Spyderco AUS-6

MW740

MW740

Joined
Aug 21, 2002
Messages
732
How does Spydies AUS-6 hold up? I am interested in getting a SS handled Endura, but the AUS-6 concerns me. Is there a noticeable difference in performance between the AUS-6 and the VG10?
 
I suppose it depends on what you're cutting and how often.

I have the Endura II (with AUS-6) and the Lightweight FRN Endura (with VG-10), and while the VG-10 is a better steel, there's not much "real world usage" difference.
But the Endura II's steel handle is definitly stronger that the FRN handle, especially when twisting and torquing the blade.

I would still love to have a full flat-ground VG-10 or ATS-34 Endura II.

Allen.
 
I have a pair of stainless (AUS-6) Enduras (among others), and I really don't have a problem at all with AUS-6 steel. If you want the SS Endura, go for it as it's an excellent folder.:).
 
AUS-6 is a perfectly serviceable steel and Spyderco has lots of experience working with it. While it will likely perform differently than VG10 it will also likely work out just fine for you.

Perhaps you will have to sharpen it a bit more frequently, but that only takes a couple minutes.

I have found that AUS-6 is exceptionally easy to sharpen and readily takes a very sharp edge.
 
Isn't AUS-6 the steel used in a lot of the lower-end knives like those from CRKT? I believe my Timberline Mini Pit-bull and CRKT Neck Peck are made of it. I'm no steel connoisseur, but it seems to work okay in those knives. I think I've seen some posts saying that it is an under-steel, not as good as what is used in many of the $50> knives. Maybe this is based strictly on its hardness rating?

---Jeffrey
 
Originally posted by peacefuljeffrey
Isn't AUS-6 the steel used in a lot of the lower-end knives...I'm no steel connoisseur, but it seems to work okay in those knives. I think I've seen some posts saying that it is an under-steel, not as good as what is used in many of the $50> knives. Maybe this is based strictly on its hardness rating?

---Jeffrey
Click to expand...
No, it is based on what a few "steel snobs" have to say.:rolleyes:.
 
peacefuljeffrey :

AUS-6A

I think I've seen some posts saying that it is an under-steel, not as good as what is used in many of the $50> knives. Maybe this is based strictly on its hardness rating?
Click to expand...

It is based on it being weaker and not as wear resistant than steels commonly used in more expensive knives. Performance is relative, AUS-6A is a great steel compared to AISI 420 for most knives. It is a pretty poor one compared to VG-10. Assuming of course that edge retention is an area of which you value, and that high sharpness is also an important factor.

-Cliff
 
Hi MW740, Spyderco uses AUS-6 (6A) made in Japan by Aichi Foundry. Heat treatment is carefully done and all blades are cryo treated.

Sharpness and Edge retention (as we sharpen them) is about 65%-70% of what we get from VG-10. AUS-6 is the lowest carbon content steel (.55-.65) we will use in a blade (other than H-1) and 20 years of service has demonstrated high customer satisfaction.

It will come razor sharp from Spyderco and should serve you well as it has millions of others. Apologies for the sales pitch.

sal
 
I like the "premium" steels better, but AUS-6 is plenty good. Of the blades I have, I find it is easiest for me to sharpen AUS-6 to a scary sharp edge.

Take it easy,
Bob Scott
 
Thanks Sal for the personal response. If every knife company were as involved with us knife nuts as much as you are, the world would be a nicer place.;)
 
Spyderco Aus 6 is good. Better than my CRKT Aus 6. Possibly due to better heat treat???

That said I would still go with the FRN.

Pros:
1. BETTER GRIP
2. BETTER STEAL
3. FLAT GRIND
4. LIGHT WEIGHT
5. AMBIDEXTROUS

Cons:
1. JUST DOESN'T LOOK AS GOOD AS S.S.

5 to 1! Go with the FRN.
-Kevin
 
I'll have to disagree somewhat with the pros and cons of the FRN and SS.

The grip is better with FRN, but you can put some M3 Outdoor Tread tape on the SS and the grip is even better than the FRN (IMO). And you can create your own patterns too.

The flat grind on the FRN version is'nt a full flat grind like the Military model and I cannot detect any advantage over the standard Endura grind.

The SS is alot less damaging to your pant's pockets too.

And, as I stated before, the SS is a much stronger handle than the FRN.

Good luck,
Allen.
 
Originally posted by allenC
The flat grind on the FRN version is'nt a full flat grind like the Military model and I cannot detect any advantage over the standard Endura grind.
Click to expand...

I think it's known as the sabre grind. I've always wondered why Spyderco changed the previous hollow grind to sabre grind. wouldn't long term sharpening result in a thicker edge (thus less cutting efficiency)? and a slightly heavier blade? what are the benefits of a sabre grind vs hollow grind?
 
I just picked up the ss Endura II while on vacation in Montana. It was more of an impulse purchase really. I like it! This knife is of very high quality both in fit and finish. IT is sharp too. Just like a Spyderco should be. It also fits the pocket very well. Haven't really carried it alot though. Picked up a Kershaw Vapor II at the same time and have been carrying that more. I like both of them pretty much the same but the Kershaw being the "cheaper" of the two just lends itself to usability. The Endura II is very well put together and almost seamless on the top where the lock and scales meet along the seams.

It is a very classy folder for what you get. I have no problem with AUS6A as used by Spyderco. This knife lends itself well to the very mundane chores one uses a knife for 99.9% of the time. It would also make a great s.d. tool in the right hands with the correct mods to the scales with some tread tape etc. What would be the nuts is if the top of the scales and the top back of the blade would have thumb serrations on it. Just where the blade meets the handle scales as the blade curves up on top towards the top of the hole. Even so the knife doesn't seem that slippery without any of the above mentioned. It does carry easily in the pocket as it glides in and out and has a very sturdy clip to boot. I was going to send it down the road but after some consideration I just may keep it. Keep'em sharp
 
AllenC,
I have a hollow ground CRKT Pointguard. (It's blade is about as thick as the Delica's as well.) I EDC that knife for a year, and EDC my Delica for almost 7 months. From what I can see my Delica does slice a little bit better. No, it isn't a drastic improvement, like the hollow ground to full flat grind. But that Saber grind is an improvement never the less.

Yes, you can make the S.S. less slippery with the application of grip tape. The FRN is grippy stock though.

You say the S.S. handle is alot stronger...Well you are correct of course. But let me ask, when are you ever going to defeat the handle on an FRN Delica? You would seriously have to abuse the Delica's handles to hell and back to break the FRN.

Spyken,
Yes it is called a sabre grind. No, sharpening will not create a thicker edge on a sabre/flat grind. As long as you make a back bevel and then make the edge you will be fine.

-Kevin
 
It's not that you'll actually break FRN or Zytel, the problem is long term wear, especially at the pivot.
I have some old knives that have seen alot of use and the FRN and Zytel ones always develope blade play much more so than my steel knives.
And when cutting into tough material the FRN and Zytel handles flex quite abit compared to the steel handled knives.
My steel handled Endura actually cuts better than my FRN Endura when it comes to thick material, even though the FRN one has the VG-10 steel.

Allen.
 
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