Which is best, AUS 8 or 440C?

anthony cheeseboro

anthony cheeseboro

Joined
Aug 8, 1999
Messages
5,094
Although most of my EDC is custom or high end production, there are times when I need a less expensive knife. I have some knives in AUS-8 and 440C. In general, I know that AUS-8 can get scary sharp and doesn't rust easily. I know that it has slightly less carbon than 440C. Is AUS-8's lower carbon content a serious performance disadvantage vis a vis 440C?
 
I find that 440C holds it's edge much better than AUS-8, and has excellent stain resistantance as well. AUS steels seem to get sharp but have a hard time staying that way.
 
These two steels just happen to be the best at each end of the scale.

Aus-8 is excellent for everyday carry due to it's ease of sharpening
by Joe Average while 440C is the best for hunting and hard use
knives due to edge holding with ease of sharpening by Joe Average.

Unlike most of the wonder steels these two steels offer maximum
value for use received with the bonus that most folk's can sharpen
them easily. The rest of the wonder steels usually take skills , time
and / or special equipment to sharpen and have long ago fallen off
my list to buy.
 
The higher carbon content of 440C should give it better edge-holding capacity, but the bottom line probably rests with the heat treatment.
 
I've seen it written here before that AUS-6 is roughly equivalent to 440A, AUS-8 is very near to 440B, and the rarely seen AUS-10 performs much like 440C.
 
Properly heat treated, both are excellent steels. 440C has a lot more chrome, so it will be more rust resistant and harder to sharpen. I dont notice any difference in edge holding, but the AUS8A contains a little vanadium, while 440C does not.
 
I don't know enough to get scientific about it, but I prefer AUS 8 over 440 C.

This is a gross generalization, because the heat treat could make a vast difference. I think I can put a better edge on the AUS 8 than I can on most 440C. I can't tell an appreciable difference in edge holding.

Both are serviceable steels, and better for the average knife user than some wonder steel he or she can't sharpen.
 
AUS-8 is easier to sharpen and takes a sharper edge. 440C is more variable than AUS-8. If it is well heat treated it will take a good edge and hold it longer than AUS-8. If it is not well heat treated it doesn't take as fine an edge and the extra chrome and carbon just make it a pain to sharpen.
 
Just comparing the AUS-8 blades I own (mostly from Spyderco and Cold Steel) and the 440C blades I own (Benchmade and 1 Spyderco) I favor 440C. It holds its edge noticeably better, IMO is not really any harder to sharpen, and may even be a bit more stain resistant. I have had some AUS-8 blades that would pick up some light rust spots quite easily.

I'm sure it all depends on the heat treat, too. But 440C has become my favorite steel for the time being.
Jim
 
The only 440C knife I had was a David Boye folder (dendritic 440C, cast instead of forged). It cut very well and was extremely easy to resharpen. I think they are no longer made but you can probably find one used.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top