How good is AUS-8?

[Hookus]

How does AUS-8 match up with other steel, as far as edge retention, rust resistance, sharpening ease? Is this just a different name for 440? What other steel is this close too?

 

[Danbo]

If heat treated well, it's pretty good stuff. Not BG42 or S30V good stuff, but plenty adequate for the average nimrod.

 

[mete]

It's similar to 440B. I have a CS master hunter with that steel and it holds an edge well and is a good rugged knife.

 

[Frank Niro]

It sure isn't near the quality of 440-C but then that 440-B isn't either. Frank