AUS-8 Steel

AUS-8 steel is a high-quality stainless steel used in kitchen knives for its excellent sharpness, edge retention, and corrosion resistance. This steel is commonly found in knives that balance reliability with easy maintenance, so this steel knife is popular among both home cooks and professional chefs.

What Is AUS-8 Steel?

AUS-8 steel is a Japanese stainless steel developed for a variety of cutting tools, including kitchen knives, pocket knives, and other general-purpose blades. AUS-8 has a balance of sharpness and corrosion resistance, offering excellent cutting performance with minimal maintenance. Typically, AUS-8 steel knives have a hardness of 57–59 HRC, providing good toughness without being brittle.

The composition of AUS-8 steel is:

• Around 0.70-0.80% carbon for sharpness and edge retention
• 13-14% chromium for corrosion resistance
• Small amounts of vanadium and molybdenum for improved wear resistance

This steel is ideal for home cooks or beginners looking for a low-maintenance knife that still offers solid performance in daily kitchen tasks.

How Good Is AUS-8 Steel Knife in the Kitchen?

Knives made with AUS-8 steel perform reliably in the kitchen, offering a sharp edge and resistance to rust that holds up during daily prep. They are especially good for:

• Slicing vegetables and fruits
• Chopping herbs and garlic
• Slicing meat and fish
• Mincing ingredients finely and evenly

Moreover, AUS-8 steel knife has effective corrosion resistance, so there’s no need for constant oiling or careful storage.

AUS-8 Steel vs Other Knife Steels

AUS-8 vs VG-10

• VG-10 is harder and provides better edge retention, but is more difficult to sharpen.
• AUS-8 is easier to sharpen and maintain, providing good performance for daily use with less effort.

AUS-8 vs AUS-10

• AUS-10 offers better toughness and edge retention but requires more care.
• AUS-8 is softer and more forgiving, making it easier to sharpen and maintain.

AUS-8 vs Blue Steel #2

• Blue Steel #2 gives a sharper edge but requires more maintenance (e.g., oiling).
• AUS-8 offers consistent performance with minimal upkeep, ideal for those who don’t want to deal with frequent care.

Who Should Choose AUS-8 Steel Knives?

AUS-8 steel knives are ideal for:

• Home cooks who want a reliable knife that stays sharp without needing constant sharpening or maintenance.
• Beginners who are upgrading from entry-level knives need something easy to care for with consistent performance.
• Master chefs or anyone who needs a durable knife for daily prep that can withstand regular use without compromising sharpness.

Explore other our Japanese knives for a selection of high-quality knives that offer reliable performance and low maintenance.