AUS 8 Stainless

Stainless Steel

Hardness: 57–59 HRC

Typical Price Range: $15–$80

AUS 8 is one of the most popular mid-range knife steels in the world. Made by Aichi Steel in Japan, it provides a solid balance of sharpness, corrosion resistance, and ease of sharpening at an accessible price.

Advantages

✓Easy to sharpen — great for beginners
✓Good corrosion resistance
✓Widely available in budget-to-mid-range knives

Disadvantages

✗Edge retention is only moderate — needs more frequent sharpening
✗Outperformed by VG-10 and premium steels

Best Use Cases

•Budget and entry-level EDC knives
•Users who prefer frequent touch-up sharpening
•General utility use

Find AUS 8 Stainless Knives on Amazon

Browse the latest selections with our affiliate search.

Shop on Amazon

Back to All Alloys