Just how crappy is AUS 4?

I had a "z" m-16 and the aus-4 wasn't as bad as you would think. It was really good on cardboard and that's all I ever really cut with that knife. I didn't keep it too long. It should be a tough steel and the edge should deform instead of chip. I think it would last at least a good long working day or two without needing any maintance. (?)
 
more like 440-a, but you know what, I doubt you'll even noticed the diffrence.
 
Softer steels are better for abusive knives, which are usually less espensive because no one like to abuse nice stuff.
 
I have done some work with that steel, it is on the website. With a proper angle and grit finish it will work very well, holding even a shaving edge for a long time on cardboard.

-Cliff
 
I've only ever handled two zytel M16's. This was in the store. The first one I tried, the lock wouldnt even engauge. So I tried another one... Same problem. If you *must* have a zytel M16, be very careful and make sure that lock is engauging!!
 
The open back on my M1601Z allowed my keys, coins, etc to intrude and turn the edge of the blade while it was in my pocket. I thought about gluing s back on it, but didn't do it...it's on my to-do list...maybe. I EDC a Kabar Dozier now.
 
I have had terrible luck with it, lots of chipping/rolling. My brother had an M16 as well, his would chip upon sharpening (he's a little agressive but has no problems even with a 420HC buck I gave him) I will never buy a knife with aus-4 again (of couse I don't need to worry about that now, I have Spydies and BM's) Spend the loot and get a Rukus!!!
 
It's a good steel; similar to Sandvik's 12C27; but finding that steel with a good heat-treatment will be really really difficult.
 
cosine said:
That's what I always thought. AUS-6, similar to 440A; AUS-8, similar to 440B; AUS-10, similar to 440C.
Click to expand...

cosine is correct.

Steel_______440A________440B________440C_________AUS-4______AUS-6_______AUS-8______AUS-10
Carbon____0.65-0.75____0.75-0.95____0.95 - 1.20____0.40-0.45____0.55-0.65____0.70-0.75____0.95-1.10
Chr______16.00-18.00___16.00-18.00__16.00-18.00___13.00-14.50__13.00-14.50__13.00-14.50__13.00-14.50
 
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