How can I tell what kind of steel do i have?

1

_1634_

Joined
Mar 27, 2005
Messages
16
AUS-8 Safe Keeper II

After searching BF for a defense knife i settled on the Safekeeper II. Sadly, it seems that many members of BF do not like 420 Quenched steel for any of their knives so i tried to stear clear of this particular type; and while searching I stumbled upon the Safekeeper II in AUS-8 at the URL above.

Their return policy dictates that i can return the item if im dissastified but does cold steel have specs/material info on their boxes? Does AUS-8 have a different shade, color, texture etc. versus 420?

I would love to have this knife but if it is in 420 i can find it much cheeper somewhere else.

Thanks for your help!
 
Don't waste your money on 420. AUS-8 makes a good blade ,holds an edge well and easy to sharpen.It would be difficult to see the difference between the two except for us metallurgists !!!
 
_1634_ said:
Does AUS-8 have a different shade, color, texture etc. versus 420?
Click to expand...
No. You would need to get the information from the dealer who should know what they bought.

-Cliff
 
definatly get the AUS-8.
there is almost no way to tell indivigual steals apart.(except toolsteel form stainless)
 
_1634_ said:
AUS-8 Safe Keeper II

After searching BF for a defense knife i settled on the Safekeeper II. Sadly, it seems that many members of BF do not like 420 Quenched steel for any of their knives so i tried to stear clear of this particular type; and while searching I stumbled upon the Safekeeper II in AUS-8 at the URL above.

Their return policy dictates that i can return the item if im dissastified but does cold steel have specs/material info on their boxes? Does AUS-8 have a different shade, color, texture etc. versus 420?

I would love to have this knife but if it is in 420 i can find it much cheeper somewhere else.

Thanks for your help!
Click to expand...

Okay, let me chime in here for a moment. First off, let me ask you this. Do you plan to use the knife for everyday utility chores or do you just plan to carry it for self defense? The Safekeeper II is designed for self defense, not for general everyday tasks and if you plan to carry it exclusively for self defense, then it really doesn't matter if it's 420 quenched steel or AUS-8. It will do the job. Second, there's plenty of steel on the 420 quenched steel version which can be sharpened if and when it gets dull. Is the steel better than the AUS-8 version? No, but it's less expensive. I've seen the Taiwan-made Safekeeper II sell for just under $40 bucks which is a pretty good buy for a defensive blade in my opinion.

Incidentally, the way to tell the difference between the AUS-8 and the 420 version is that the 420 is bead blasted whereas the AUS-8 version had a true satin finish. The AUS-8 version of the Safekeeper II is no longer being made, but if you can find one, go ahead and snag one. The finish is quite nice on the original Japanese AUS-8 versions. Again, it all comes down to what you plan to use the knife for and how often you use it. I say keep your Safekeeper II and enjoy it.
 
Thank you all for your help!

Yes, I knew I was getting a safe keeper II; I just figured I might be able to snag an original aus-8 version because of the seemingly endless amout of posts saying 420 is crap followed by many barfing smilies..

( :barf: :barf: :barf: )

:D
 
I agree fully with Superchunk, 420 is fine for defense if that's all you use it for. Cold Steel makes most of their stuff in 3 steels, though there may be a few others: AUS8A, which is the most popular and a good steel for everyday use, Carbon V, which is their generic name for an AUS6/8A-ish steel that they use and really isn't worth the money they ask for it with some knives, and 420 "sub zero quenched" or whatever it's called. 420 probably won't snap on you like AUS8A sometimes can (and has on my blade's tip), but it's not as good at holding an edge. By a long shot. But it'll hold an edge long enough to get you out of a scrape.

I've got a CS Voyager (tanto style, and a 3.5" blade) that I carry every day. It's a really good balance for what I need it for: It's not as brittle as some things, and holds up really well to screwdriver, prybar, hammer etc. uses I put it to in addition to cutting things from envelopes & box tape to thick guage wire. It does not hold its edge as long as I'd prefer, but it pulls its weight every day, and at under 4oz. (b/c of the plastic handle (even if the lockup is a little loose after a couple years, which I can deal with)) this heavy blade sits comfortably in my pocket and I like it.

If you're carrying a knife for defense, then make it defense. Carry another for utility. You don't want it to be dull because you forgot to sharpen it. I carry a big blade that I can use for defense if I have to, but it's mainly because it's handy.

Sorry to talk your ear off

_z
 
Carbon V is a carbon steel not a stainless, also it is widly thought to be a "certain" carbon steel made by Camillus... Use the search function.

It is a VERY good carbon steel.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top