Collection: AUS8 Stainless Steel

Composition of AUS-8

According to the official material specifications provided by Aichi Steel (愛知製鋼), the manufacturer of AUS-8, its composition is as follows:

Compared to AUS-6, AUS-8 contains more carbon and includes vanadium, which results in increased hardness, better edge retention, and improved wear resistance.

While AUS-10 has even higher carbon content, offering longer edge life, AUS-8 provides a more accessible balance—maintaining ease of sharpening and dependable performance for everyday use.

AUS-8 vs Other Popular Steels

AUS-8 vs VG10

VG10, a high-end Japanese stainless steel made by Takefu Special Steel (武生特殊鋼材), contains higher levels of carbon (~1.0%), vanadium, and cobalt, making it significantly harder than AUS-8.

AUS-8 vs 8Cr13MoV

8Cr13MoV is a Chinese stainless steel often considered equivalent to AUS-8 in composition. In fact, both contain similar levels of arbon (~0.75%), Chromium (~13–14%), Molybdenum (~0.2%).

AUS-8 vs S30V

8Cr13MoV is a Chinese stainless steel often considered equivalent to AUS-8 in composition. In fact, both contain similar levels of arbon (~0.75%), Chromium (~13–14%), Molybdenum (~0.2%).

AUS-8 in the Community

Cold Steel and AUS-8

Cold Steel,, an American knife brand, helped popularize AUS-8 in the 2000s, establishing its reputation as a reliable and affordable stainless steel.

While the company now uses other steels like CTS-XHP and S35VN, older AUS-8 models remain well-regarded in enthusiast forums and resale markets.

Notable Review Sources

To better understand how AUS-8 kitchen knives performs in both professional and home settings, the following reviews and discussions offer valuable, user-driven insights:

📝 Technical and Informative Articles:

• 🔗 Knife Steel Nerds – AUS-8 Steel
  A technical overview by metallurgist Larrin Thomas, explaining AUS-8’s composition and hardening behavior.
• 🔗 ZKnives – AUS-8 Composition Tool
  An interactive chart comparing AUS-8 with similar steels like VG10 and 8Cr13MoV.

💬 Reddit Forums:

• 🔗 Reddit – r/chefknives: AUS-8 Kitchen Knife Feedback
  User discussions on knife balance, sharpening experience, and comparisons with VG10 and AUS-10.

Summary: A Well-Balanced Blade Steel for Everyday Use

Cold Steel and AUS-8

AUS-8, developed by Aichi Steel in Japan, is valued for its excellent balance of corrosion resistance, ease of sharpening, and toughness.

It offers the performance needed for everyday kitchen use, while remaining affordable and easy to maintain. For those looking for a dependable Japanese stainless steel without the premium price, AUS-8 is a smart and practical choice.

🔍FAQ