Even the RESCUE models in the AUS-8 era were some nice units. I believe that was when they started making them available in all the "NUCLEAR" colors. I find that to be a great feature on a "rescue" type blade or any other hard use type knife because it makes them a lot easier to find if you misplace one of them.
It seems like I remember the AUS-8 era to be short lived like the ATS-55 era was. And both eras has some unique features and some great models in that transition period. I also remember that first fixed blade LUM model from about 2004 time slot I think it was >> well oddly enough it was first offered in AUS-8 as well.
I always found it interesting that AUS-10 was only slightly better than AUS-8. Albeit I did find that AUS-8, AUS-6 and AUS-10 were all really good with serrated blades.
It seems like I remember the AUS-8 era to be short lived like the ATS-55 era was. And both eras has some unique features and some great models in that transition period. I also remember that first fixed blade LUM model from about 2004 time slot I think it was >> well oddly enough it was first offered in AUS-8 as well.
I always found it interesting that AUS-10 was only slightly better than AUS-8. Albeit I did find that AUS-8, AUS-6 and AUS-10 were all really good with serrated blades.