How does Timberline's AUS-8 compare...?

[diamdave]

Saw a couple of their folders (valloton, Kickstart) that look interesting. Anyone comment on how their AUS-8 compares to KaBar's, CRKT's, etc? Edge retention, heat treat, etc...

 

[GIRLYmann]

Dude, if you're asking for a comparision about the edge retention of AUS8 SS from amongst the various models from different manufacturers; then you're in for a shock. Because, they are all probably going to last about the same; ie, if all AUS8 blades are tested to a set specific standard "knife edge retention" test. It's my guess that most all AUS8 blades are heat treated similarly, except for those manufacturers who lack integrity and simply do not heat treat or knowingly lable their inferior non-AUS8 product as being AUS8 SS.
Just how well it cuts, is a different thing all togather entirely. The geometry of the blade is what which determines the overall effectiveness of a said knife (no matter its steel type), in relation to cutting, slicing and penetration. Customer satisfaction of a particular model or blade type depends largely upon having chosen the correct blade specification for optimal use.
As with knife buying, the consumer is predisposed into buying that which is currently hyped up by market forces to be the in thing until such time that a newer idea presents itself as trendier for the day.

 

[diamdave]

Thanks for your insight.

Trends aside,.... I found Spyderco's AUS 6 used on their Vagabond to be much better all around then any CRKT knife I bought with their AUS 6.

SOG and Kershaw both enjoy relative popularity with their 440A, other manufacturers do not.

So I am asking if anyone has experience with Timberline's AUS 8 steel used in their folding knives, and how, generally speaking, it might fare and compare with others. I understand blade geometry, etc, dictate cutting performance. I'd still be interested in anyone's knowledge or experience regarding Timberline.

 

[knarfeng]

Dude, if you're asking for a comparision about the edge retention of AUS8 SS from amongst the various models from different manufacturers; then you're in for a shock. Because, they are all probably going to last about the same; ie, if all AUS8 blades are tested to a set specific standard "knife edge retention" test. It's my guess that most all AUS8 blades are heat treated similarly,

I do not believe that to be accurate. Different companies do run their steels at different hardnesses. The higher the hardness, the better the edge retension.

For instance, KaBar Doziers run are AUS8 hardened to 56-58.
Benchmade runs their Ambush models at 58-60.

That is enough difference to show a difference in side-by-side testing even if both were in the middle of their respective specification ranges. If you got a Ka-Bar at the low end of their spec and a Benchmade at the high end of its range, the difference would be apparent in every day use.

 

[rifon2]

I bought a couple of the large Timberline Wordens a couple of years ago.
Made in Taiwan, BTW.

They were really razor sharp right out of the box and put together very, very well.

Though too heavy (for me, at least) for EDC, I'm impressed with the steel and with the knives overall.
I'd have absolutely no hesitation recommending a Timberline knife made with AUS8 if they've kept the same quality.

 

[diamdave]

Thanks Rifon2