AUS 8 Stainless
AUS-8 stainless steel is a type of stainless steel that is commonly used in knife blades. It is known for its affordability, corrosion resistance, and good edge retention. 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-8 stainless steel, as well as the best use cases and average retail cost range for knives made with this type of steel.
Properties: AUS-8 stainless steel is a type of stainless steel that contains 0.70-0.75% carbon, 14-15% chromium, and 0.50% manganese. It has a Rockwell hardness of 56-58, which makes it a relatively hard and durable steel. It is also known for its corrosion resistance, due to its high chromium content.
Advantages:
- Affordability: AUS-8 stainless steel is relatively inexpensive, making it a popular choice for budget-friendly knives.
- Corrosion resistance: AUS-8 stainless steel is known for its corrosion resistance, making it a great choice for knives that will be exposed to moisture.
- Good edge retention: AUS-8 stainless steel holds a sharp edge relatively well, making it a great choice for knives that will be used for light to medium cutting tasks.
Disadvantages:
- Toughness: AUS-8 stainless steel is not as tough as some other types of steel, making it more prone to breaking or chipping under heavy use.
- Ease of sharpening: AUS-8 stainless steel is not as easy to sharpen as some other types of steel, making it less suitable for those who do not have access to professional sharpening services.
Best use cases:
- Kitchen knives: AUS-8 stainless steel’s corrosion resistance, good edge retention, and affordability make it a great choice for kitchen knives and other knives that will be used for food preparation.
- Pocket knives: AUS-8 stainless steel’s corrosion resistance and good edge retention make it a great choice for pocket knives that will be exposed to moisture.
- Light outdoor knives: AUS-8 stainless steel’s corrosion resistance, good edge retention, and affordability make it a great choice for outdoor knives that will be used for light cutting tasks.
Average retail cost range: The average retail cost range for knives made with AUS-8 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-8 stainless steel can be found for an average retail cost range between $20 to $80.
In conclusion, AUS-8 stainless steel is a type of stainless steel that is known for its affordability, corrosion resistance, and good edge retention. It is a popular choice for budget-friendly knives that will be exposed to moisture such as kitchen knives, pocket knives, and light outdoor knives. However, it is not as tough as other types of steel and not as easy to sharpen. The average retail cost range for knives made with AUS-8 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-8 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-8 steel. It is also important to be aware of the heat treatment process, as it can greatly affect the final properties of the steel. When properly heat treated, AUS-8 can provide a good balance of toughness, edge retention, and corrosion resistance making it a versatile option for many different types of knives.