanism?
Click to expand...

http://www.coldsteel.com/triadlock1.html

Checking this out and watching Demko's tests on YouTube pretty much tell the tale. It's brilliant in my opinion, even though it's such a simple twist on the lock-back design. Each direction you push or pull the blade the stress is pretty much always transferring to the lock-bar, it's rocker-pin, the stop-pin, and the entire frame/handles simultaneously (liners also if applicable).

The only downsides I can imagine being presented is the smoothness of opening and greater safety of one-handed closing of other mechanisms/designs compared with a choil-less Tri-Ad folder.

The design should basically be more reliable and durable in different weather conditions, conditions of the knife (wear & tear, tightness of screws, etc.) than pretty much all the others.
 
I've had no problems with AUS8. I have several Al Mar folders that are AUS8, and they perform very well.
 
Big Mike said:
Don't sweat the steel choice. :eek:

Edge Geometry and Heat Treatment are just as important.



You got a good knife, go out and put it to the test,

...I bet it will serve you well. :thumbup: :cool: :thumbup:





Big Mike
Click to expand...

What he said. I would not say AUS8 is just a decent steel. I think it's a very good steel for everyday chores. My experience with it so far has been positive.
 
AUS-8 is great as long as you want what AUS-8 gives you. 420-HC is the lowest alloy stainless steel that I would consider a blade steel, and AUS-8 is a fair ways above that.

No one steel type can do everything best. If you want the extra toughness AUS-8 affords over higher alloy steel and don't care about the loss in wear resistance, then it's perfect. If you primarily cut drywall and dirty rugs all day long, I would pick something else.
 
I agree with the consensus here. It's one of the tougher stainless steels & holds a decent edge.

Glad to hear that I'm not the only one who noticed that it takes a really fine edge. I've always had that vague impression but put it off to some other factor.
 
I'm glad it's a good steel. I don't really care if it doesn't hold it's edge as long as other steels, I don't mind sharpening at all.
 
I've used my CS Recon 1 Tanto for 4+ years now. It's an excellent knife but I felt that the AUS-8 was a bit too soft at times. Zip ties and heavy duty straps would dull it by the middle of the day. After some time, I convexed the edge and it's been better since. It's not a premium steel, but more than adequate for medium duty utility tasks.
 
I personally like AUS-8 for light to medium duty knife work. It's easy to sharpen and takes a wicked sharp edge.
 
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