what is AUS6A stainless?

[markmarkmark]

i can find what's in it, but i'm hoping you guys can give me some comments on the quality and useability of this steel...not for knife making, but for knife using...i'm considering buying a small folder made of this stuff and was wondering what it's like...

i don't really like stainless, i prefer the ease of sharpening of the more common high-carbon steels, but i really like this little knife...

 

[RARanney]

Collectors, or users (yes I know there are exceptions to this) would rarely determine the desirability of a knife by the blade steel alone. While I do have opinions about various steels, and there are differences, if I otherwise like a knife, I buy it. The point being that most mainstream, PROPERLY HEAT TREATED steels will serve you well. There are theoretically superior steels, but unless you're going to use the heck out of the knife (are you?), you may not notice.

 

[itrade]

Here's some information from the bladeforums knowledge base:

AUS-6 - AUS-8 - AUS-10 (aka 6A 8A 10A)
Japanese stainless steels, roughly comparable to 440A (AUS-6, .65% carbon) and 440B (AUS-8, .75% carbon) and 440C (AUS-10, 1.1% carbon). AUS-6 is used by Al Mar. Cold Steel's use of AUS-8 has made it pretty popular, as heat treated by CS it won't hold an edge like ATS-34, but is a bit softer and may be a bit tougher. AUS-10 has roughly the same carbon content as 440C but with slightly less chromium, so it should be a bit less rust resistant but perhaps a bit tougher than 440C. All 3 steels have some vanadium added (which the 440 series lacks), which will improve wear resistance.

You can read the whole thing here: http://www.bladeforums.com/features/faqsteel.shtml

From the sounds of it, it's about the same as 440A.

Hope that helps,

Steve

 

[RHINOKNIVES]

i would not use this on my fixed blades, for a small folder it would be a servicable steel.

 

[markmarkmark]

thanks fellers...i just ordered the knife so if anyone has anything bad to say about AUS6A -- PLEASE DON'T!!!

this is going to replace my everyday carry pocketknife which i am VERY happy with, except for the fact that it doesn't have locking blades...i'm very happy with the steel on my current knife, but the lack of locking blades is sometimes a dangerous liability...

any tips on how to retire a favorite knife? i'm feeling almost as bad as the day i left my faithful truck on the lot after trading in for a new one...

d;o)