I don't always buy knives with budget steels, but when I do, I prefer AUS10A

[Deino]

Like other people say, it is not exactly a "budget" steel. Rather, most options you see are budget mass production ones.

If you check on Japanese high grade kitchen knife, the price and reputation is on par with VG-10 with less marketing buzz around it. It is overall a good 1% carbon steel type.

 

[tinfoil hat timmy]

I like AUS8. It performs well

 

[beeinak]

The only AUS10 I have experience with is Cold Steel Mini Pendleton and 4Max Scout. It takes a great edge.

Most of my VG10 is Spyderco for chore folders, and one of my favorite things about them is how easily they get back to hair popping sharp with a short time stropping. I have never had an issue with them getting sharp. I really like the steel.

I have been thinking of trying a Demko folder in AUS10 so reading this thread has been helpful.

 

[oldmanwilly]

I thought I was the only one to struggle with sharpening VG-10!

I can usually get it real sharp, it just seems to drop off pretty fast. I don't seem to have the same issue with AUS-10.

I like AUS8. It performs well

Me too, gets real sharp real fast for me. It's supposed to be rather tough as well, but I haven't tested that out.

I have been thinking of trying a Demko folder in AUS10 so reading this thread has been helpful.

Go for it, they're fun little users!

 

[Sitcomdad83]

I've got a couple cold steel large voyagers in aus10. So far steel has held up well. Thought about getting the clip point version so I'd have all three.