AUS-8 is often used instead of 440C. Use it. AUS-10 (10A) is comparable to 440C with a carbon content close to 1.10%. 440C has a chromium content between 16-18%, so it is stainless, but not necessarily completely resistant to rust. SOG knives uses AUS-8 extensively. Re: AUS-8 vs. AUS 8A. CPM SxxV series … AUS-8 has similar properties to 440C stainless steel, but it features a large amount of vanadium in its creation. 440B steel is not a very popular material for the top knife brands due to having relatively the same price as 440C but without as good as edge retention. The great thing about cutlery, is that any knife can get equally sharp regardless of steel. Abuse it. 440C is a high-chromium stainless steel with a terrific balance of good toughness and corrosion resistance. Thread Status: It is slightly tougher than 440C. AUS-8 can be readily found in one of our best-selling knife models, the Boker Kalashnikov. AUS 8 Steel SOG Flashback Assist with AUS 8The single most important component of a good knife is the steel used to make it. This steel is comparable to 440C. Top. It's an excellent blade steel when made properly, but its quality is very dependent on how well it is forged and heat treated. AUS-8 (8A) is comparable to 440B with a carbon content close to 0.75%. The AUS 8 is a great mid-range steel, but it didn’t reach the high-end steels, like the M390 or the ELMAX, its equivalent in the steel industry would be the 440C and the 8CR13MOV, they have a close chemical composition, and they ‘re in the same price range (between 30 USD and 100 USD). Sharpen it! AUS-8 is often used instead of 440C. If you find a knife you love in AUS-8, it's okay! AUS8 is only 13-14.5%. Cliff Stamp Member Posts: 3852 Joined: Sat Dec 31, 2005 8:23 pm Location: Earth. AUS-8 . It is slightly tougher than 440C. This is tough steel, and holds an edge well. AUS-10 Steel - Has 1.1% carbon. I hope you plan on using a fixed blade for your dive knife. 440C VS AUS8; 440C VS VG10; 440C VS 154CM; 440C VS 420HC; Conclusion; Reach your true potential; Reach your true potential; What is 440c Steel? Blade steel: Sandvik 13C26 vs. AUS-8 vs. Moly 8A vs. 440C vs. others Discussion in ' Non-Firearm Weapons ' started by Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow , Jun 7, 2008 . 440B is often compared to AUS-8 as it has similar properties but is not quite as durable or popular as AUS-8. Just keep in mind that knives made from AUS-8 are generally very affordable. AUS-8 Steel - Has .75% carbon. A line cutter in my opinion is the most important part of a dive knife. AUS-10 (10A) is comparable to 440C with a carbon content close to 1.10%. It has more vanadium and less chromium than 440C so it is slightly tougher, but also a little less rust resistant. 440C takes a nice edge and is fairly easy to resharpen. If you're looking at an AUS-8 knife, make sure you're buying from a maker who's up to snuff. A tough, versatile, damage-resistant steel can make or break a knife’s performance, as well as give them their high-quality standards. Buy it. Cold Steel has made popular use of this steel.