AUS 6 Stainless

AUS-6 stainless steel is a type of stainless steel that is commonly used in knife blades. It is known for its affordability, corrosion resistance, and ease of sharpening. It is a popular choice for budget-friendly knives that will be exposed to moisture, such as kitchen knives and other knives that will be used for food preparation. In this article, we will take a closer look at the properties, advantages, and disadvantages of AUS-6 stainless steel, as well as the best use cases and average retail cost range for knives made with this type of steel.

Properties: AUS-6 stainless steel is a type of stainless steel that contains 0.65-0.75% carbon, 13-15% chromium, and 0.04% sulfur. It has a Rockwell hardness of 56-58, which makes it relatively soft and easy to sharpen steel. It is also known for its corrosion resistance, due to its high chromium content.

Advantages:

  • Affordability: AUS-6 stainless steel is relatively inexpensive, making it a popular choice for budget-friendly knives.
  • Corrosion resistance: AUS-6 stainless steel is known for its corrosion resistance, making it a great choice for knives that will be exposed to moisture.
  • Ease of sharpening: AUS-6 stainless steel is relatively soft and easy to sharpen, making it a great choice for those who do not have access to professional sharpening services.

Disadvantages:

  • Edge retention: AUS-6 stainless steel does not hold a sharp edge as well as some other types of stainless steel or high carbon steels, making it less suitable for knives that will be used for heavy cutting tasks.
  • Toughness: AUS-6 stainless steel is not as tough as some other types of steel, making it more prone to breaking or chipping under heavy use.

Best use cases:

  • Kitchen knives: AUS-6 stainless steel’s corrosion resistance, ease of sharpening, and affordability make it a great choice for kitchen knives and other knives that will be used for food preparation.
  • Pocket knives: AUS-6 stainless steel’s corrosion resistance and ease of sharpening make it a great choice for pocket knives that will be exposed to moisture.

Average retail cost range: The average retail cost range for knives made with AUS-6 stainless steel can vary widely depending on factors such as the design, the quality of the craftsmanship, and the brand. However, generally, knives made with AUS-6 stainless steel can be found for an average retail cost range between $20 to $50.

In conclusion, AUS-6 stainless steel is a type of stainless steel known for its affordability, corrosion resistance, and ease of sharpening. It is a popular choice for budget-friendly knives that will be exposed to moisture such as kitchen knives and pocket knives. However, it does not hold a sharp edge as well as other types of stainless steel or high-carbon steel and is not as tough. The average retail cost range for knives made with AUS-6 stainless steel is relatively affordable. As with any knife steel, it is important to consider the intended use and personal preference when choosing the right alloy for a specific knife. Additionally, it is worth noting that AUS-6 is not a standardized steel grade and its chemical composition may vary depending on the manufacturer, so it’s important to ask for the specific alloy composition when purchasing knives made with AUS-6 steel.