What are your favorite models still being made in 2026 in AUS8, 420, 440 and similar steels?

Recon_Tanto

Recon_Tanto

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Feb 9, 2026
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Howdy bladeforums!

The past couple o' years I have set aside my super steel knives in M390, S110V, 15V, K390 etc. etc. and have been carrying old school basic stainless steels. Steels like AUS8, AUS10, 420hc, 440C, VG10, 154CM, and so on....

What are some of ya'lls top favorite knives still being made in these steels in 2026?

I have been mostly carrying my older models or old runs of current knives, like an AUS8 Cold Steel Code 4 with the Original Logo.

But I have been curious which quality knives can still be had in these older stainless steels?

I love all steels but it's nice how quick and simple it is to slap a razors edge on these steels.
 
wonderboy1377s said:
Several models from Buck.
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Yes they still use alot of 420 series steels and do a fantastic job of heating the blades! I bought my newest 110 last year and the quality is every bit as good as my old ones , if not better. it is good to see a US of A company still doing good with classic materials and designs after seeing so many others ship productions all to CHINA or close shop!
 
Recon_Tanto said:
I Am not acquainted with Moki. do you have any of their knives? if you do what one is your favorite??
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I have the Blackiston Fish owl. It's amazing fit and finish. Search the forums for others praising moki. Top two here are special edition fish owls. They usually only come on black. I was just telling a friend he should pick up the one of the exchange a few days ago but it seems like he passed. I've been carrying the micarta one for the last week.i really dig it

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There are a ton of good knives in 154CM and many in 440C, especially in the automatic, traditional, and custom realms. Aus-8 not so much, since it's a steel for budget knives and it makes more sense to just use the comparable 8Cr13MoV. 420HC moreso since the suitability for fineblanking can substantially lower the overall manufacturing costs of the knife.
 
I was just thinking about this the other day. I have so many super steels and i really like them, but there is just something about the classic ancient flavors that hits a bit differently. I like the 440c that Boker uses in their AF daggers. It's tough, doesn't easily rust, and holds an edge well enough for a knife made for sticking and slashing.
 
QSP Canary in 14c. Impossibly good "one and done" EDC knife for $30! Speaking of razor edges... I think Sandvik 14c28n was originally designed for razor blades back in the 2000's? Still one of my favorite budget steels along with VG10. Never loved D2.

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abbazaba said:
QSP Canary in 14c. Impossibly good "one and done" EDC knife for $30! Speaking of razor edges... I think Sandvik 14c28n was originally designed for razor blades back in the 2000's? Still one of my favorite budget steels along with VG10. Never loved D2.

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that qsp looks like a great value.

I am with you with d2. it holda an edge well but that is the only good thing I have to say about it. other steel types rust less, sharpen easier, are tougher etc.
 
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