AUS-6 Stainless vs AUS-8 and others?

[SpyderEdgeForever]

Nearly all of us on this forum is aware of the Japanese AUS-8 series of stainless steel alloys as used on assorted knives (did Spyderco ever use that, at some point?) made by various companies. It appears to be a very capable blade steel. I have read some old articles and posts by people about AUS-6 stainless, and I would like to know what you all think of it as compared to the other AUS steel and also other alloys.

I read that it is a bit softer but for self defense knives and outdoor knives sometimes one wants a softer steel as opposed to a harder steel, such as Cru-Wear or M4, because it is less prone to chipping and brittleness.

[The Mastiff]

Nearly all of us on this forum is aware of the Japanese AUS-8 series of stainless steel alloys as used on assorted knives (did Spyderco ever use that, at some point?)

Spyderco used both steels. AUS 6 was used in the steel handle Endura for sure and maybe others for a while.

[JonLeBlanc]

Yes, I have a Stainless Delica CE from ca. 2004 and it has an AUS-6 blade. Certainly not a bad steel from a practical standpoint, and it does sharpen quite easily, but if I'm correct it's among the "cheapest" steels Spyderco has ever used on one of their models. I gotta say, it's held up pretty well though!

[The Mastiff]

Yes, I have a Stainless Delica CE from ca. 2004 and it has an AUS-6 blade. Certainly not a bad steel from a practical standpoint, and it does sharpen quite easily, but if I'm correct it's among the "cheapest" steels Spyderco has ever used on one of their models. I gotta say, it's held up pretty well though!

It's a pretty tough steel with good corrosion resistance that is easy to care for. That likely more than cost was the reason it was used on the steel models. They were favorites with law enforcement and military who looked for those attributes. I'd bet there were cheaper steels available if that was what was wanted.

Joe

[tonijedi]

What of I told you...



Spyderco still uses AUS6...



... in the trainer models! :p

[Pelagic]

AUS10 = VG10, more or less. So that gives you an idea about how AUS8 and AUS6 are.

[Doc Dan]

From what I understand AUS6 is a 440A class steel, AUS8 a 440B class, and AUS10 is in the same class as 440C (nit equivalent exactly).

[dsvirsky]

From what I understand AUS6 is a 440A class steel, AUS8 a 440B class, and AUS10 is in the same class as 440C (nit equivalent exactly).

That's also my understanding. I like AUS8 but found the AUS6 in my first Spydie, an FRN Ladybug, a complete disappointment. Fortunately, it did not discourage me from buying more Spydies in better steels.

[JD Spydo]

My limited experience with AUS-6 has been pretty dismal IMO. But on the other hand I've had very desirable results with AUS-8>> particularly with serrated/Spyderedges. It also sports a slightly above average in plain edge but doesn't hold it near as long as many of these supersteels. But it's far from being sub-standard. I still use my AUS-8 full SE CAtcherman almost 2 to 3 times on a weekly basis.

But from Spyderco's standpoint it would be like going backwards with all the newer blade steels out there IMO. But I would never turn down a full Spyderedged unit in AUS-8. It's one of those unique steels that holds a Spyderedge/ serrated edge real nicely IMO.

[awa54]

My only experience with AUS6 is Global kitchen knives, where it really doesn't hold an edge long, but re-sharpens extremely easily.

I retired my Globals to cheese and citrus duty in favor of laminate VG-10 Tojiros.

[FK]

The Tojiro DP series with laminated VG-10 is the best value today.
I have a set that is about 20 years old now.
Great heat treatment and hold a edge very nicely for low cost kitchen knives.

Regards,
FK