Rate the cheap blade steels (List)

colubrid

colubrid

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Nov 26, 2005
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Please copy and Rate these cheaper steel options from 1 to 10.
10 being worst in your opinion

Personally I like these cheaper steel because they are way easier to shapen and kept sharp with a just few swipes on a Spyderco Sharpmaker.

GIN-1
ATS-34,
ATS-55,
AUS-6,
AUS-8,
AUS-10,
52100,
8Cr13MoV,
9Cr18Mo,
440C,
 
Love 52100, ats34, and 440c.

Have a few in Aus8 that I really like how they sharpen up.

8cr13mov I have two knives from Spyderco. Must be at different harnesses, because the Resilience seems to sharpen and hold an edge better than the Byrd.

The aus6 and aus10, Gin1, ats55 and 9cr18mov I don't think I have any.


Id add D2 (love it) and a few others to your list.
 
If heat treated correctly all on the list are great knife steels.
I would not consider ats-34 as a cheap steel though, it is pretty much the same as 154cm and that can be a fantastic steel depending on knife and maker.
 
Aus 10 from cold steel is really good. It’s very well rounder. Decent edge retention and good toughness.
 
ATS-34 and 440C are the only 2 on the list I have used, and I as well don't consider either to be cheap steels, but Do agree with ease of sharpening.
 
Here's my list, best on top:
ATS-34- with the right heat treatment, one of the best steels ever
52100- amazing carbon steel
AUS-10- ATS-55 with some vanadium
ATS-55- Spyderco special, solid performer
440C- ole faithful
GIN-1- the one that started it all
AUS-8- good enough
9Cr18Mo- haven't used it
8Cr13MoV- also good enough
AUS-6- not quite good enough
 
I would add 14C28N to the list. It is a fantastic budget steel.
 
I think 420HC by Buck/Bos Heat treat is also great to work with, decent performance and easily sharpen.

Some may look down on Victorinox Steel, but personally, I think they are also great for what they are, very stainless and care free budget steel for edc use.
 
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