420 or AUS-8 steel

[watson721]

what is better for a hunting blade. 420 or AUS-8 steel

[Brambles]

I like Aus-8

[Tack]

Hi,
420 stainless is inferior to AUS8 where the latter is heat treated correctly. As with all knife steels the key to edge holding is both the alloy and the heat treatment of that alloy.
A good basic stainless steel is 440C, beyond that AUS6, AUS8 and my particular favourite in this range 12C27, are all superior to 420.
Tack

[srupp]

hmmm d-2 steel seems better yet..

sr

[Blacktail]

hmmm d-2 steel seems better yet..

sr
D2 is not considered a true stainless as it does not have at least 14% chromium.

AUS-8 has the same general make up as 440B but with a slight bit of Vanadium mixed in which give it better edge retention and durability.
I have made a few out of AUS-8 which is also refered to as 8A steel

Definately miles ahead in quality over 420:wink:

[watson721]

thanks for the input:)