AUS8 Stainless Steel Is An Underappreciated Steel That Is Ideal For Knives With a Limited Budget – A Few of Our Favorites Are Listed Below for the Year 2021
In the realm of stainless steel, the AUS 8 grade presents an excellent trade-off between price and quality in the year 2021.
It is able to withstand a very sharp edge. Because of how much softer it is, it won’t be able to keep an edge as well as something like 154CM would, but it is durable enough to be a good working knife, and using it will almost always result in a knife being more affordably priced than if you used any other excellent grade stainless steel.
AUS-8 blades undergo a great deal of wear over time if they are put through consistent heavy use. Although all of that sharpening is required with VG-10 or AUS-10, it typically takes a lot less effort to achieve that result, and it usually ends up with a knife that is not so expensive to replace that a chipped edge does not seem like a loss.
In light of the fact that knife makers are becoming an increasing amount of obsessed with super steels, and the fact that I find myself having to choose an increasing amount of the time between buying a new knife and not eating for a few weeks, I figured it was time to highlight some of the better knives that are made with AUS-8 that are currently available on the market.
According to CRKT, the following is a breakdown of the composition of AUS-8 steel for all you knife nerds:
- Carbon: 0.70 – 0.75
- 13.0–14.5 range for chromium.
- Manganese: 0.5
- Molybdenum: 0.1-0.3
- Vanadium: 0.10 – 0.26
- Nickel: 0.49
- Phosphorus: 0.04
- Silicon: 1
We’ve selected the following top picks for the best folding and fixed blade knives made of Aus 8 steel:
Folding Knives With Aus-8
- Ontario Knife OKC Rat Ii Sp-Black Folding Knife
- ESEE BRK Designed Zancudo Framelock Brown D2 BRKR2CB
- Camillus 7.5 with Marlin Spike
- SOG TWI8-CP Twitch II 6.20 Inch EDC Folding Knife
- CRKT CEO EDC Folding Pocket Knife
- KA-BAR 4062CB, Dozier Folding Hunter
- Cold Steel Finn Wolf Folding Pocket Knife – 20NPF
- CRKT Shenanigan Z EDC Folding Knife
Knives with fixed blades made of Aus 8 steel
- Off-Grid Grizzly
- Cima G20
- Cold Steel Mini Tac Series Fixed Blade Knife
- KA-BAR TDI Law Enforcement Knife Fixed Blade
- SOG Seal Pup Elite Tactical Fixed Blade
- SOG Bowie 2.0 Fixed Blade Knife-Tactical Knife
The Rockwell hardness for AUS-8 typically ranges from 57 to 58, which, as far as I’m concerned, is just about right for the majority of EDCs. However, you will find that some folks fry it to softness of 56 or hardness of 59.
Since the heat treatment plays a significant role in determining the quality of any kind of steel, I have endeavored to collect a list of knives manufactured by businesses who seem to have a solid grip on producing a respectable folding or fixed blade knife using AUS-8. You’ll find that SOG is mentioned very often on this list due to the fact that they seem to have one of the most effective heat treatments for it.
Although I’m not a great admirer of their designs or the general quality of their production, I will say that they are adept at working with semi-budget steel. It is important to note, however, that I see many businesses moving away from steels such as AUS-8 and 8Cr13MoV and toward D2 at the present time.
As a result, an increasing number of the knives you will see here may probably also be available in D2 form. Obviously, it is not a terrible thing, but it is something to keep in mind and one that should be considered.
Folding Knives With Aus-8
The AUS-8 steel was practically made to be used in folding knives. At the very least, if you ever come across an AUS-8 knife, it will very certainly be a folder rather than a fixed blade. To a greater or lesser extent, this is the category that has the most available choices.
Ontario Rat-2
- Overall Length: 7.0″ Blade Length: 3.0″
- The drop point is the kind of blade
- Grind: Flat
- The material of the handle is Nylon 6
- Thumb stud constitutes an open system
- Carry System: Pocket clip [Clip for pocket] (all 4 positions)
- Lock of the Liner Variety
- $20–$27 is the price range
Today is not the day when I will come up with a listicle of folding knives that does not contain one of the OKC Rats; but, that day may come in the future. It is difficult to dismiss a design for a folding knife that is both durable and functional like this one.
Because it is one of the few folders that can consistently function in the domain of survival knives, this indicates that it might also perform successfully in practically any other category except the category of tactical knives. Although it has an odd appearance, this pocket knife is without a doubt among the very finest that can be purchased in any category.
Personally, I’ve found that the D2 version is the most useful, although the design of the AUS-8 version is virtually the same other from the apparent variation in edge retention and a little bit of an improvement in corrosion resistance.
Although Ontario is responsible for both the Rat 1 and the Rat 2 in AUS 8, it seems overkill to include both of them here. You may go out and look for a Rat 1 in AUS-8 on your own if you want one that badly.
Esee Zancudo
- Length All the Way Around: 7 Inches
- Blade Length: 2.94″
- The drop point is the kind of blade.
- Grind: Flat
- G-10 is used for the handle material.
- Thumb stud constitutes an open system.
- The tip-down clip is the carrying system.
- Lock of the Frame Variety
- The price range is from $27 to $30
This knife has been put through a lot of testing by me personally. To tell you the truth, it was the knife that first swayed my opinion toward AUS-8 in a positive direction. I’ve given it the worst possible beating in every sort of muddy field and under every kind of tree you can think of, yet it’s still in one piece.
It did not emerge from the process with a perfectly sharp edge, but it maintained a respectable point for many months before requiring some intensive maintenance. Simply said, the Zancudo is a well-designed, straightforward product that fits comfortably in the pocket. In the event that you don’t like the way the Ontario Rat family seems, I believe this to be a respectable option.
Off-Grid Seadog V2
- Length Across the Whole: 7.65 Inches
- Blade Length: 3.1″
- Blade Style: Reverse tanto
- Grind: Hollow
- G-10 is used for the handle material
- Open System: Flipper
- Tip-up clip is the carrying system
- Lock of the Liner Variety
- $75 to $85 is the price range
The Off-Grid Seadog has a look that is reminiscent of pirates and is not only entertaining but also rather functional. In addition to its super-grippy textured G-10 handle, this knife has a built-in glass breaker and an ambidextrous pocket clip.
The ceramic ball bearings in the manual flipper blade provide it a wonderfully smooth motion, and the hefty blade is up to the challenge of taking on some substantial labor. If you like blades with a reverse tanto design, the Sea Dog is an excellent alternative for an everyday carry knife that can withstand severe usage.
Despite being one of the heaviest pocket knives on the market, the Seadog knife is among the most durable and one of the most comfortable to carry. There has been a well-known tradition of Off-Grid Knives having superior heat treatments, and the Sea Dog is not an exception.
The blade is made of blacked-out AUS8 steel, so it can withstand battering without losing its edge, and it has superior edge retention to almost every other knife in this article.
Camillus 7.5 With Marlin Spike
- Length Throughout: 7 5/8 Inches
- Blade Length: 2.88″
- Sheepsfoot is the style of the blade.
- Grind: Flat
- The handle is made of bamboo.
- Open System: Nail nick
- Carry System: A loop in the lanyard
- Lock of the Liner Variety
- The price range is from $30 to $35
If this is the kind of stuff that interests you, this is a cool knife to have. Most people don’t use sheepsfoot blades and marlinspikes together enough to need both tools in one (aside from those haughty boat owners). If you are looking for a knife like that though, Camillus would be the right guy for you, since they make knives like that.
The Camillus 6.5-inch folding knife with a marlinspike is exclusively available with G-10 scales and VG-10 steel. I have no idea how many people use both sheepsfoot blades and marlinspikes all the time. But if you use both, this is a slightly bigger alternative. Camillus has exclusive rights to both materials.
Since they were intended to be used mostly for sailing, the version made of bamboo has an appearance that is a little bit more rustic, and the blade has an unusual slope going in toward the handle. This, I believe, is intended to make it more effective at cutting rope.
Even though I’m not a sailor myself, I can still appreciate the one-of-a-kind quality of these blades. Camillus also makes a great show of the durability of their titanium coating, which is robust but maybe not as tough as everyone seems to believe it is. If you have no idea what the hell it implies, you should check out our guide about titanium-coated folding knives made by Camillus.
Sog Twitch Ii Is Here.
- Length Over All: 6.2 Inches
- Blade Length: 2.65″
- The drop point is the kind of blade
- Grind: Flat
- Handle Material: Aluminum
- Open System: Thumb stud with Assisted
- The tip-up clip is the carrying system
- Lock Type: Lockback
- The price range is from $45 to $50
Even though I’m not a big fan of aided open games, I have to give the Twitch II some credit. Because of its sturdy construction and uncluttered appearance, it gives the impression that it should cost far more than it really does. This knife has metal scales, a lockback construction, and a flat grind on the blade, making it remarkably durable for an everyday carry knife with an aided opening mechanism.
It’s one of those things where I have to set my own prejudice aside and say it’s worth having since SOG fans buy this knife and wind up relying on it for years. When it comes to knife designs, the fact that this one has been around for as long as it has spoken something.
Ceo of CRKT
- Length Across the Whole: 7.54 Inches
- Blade Length: 3.1″
- Blade Style: Standard
- Grind: Flat
- Material Used for the Handle: GRN
- Open System: Flipper
- Tip-up clip is the carrying system
- Lock of the Liner Variety
- $40–$60 is the price range
It is not unusual to find the CEO in the $80 to $100 price range; nonetheless, this is one of those insanely popular designs that required a million different iterations. Micarta scales and S35VN steel are two of the materials that CRKT has chosen to use in order to manufacture its dapper gentleman’s folder. This decision was made because CRKT deemed it appropriate to do so.
The AUS-8 version is the best choice, though, if you like the design but are looking to spend as little money as possible on it. It still features all of the same elegant lines even though it does not have the same edge retention. When designing a blade for a knife that was obviously not intended to be used for strenuous labor, it makes a lot of sense to go with a stainless steel that is on the softer side.
That is not to suggest that the version of the D2 steel with a black stone wash is not the most fashionable option, nor is it to imply that the version of the S35VN steel with a satin finish is not the most elegant. It’s simply that you won’t need anything more than the AUS-8 version, and you’ll come out ahead by between $40 and $70 in the end.
Ka-Bar Dozier
- Length Across the Whole: 7.25 Inches
- Blade Length: 3.0″
- The drop point is the kind of blade.
- Grind: Hollow
- Handle Material: Zytel
- Open System: Thumb stud for right-handed users
- The tip-up clip is the carrying system.
- Lockback is the kind of lock.
- Prices in the range of $18 and 20
The Dozier is yet another straightforward and work-ready design, comparable to that of the Zancudo or the Ontario Rats; but, it can often be purchased at a lower price, in part because of the material used for the handle. They also utilize a variation steel known as AUS-8A, which is essentially simply AUS-8 that has been heated to make it somewhat more durable.
The Dozier ought to have greater edge retention, but with the expense of a somewhat increased likelihood of chipping. This is consistent with the choice that they made to make the grind a hollow one. This folder was obviously designed to be used for slicing, and as a result, its ability to cut is probably greater than that of the Zancudo or the Rat 2, although its durability may not be quite as good.
Nevertheless, the distinction that stands out to me the most is how dramatically the blade tapers down at the tip. This knife has a drop point, but it is very close to having a spear point, which gives it a somewhat different range of usage compared to the other knives that are shown on this page.
Finn Steel Cold Cold Steel Wolf
- Length of the Whole: 7.875 Inches
- Blade Length: 3.5″
- Blade Style: Standard
- Grind: Scandi
- Handle Material: Griv-Ex
- Thumb stud constitutes an open system
- Tip-up clip is the carrying system
- Lock Type: Lockback
- $40–$60 is the price range
There isn’t a single object that Andrew Demko has made that isn’t desirable to own, but the Finn Wolf is perhaps one of the most accessible of his creations. You can get a sturdy blade with a great grind and a reliable lock up for the same amount of money as a meal for two people.
The Finn Wolf might very well be the purest example of a hard usage knife that I’ve ever had the opportunity to work with. It’s hard to put your finger on exactly what it is, but there’s something quite reassuring about the way the sturdy spine and reassuringly solid click that the Lockback seats make when they’re in position. Although it is constructed entirely of a beater blade, this knife is surprisingly lightweight when carried in the pocket.
Crkt Shenanigan Z
- Length Across the Board: 8.25 Inches
- Blade Length: 3.25″
- The drop point is the kind of blade.
- Grind: Hollow
- Material Used for the Handle: GRN
- Open System: Flipper
- The tip-up clip is the carrying system.
- Lock of the Liner Variety
- The price range is from $25 to $35
Even though Ken Onion intended for this knife to be a workhorse, complete with a lightweight handle material and a blade edge that isn’t too complicated, he couldn’t help but make it at least seem a bit more intriguing by contouring the handle and giving the blade a fake edge.
Despite this, I believe this might be one of the most comfortable folding knives of the bunch. As Ken Onion has been designing knives for CRKT for quite some time, he’s actually made some extensive use of AUS-8 steel across all the knives he’s made. I would post a lot more of them here, but we did a piece on Ken Onion knives a while back, so if you’re fond of this kind of design, you should just check that out.
Fixed Blade Knives With Aus 8 Steel
I don’t know if I could describe exactly why it’s harder to find fixed-blade knives in AUS-8, except that maybe it’s just a little difficult to safely put in large models due to the larger sizes. That does not mean it cannot be done well, though, so here is what I’ve found so far that I think has a good chance of working.
Off-Grid Grizzly
- Length Across the Board: 10.8 Inches
- Blade Length: 6.1″
- Blade Style: Reverse Tanto
- Grind: Flat
- G-10 is used for the handle material
- Carry System: Kydex
- Price: $89
The Off-Grid Grizzly is a grill that was developed specifically for use in the great outdoors. In spite of its bulky appearance, the knife in question is not a survival tool. Because the designer did not want anybody to believe that this knife was intended to be a survival or bushcraft knife, the sheath that comes packaged with it does not have a belt attachment.
In spite of the fact that the Grizzly’s appearance could be misleading to some, I can confidently say that it is without a doubt one of the greatest camping chef knives I have ever evaluated. The blade is sufficiently thin behind the edge to be an outstanding slicer, but it is not quite as thin as a Japanese chef’s knife, so it is not as brittle as one of them. The fact that the blade is crafted from AUS8 steel contributes even further to this knife’s long-term endurance.
Both the standard grip and the pinch grip should feel relatively natural while using the handle since it has been shaped. Those who have little hands may find the handle to be on the thicker side than necessary; nonetheless, the lined texturing makes it very grippable. Because of its long blade, the grizzly may be converted into a scoop that can be used to remove sliced and diced food off a cutting board and place it in a saucepan or skillet.
The Grizzly gives a lot of value for the money at its present price point of less than one hundred dollars, and it is a significant upgrade over the fixed-blade Camilus knives that I used to use for preparing meals when camping.
Cima G20
- The total length is 8.26 inches
- Blade Length: 3.86″
- The drop point is the kind of blade
- Grind: Full flat
- G-10 is used for the handle material
- Carry System: A sheath made of nylon
- 19–24 dollars is the price range
When we put this knife through its paces, the common opinion was that it was “better than it seems,” despite the fact that it seemed to be somewhat unsightly. However, considering the price, it is an excellent choice for a survival knife. The blade itself is durable, and the grip, despite its appearance, is rather ergonomic. The sheath has a few problems that need to be fixed (at least with the one we tested).
Although the retention isn’t very good, it can be strapped to your leg and, as long as you remain standing, it provides a rather secure feeling. The amount of adaptability that you get with it for the price is really hard to match, but it’s not the finest survival knife on the market by any stretch of the imagination.
Cold Steel Mini Tac Tanto Tango Cold Steel
- Length Across the Whole: 6.75 Inches
- Blade Length: 3.75″
- Blade Style: Tanto
- Grind: Flat
- Handle Material: Griv-Ex
- Kydex neck sheath serves as the carrier system
- The price range is between $28 and 30
When it comes to using neck knives, the Mini Tac is quite useful, particularly in the tanto design that it comes in. It’s a little more robust than the standard neck knife, and the ergonomics are really very good. Typical of AUS-8 knives, this knife is built to withstand a great deal of abuse.
Even though it is probably heavier than the majority of people would like to carry around their necks, this knife is fantastic for traveling since it has a completely flat grind and a robust spine. This makes it quite simple to bring back any horrors you see with this knife.
Ka Bar Tdi
- Length Across the Whole: 5.63 Inches
- Blade Length: 2.31″
- The drop point is the kind of blade.
- Grind: Hollow
- Handle Material: Zytel
- Kydex is the Carry System.
- The price range is from $30 to $40
Our is a close-quarters tactical knife for law enforcement, which is very much beyond the spectrum of knives we often include on this site; nevertheless, John Benner did a wonderful job creating this knife with a clear purpose in mind, so we’re going to count it as a success.
Due to the extreme curvature of the handle, the TDI was discussed in our blog post on horizontally carried knives; yet, it only fits in with that category to a limited extent. When you’re carrying this knife about with you, it makes you wonder just what constitutes vertical and horizontal motion.
The fact that the TDI does not neatly fall into any category, on the other hand, is one of the reasons that makes it so interesting. It is compact, it is tidily organized, and it is simple to transport. Who am I to pass judgment if the TDI appeals to your sense of style? I have no idea why anybody who isn’t a member of the law enforcement community would carry it.
Sog Seal Pup Elite
- Length Over All: 9.0 Inches
- Blade Length: 4.75″
- Blade Style: Clip point
- Grind: Hollow
- Material Used for the Handle: GRN
- Carry System: A sheath made of nylon
- $50 to $80 is the price range
Despite the fact that I disapprove of knives that make an excessive effort to be tactical, I do value blades that have spacious, comfortable handles and a wide variety of alternatives for how they might be carried. The SOG Seal team knife is similarly made of AUS-8, but it is enormous and often costs more than $100.
The Seal Pup is a smaller version of the SOG Seal team knife. The Seal Pup has a decent enough design, but what truly makes it worth looking at is the affordable pricing and the fact that the sheath is compatible with MOLLE. After that, it won’t be difficult to figure out how to utilize and maintain any slab of AUS-8 you come across.
Sog Bowie 2.0
- Length Over All: 11.0 Inches
- Blade Length: 6.4″
- Blade Style: Clip point
- To grind, with a clip point
- Leather was used for the handle material
- Carrying System: Sheath made of leather
- The price range is between $150 and $180
It seemed only right that we include at least one pricey knife in our collection, and a Bowie is as fine a blade style as any other to use for that purpose. I’ve considered included this knife in the past, but given that it’s not produced in the United States and costs more than $50, it’s not exactly the easiest model to add.
The Bowie 2.0 is nearly as much about its distinctive appearance as it is about the practical functions it fulfills. It is packaged in a high-quality leather sheath that also has a bag for storing the sharpening stone. It’s a fun little item to have about with you.
Having said that, SOG does make a solid AUS-8, and because they put a hard coating on the blade, this is an authentically robust survival knife. Even though it is not suitable for horizontal carry, this seems like it may be a lot of fun to take into the woods for a few days.