8Cr13MoV vs. 8Cr14MoV vs. AUS-8

J

"J" man

Joined
Nov 8, 2012
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Hello,

As you can guess by my title, I would appreciate some clarification on the 8Cr13MoV and 8Cr14MoV. How do these 2 Chinese steels compare to AUS-8? I have been really happy with AUS-8, but the wallet seems to be on a diet these days. Also, what is the main difference between these 2 Chinese steels?

Thx guys.
 
8Cr13MoV has a slightly higher carbon content, with less chromium and manganese. This translates to a knife that will have more rust issues than 8Cr14MoV, while taking a finer edge. 8Cr14MoV has been slightly more difficult for me to sharpen, but not by much. As for comparison to AUS-8... I have noted little difference in both performance and appearance of rust when placed alongside a 8Cr14MoV blade. If anything, AUS-8 takes a better edge more quickly.
 
J Man,

The steel grades you are looking at are not Chinese. DIN stands for "Deutsche Industrial Norms" (German standards agency). Here is a chart comparing the 3 grades. They are very compatible with AUS-8 and 8Cr14MoV being the closest match.

Hoping this helps,
Aldo
 

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Good to know about the 8Cr14MoV, seems to be priced considerably cheaper than AUS-8. On a side note, has anyone ever heard of AUS-6M before? Absolutely no information on it anywhere. I am familiar with AUS-6, but AUS-6M eludes me. Are they the same thing?
 
For the most part, you'll find that AUS-6M blades are mostly similar to AUS-6 blades. From all I've heard and seen about it, the difference isn't really that noticeable.
 
[QUOTE="J" man;11597700]Hello,

As you can guess by my title, I would appreciate some clarification on the 8Cr13MoV and 8Cr14MoV. How do these 2 Chinese steels compare to AUS-8? I have been really happy with AUS-8, but the wallet seems to be on a diet these days. Also, what is the main difference between these 2 Chinese steels?

Thx guys.[/QUOTE]

The difference between 8Cr13MoV and 8Cr14MoV is that
8Cr13MoV has 13% Carbon
8Cr14MoV has 14% Carbon

If all hardened to the same hardness, you can't tell the difference between them as far as edge retention goes.

The variations in edge retention that people are reporting are likely due to difference in final hardness after heat treat. I've seen (and measured) AUS8 at hardnesses from 57 to 60. One of the fellas whose word I trust measured a Byrd in 8Cr13MoV at 61. A couple of hardness points makes a noticeable difference in edge retention.
 
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