When it comes to buying a knife, one of the most important factors to consider is the type of steel used in the blade. There are many types of steel available on the market, and one of them is AUS 8 stainless steel. But is AUS 8 stainless steel a good choice for knives? In this article, we will explore the properties of AUS 8 stainless steel and whether it is a good choice for knives.
What is AUS 8 Stainless Steel?
AUS 8 stainless steel is a popular type of steel used in knife making. It is a high-quality stainless steel that is made in Japan. AUS stands for “Aichi Steel Corporation” and 8 refers to the specific composition of the steel. AUS 8 stainless steel is often compared to other popular steels like VG-10 and 440C.
Properties of AUS 8 Stainless Steel
Hardness
AUS 8 stainless steel has a hardness rating of 58-59 HRC on the Rockwell scale. This makes it a relatively hard steel that can hold a sharp edge for a long time. However, it is not as hard as some other steels like VG-10, which has a hardness rating of 60-61 HRC.
Toughness
AUS 8 stainless steel has good toughness, which means it can withstand impact and flex without breaking. This makes it a good choice for knives that will be used for heavy-duty tasks.
Corrosion Resistance
AUS 8 stainless steel has good corrosion resistance, thanks to its high chromium content. This makes it a good choice for knives that will be used in wet or humid environments. However, it is not as corrosion-resistant as some other steels like 154CM or S30V.
Sharpness
AUS 8 stainless steel can be sharpened to a very sharp edge, thanks to its fine-grained structure. However, it is not as easy to sharpen as some other steels like 440C.
Edge Retention
AUS 8 stainless steel has good edge retention, thanks to its hardness and fine-grained structure. However, it is not as good at holding an edge as some other steels like S30V.
AUS 8 Stainless Steel vs Other Steels
AUS 8 stainless steel is often compared to other popular steels like VG-10 and 440C. VG-10 is a higher-end steel that is more expensive than AUS 8. It has a higher hardness rating and better edge retention than AUS 8, but it is also more difficult to sharpen. 440C is a lower-end steel that is cheaper than AUS 8. It has a lower hardness rating and edge retention than AUS 8, but it is easier to sharpen.
AUS 8 Stainless Steel in Knife Making
AUS 8 stainless steel is a popular choice for knife making because of its good combination of hardness, toughness, corrosion resistance, and edge retention. It is often used in mid-range knives because it is more affordable than higher-end steels like VG-10 or S30V.
Pros and Cons of AUS 8 Stainless Steel
Pros
- Good hardness: AUS 8 stainless steel has a hardness rating of 58-59 HRC, which allows it to hold a sharp edge for a long time.
- Good toughness: AUS 8 stainless steel has good toughness, making it a good choice for knives that will be used for heavy-duty tasks.
- Good corrosion resistance: AUS 8 stainless steel has good corrosion resistance, making it a good choice for knives that will be used in wet or humid environments.
- Affordable: AUS 8 stainless steel is more affordable than higher-end steels like VG-10 or S30V, making it a popular choice for mid-range knives.
Cons
- Not the hardest steel: AUS 8 stainless steel is not as hard as some other steels like VG-10, which may affect its edge retention.
- Not the easiest to sharpen: AUS 8 stainless steel is not as easy to sharpen as some other steels like 440C, which may make it more difficult for some users to maintain their knives.
- Not the best edge retention: While AUS 8 stainless steel has good edge retention, it is not as good as some other steels like S30V.
Conclusion
AUS 8 stainless steel is a good choice for mid-range knives. It has a good combination of hardness, toughness, corrosion resistance, and edge retention, making it a versatile steel that can handle a variety of tasks. However, it is not the hardest or easiest steel to sharpen, and its edge retention is not the best. Ultimately, the choice of steel for a knife will depend on personal preference and the intended use of the knife.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can AUS 8 stainless steel rust?
A: AUS 8 stainless steel has good corrosion resistance, but it can still rust if it is not properly cared for. It is important to keep your knife clean and dry to prevent rust.
2. How does AUS 8 stainless steel compare to VG-10?
A: VG-10 is a higher-end steel than AUS 8. It is harder and has better edge retention, but it is also more expensive and more difficult to sharpen.
3. Is AUS 8 stainless steel a good choice for hunting knives?
A: Yes, AUS 8 stainless steel is a good choice for hunting knives because it has good toughness and corrosion resistance.
4. Can AUS 8 stainless steel be sharpened to a razor-sharp edge?
A: Yes, AUS 8 stainless steel can be sharpened to a very sharp edge. However, it may require more effort to sharpen than some other steels.
5. How does AUS 8 stainless steel compare to 440C?
A: AUS 8 stainless steel is a higher-end steel than 440C. It is harder and has better corrosion resistance, but it is also more expensive.
