Selecting the perfect everyday carry (EDC) knife involves several critical decisions, and one of the most important is choosing the right blade steel. The type of steel used in a knife’s blade significantly influences its performance, including sharpness, edge retention, corrosion resistance, and overall durability. Among the numerous steel options available, AUS-8 steel—often referred to as AUS 8 steel or AUS-8 steel—and other high-quality stainless steel blades like Bohler N690Co stand out for their unique properties catering to different user needs.
This comprehensive guide delves into the benefits and drawbacks of AUS-8 steel and other premium stainless steel blades, helping you determine which material best suits your EDC requirements. Whether you prioritize ease of sharpening, edge retention, or corrosion resistance, understanding these steels will empower you to make an informed choice for your next knife purchase.
AUS-8 Steel: A Balance of Strength, Affordability, and Versatility
Understanding AUS-8 Steel
AUS-8 steel is a Japanese-made stainless steel renowned for its balanced attributes that appeal to both knife enthusiasts and everyday users. Composed of a blend of carbon, chromium, molybdenum, and vanadium, AUS 8 steel offers a harmonious combination of hardness and toughness. Its composition typically includes around 0.75% carbon and 13-14.5% chromium, contributing to its stainless qualities.
Key Benefits of AUS-8 Steel
Corrosion Resistance: One of the standout features of AUS-8 steel is its excellent resistance to rust and corrosion. The high chromium content forms a protective oxide layer on the blade’s surface, making it ideal for use in humid or wet conditions. This characteristic is particularly beneficial for those who carry their knives in environments where moisture exposure is common.
Ease of Sharpening: AUS-8 steel is relatively soft compared to some high-end steels, which means it can be sharpened with ease. This property is advantageous for users who prefer to maintain their blades without the need for specialized sharpening equipment. A few passes on a whetstone or honing rod can quickly restore a razor-sharp edge.
Affordability: Knives crafted from AUS 8 steel are generally more budget-friendly. This affordability allows users to access reliable performance without a significant financial investment, making it an attractive option for those seeking value.
Versatility: The balance of strength and softness in AUS-8 steel makes it suitable for a wide range of everyday tasks. Whether you’re opening packages, preparing food, or handling light-duty cutting, an AUS-8 steel blade performs reliably.
Considerations with AUS-8 Steel
While AUS-8 steel offers numerous advantages, there are some trade-offs to consider:
Edge Retention: Due to its softer nature, AUS 8 steel may require more frequent sharpening compared to harder steels. The blade can lose its sharpness quicker under heavy use, which might not be ideal for users who need long-lasting edge retention.
Hardness Limitations: The Rockwell hardness of AUS-8 steel typically ranges between 57-59 HRC. While sufficient for general use, it may not withstand extreme stress or heavy-duty tasks as well as harder steels.
Bohler N690Co: The Premium Stainless Steel Blade
Understanding Bohler N690Co
For those seeking a more premium option, Bohler N690Co stainless steel presents itself as a formidable contender. Manufactured by Bohler-Uddeholm, an Austrian steel company renowned for high-quality alloys, N690Co is a martensitic stainless steel enriched with cobalt, chromium, molybdenum, and vanadium. The addition of cobalt enhances the steel’s uniformity and strength, while high chromium content boosts its corrosion resistance.
Key Benefits of Bohler N690Co
Superior Edge Retention: Bohler N690Co boasts excellent hardness, often rated around 58-60 HRC, allowing it to maintain a sharp edge for extended periods. This property is crucial for users who require consistent performance without the need for frequent sharpening.
Exceptional Corrosion Resistance: With approximately 17% chromium content, Bohler N690Co offers outstanding resistance to rust and corrosion. This makes it an ideal choice for tactical knives, outdoor applications, and maritime environments where exposure to moisture is inevitable.
Enhanced Toughness: The steel’s composition, including elements like molybdenum and vanadium, contributes to its toughness and ability to withstand heavy use. Bohler N690Co blades can handle more demanding tasks without chipping or breaking.
High-Quality Performance: Knives made from Bohler N690Co are often associated with premium craftsmanship and are favored by knife enthusiasts and professionals who demand reliability and excellence in their tools.
Considerations with Bohler N690Co
Despite its impressive attributes, there are factors to consider:
Higher Cost: Bohler N690Co is a premium steel, and knives made from it tend to be more expensive. The higher price point reflects the material’s quality and performance but may be a deterrent for budget-conscious buyers.
Sharpening Difficulty: Due to its hardness, sharpening Bohler N690Co blades may require more effort and possibly specialized sharpening tools. Users inexperienced with sharpening harder steels might find it challenging to maintain the blade’s edge.
Comparing AUS-8 Steel and Bohler N690Co Stainless Steel Blades
Edge Retention and Sharpness
AUS-8 Steel: Offers good initial sharpness and is easy to sharpen but may require more frequent maintenance due to quicker edge dulling.
Bohler N690Co: Provides excellent edge retention, maintaining sharpness over prolonged use, suitable for heavy-duty tasks and professional applications.
Corrosion Resistance
AUS-8 Steel: Highly resistant to corrosion, suitable for everyday environments and moderate exposure to moisture.
Bohler N690Co: Superior corrosion resistance makes it ideal for harsh environments, including marine settings and extreme weather conditions.
Ease of Sharpening
AUS-8 Steel: Easily sharpened with standard tools, making it accessible for users who prefer to maintain their knives personally.
Bohler N690Co: Harder to sharpen due to its high hardness, may require diamond sharpeners or professional services.
Affordability
AUS-8 Steel: More affordable, offering a cost-effective solution without compromising on essential performance.
Bohler N690Co: Higher cost reflects its premium quality, suitable for those willing to invest in top-tier performance.
Ideal Use Cases
AUS-8 Steel: Best suited for everyday carry knives, general utility tasks, and for users who value ease of maintenance.
Bohler N690Co: Ideal for tactical knives, professional use, heavy-duty tasks, and environments demanding superior performance.
Choosing the Right Stainless Steel Blade for Your Needs
The decision between AUS-8 steel and Bohler N690Co hinges on your specific requirements, preferences, and budget. Here are some considerations to help guide your choice:
When to Choose AUS-8 Steel
Budget-Friendly Option: If you are looking for a reliable knife without a significant financial investment, AUS 8 steel provides excellent value.
Ease of Maintenance: For users who prefer to sharpen their knives easily and regularly, AUS-8 steel is accommodating.
General Use: Ideal for everyday tasks that do not subject the blade to extreme stress or harsh conditions.
When to Choose Bohler N690Co Stainless Steel
Professional or Tactical Use: If your knife is a critical tool in your profession or for tactical applications, Bohler N690Co offers the performance required.
Demanding Environments: For exposure to extreme conditions, such as maritime environments, the superior corrosion resistance is beneficial.
Long-Term Edge Retention: If you need a blade that stays sharp through extensive use without frequent sharpening, Bohler N690Co is advantageous.
Understanding Stainless Steel Blades in the EDC World
Stainless steel blades encompass a wide spectrum of steels, each with unique properties. The term “stainless steel” refers to steels containing a minimum of 10.5% chromium, which imparts corrosion-resistant qualities by forming a passive film of chromium oxide on the surface.
When selecting a stainless steel blade, consider the balance between hardness (which affects edge retention and sharpness), toughness (resistance to chipping and breaking), corrosion resistance, and ease of sharpening.
AUS-8 steel and Bohler N690Co represent two ends of the spectrum within stainless steel blades used in EDC knives:
AUS-8 Steel: Balances affordability and performance, suitable for a wide audience.
Bohler N690Co: Emphasizes premium performance, ideal for specialized needs.
Making an Informed Choice
Selecting the right blade steel for your EDC knife is a personal decision that should align with your usage patterns, maintenance preferences, and budget. Both AUS-8 steel and Bohler N690Co stainless steel have earned their places in the knife community by offering reliable performance tailored to different needs.
If you prioritize affordability, ease of sharpening, and versatility for everyday tasks, AUS 8 steel is an excellent choice. Its balanced properties make it a favorite among many knife owners who require a dependable tool without the premium price tag.
For those who demand superior edge retention, exceptional corrosion resistance, and are willing to invest in a higher-quality blade, Bohler N690Co stands out as a top-tier option. It’s particularly suited for tactical applications, professional use, or environments where the knife’s performance is critical.
Explore Quality Stainless Steel Blades at Colonel Blades
Ready to enhance your EDC gear with a knife that matches your specific needs? At Colonel Blades, we offer a selection of high-quality knives featuring both AUS-8 steel and Bohler N690Co stainless steel blades. Our products are crafted with precision and designed to deliver optimal performance, whether for everyday carry or specialized applications.
Discover the reliable AUS-8 steel options for an affordable and versatile tool, or explore our premium knives made with Bohler N690Co for unparalleled durability and edge retention. Visit Colonel Blades today to find the perfect blade that suits your lifestyle and requirements.
Q: What is AUS-8 steel and why is it popular in EDC knives?
A: AUS-8 steel, also known as AUS 8 steel, is a Japanese-made stainless steel renowned for its balanced properties of strength, toughness, and corrosion resistance. It contains approximately 0.75% carbon and 13-14.5% chromium, which contribute to its hardness and stainless qualities. This steel is popular in everyday carry (EDC) knives because it offers reliable performance at an affordable price. Its ease of sharpening makes it ideal for users who prefer low-maintenance blades.
Q: How does AUS-8 steel compare to other stainless steel blades like Bohler N690Co?
A: While both AUS-8 steel and Bohler N690Co are high-quality stainless steel blades, they have distinct differences. AUS-8 steel is known for its affordability, ease of sharpening, and good corrosion resistance. In contrast, Bohler N690Co is a premium stainless steel that includes cobalt, enhancing its hardness and edge retention. Bohler N690Co offers superior performance in terms of long-lasting sharpness and is better suited for heavy-duty or tactical applications, whereas AUS-8 steel is ideal for general everyday use.
Q: Is AUS-8 steel good for corrosion resistance?
A: Yes, AUS-8 steel offers excellent corrosion resistance due to its high chromium content. The stainless nature of AUS 8 steel means it forms a protective oxide layer that resists rust and staining, making it suitable for use in humid or wet environments. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning and drying the blade after use, will enhance its longevity.
Q: Can I use an AUS-8 steel knife for outdoor activities and camping?
A: Absolutely. AUS-8 steel knives are well-suited for outdoor activities, camping, and general utility tasks. The steel’s balance of toughness and corrosion resistance makes it reliable for cutting, food preparation, and other common outdoor needs. Its ease of sharpening in the field is an added advantage for outdoor enthusiasts.
Q: How often should I sharpen my AUS-8 steel blade?
A: The frequency of sharpening your AUS-8 steel blade depends on how often you use it and the tasks you perform. Since AUS-8 steel is softer than some premium steels, it may require more frequent sharpening if used extensively. However, its ease of sharpening means you can quickly restore a sharp edge with basic sharpening tools.
Q: What makes Bohler N690Co a premium stainless steel blade?
A: Bohler N690Co is considered a premium stainless steel due to its enhanced composition, which includes cobalt, chromium, molybdenum, and vanadium. These elements increase the steel’s hardness, edge retention, and corrosion resistance. Bohler N690Co blades maintain sharpness longer than AUS-8 steel blades and are better suited for demanding tasks and harsh environments.
Q: Are stainless steel blades like AUS-8 steel easy to maintain?
A: Yes, stainless steel blades such as AUS-8 steel are generally easy to maintain. Their resistance to rust and corrosion reduces the need for extensive care. Regular cleaning, proper drying after exposure to moisture, and occasional sharpening are typically sufficient to keep the blade in good condition.
Q: Is AUS-8 steel suitable for tactical knives?
A: AUS-8 steel is used in many tactical knives due to its balance of strength, ease of sharpening, and corrosion resistance. While it may not offer the extreme edge retention of premium steels like Bohler N690Co, it provides reliable performance for tactical applications where quick maintenance and versatility are important.
