Need to learn about types of steel

Mikael Andersson said:
420HC is actually a pretty decent stainless steel, it's a hardened version of 420C.

420A can also be called 420J1 and 420B can also be called 420J2.

Steels to be avoided: AUS-4, AUS-6, AUS-8 and AUS-10, these are the poor mans versions of 420C, 440A, 440B, and 440C respectively and lacks some elements that the 420 and 440 series have.
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What personal/hands on experience do you have with AUS-8 that makes you avoid it?

Bruceter
 
If you haven't used one, you can't say it's a sub standard steel. Real world experience trumps looking at a steel chart every time.
I carried this Delica in AUS-8 for many years.

Nothing about the steel is sub-standard. It keeps an edge well, is not difficult to sharpen, and the edge has never chipped or rolled.

What about that is sub-standard?

Bruceter
 
Be careful forming misconceptions about steel. Its easy to become a steel snob. 8CR13MOV Is turning out to be better than a lot of people give it credit for. Even Spydie makes a Big Deal folder out of it. Not everything that comes from China is crap.
 
Mikael Andersson said:
I generally don't buy knives in sub-standard steel.
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So. Lemme see if I got this. You claim AUS-8 is a substandard steel.

And the evidence you have for this claim is that you dont buy knives using it...because it is substandard.

Okey dokey.

Its far from substandard, and its popularity proves it. Its a killer combination of price, edge holding, and ease of sharpening.

You should actually try it one day.

:rolleyes:
 
Bruceter said:
If you haven't used one, you can't say it's a sub standard steel. Real world experience trumps looking at a steel chart every time.
I carried this Delica in AUS-8 for many years.
Nothing about the steel is sub-standard. It keeps an edge well, is not difficult to sharpen, and the edge has never chipped or rolled.

What about that is sub-standard?

Bruceter
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AUS-8 is sub-standard to 440B as it lacks elements that 440B have and AUS-8 is also a cheaper steel than 440B.
 
Blue canoe, some people in this thread have ZERO idea of what they are talking about. AUS8 is a perfectly serviceable cutlery steel that takes a very sharp edge easily. It doesn't hold that edge as well as other steels but all attributes a knife exhibits are a trade off.

My advice is don't listen to people who show up to a knife forum thinking they know what they are talking about, there is a wealth of information here and wise people to draw from in terms of experience. There is also people to avoid listening to at all costs as they will guide you in the wrong direction. One of which has been posting in this thread.

I have carried and used AUS8 for YEARS one of which was on a cold steel recon1 with the old ultra lock on a deployment. Never failed or had an issue. Real world use trumps hearsay and speculation from someone who has never used a steel, every time.

Check out ankersons edge retention thread in knife testing and reviews subforum. As well as pick the brains of our local blade smiths. Good luck:thumbup:
 
Mikael Andersson said:
AUS-8 is sub-standard to 440B as it lacks elements that 440B have and AUS-8 is also a cheaper steel than 440B.
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You did not answer my question. What about good edge retention, ease of sharpening, and an edge that doesn't chip or roll easily is sub-standard?
Oh, I have also never had corrosion or staining problems, either.

Bruceter
 
Bluecanoe said:
Hey yall,

So, feel free to just point me at a different thread if it's in the forum (I'm 90% sure it is, but I'm awful at forum searching apparently).

It's finally time for me to learn about types of steel and what's what. Like "What's 420HC? Is it crappy Chinese steel?" I'd really like to know at a glance so save myself from the dreaded "Well, this knife LOOKS cool, but man, this edge is garbage" moment.

If someone's got an online guide or something bookmarked, can you post it for me?

Thanks
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Have a look at this list from Ankerson.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...based-on-Edge-Retention-cutting-5-8-quot-rope
 
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Bruceter said:
You did not answer my question. What about good edge retention, ease of sharpening, and an edge that doesn't chip or roll easily is sub-standard?
Oh, I have also never had corrosion or staining problems, either.

Bruceter
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What are you banging on about?

AUS-8 is inferior to 440B as the friggin' steel manufacturers clearly says so if you bothered to do a Google search.
 
Bruceter said:
You did not answer my question. What about good edge retention, ease of sharpening, and an edge that doesn't chip or roll easily is sub-standard?
Oh, I have also never had corrosion or staining problems, either.

Bruceter
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Neither did he answer mine about what elements AUS-8 lacks. Therefore, he doesn't really know of what he speaks. So far, it's just "XXX steel sucks because I said so."
 
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Daddyo16 said:
Neither did he answer mine about what elements AUS-8 lacks. Therefore, he doesn't really know of what he speaks. So far, it's just "XXX steel sucks because I said so."
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The steel manufacturers doesn't specify what elements the AUS series of steels lacks over the 420 and 440 series just that they lack them.
 
Mikael Andersson said:
AUS-8 is inferior to 440B as the friggin' steel manufacturers clearly says so if you bothered to do a Google search.
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You are really good about spouting garbage, not backing it up, and challenging upstanding members of this forum. Im tempted to block you, but it might be funnier to see how fast you end up getting banned since you already racked up 3 closed threads. Try using facts instead of childish insinuations (unless of course you actually are a child). Aus 8 is not a subpar steel...in fact its quite commonly used and well regarded by many and is used by many of this forums participating manufacturers. Is it a super steel, no, but you have yet to share a single fact or experience. So please...tell me more about how google told you we're all wrong.

BTW, in another thread you posted this link to advise the masses about premium steels:
Mikael Andersson said:
I found this little treasure trove of information regarding several steels edge retention, corrosion resistance, hardness and wear resistance: http://bestpocketknifetoday.com/discovering-the-best-knife-steel/
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when you go there AUS 8 is listed as upper mid range, above 420 and 420HC which earlier on this page you claimed to be superior.
Mikael Andersson said:
420HC is actually a pretty decent stainless steel, it's a hardened version of 420C.

420A can also be called 420J1 and 420B can also be called 420J2.

Steels to be avoided: AUS-4, AUS-6, AUS-8 and AUS-10, these are the poor mans versions of 420C, 440A, 440B, and 440C respectively and lacks some elements that the 420 and 440 series have.
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If you are gonna spout nonsense, make sure you haven't contradicted yourself before hand, until then please leave the foot in your mouth until you do a bit more research. As many have already said....read more, post less. You have a lot to learn.
 
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Mikael Andersson said:
The steel manufacturers doesn't specify what elements the AUS series of steels lacks over the 420 and 440 series just that they lack them.
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Lacks is really vague w/o specifics. Here - Aichi AUS-8 vs. AISI 440B steel composition comparison.
If you go purely by chemical elements, then it is AISI 440B which lacks Nickel and Vanadium present in AUS-8 steel, not the other way around.
yes, AUS-8 contains less Carbon(depends on tha batch since 440B allows same carbon content too) and less Chromium, but generally speaking for those two HT will be more important. Plus, the presence of Vanadium in AUS-8 does have its positive effects.
You can't dismiss a whole bunch of alloys just because manufacturer says so. For one the said manufacturer has to sell his product, and of course it will be promoted as superior.
 
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