AUS-6,8,10
Japanese steels AUS-6, AUS-8 and AUS-10 are among the most widely used stainless steel materials for the production of high quality kitchen knives. Manufactured by the Japanese Aichi Steel Corporation, they offer the ideal combination of hardness, toughness and corrosion resistance thanks to the addition of chromium, molybdenum and vanadium. With a carbon content of approximately 0.55-0.6%, AUS-6 steel is durable, easy to sharpen and achieves a hardness of around 56 ± 1 HRC, making it a reliable choice for common kitchen knives. AUS-8 steel (carbon content of around 0.75%) offers the perfect balance between sharpness, durability and easy maintenance, with a hardness of approximately 58 ± 1 HRC. It is popular with professional chefs and home enthusiasts who appreciate the longer blade life with easy sharpening. The highest grade is AUS-10 with a carbon content of around 1.05% and a hardness of 60 ± 1 HRC. It offers long-lasting sharpness, high wear resistance and is mainly used for premium Damascene blades with multi-layer construction (e.g. 66 layers of stainless steel), which provide an exceptionally smooth cut, aesthetic elegance and maximum performance on the job. While AUS-6 is ideal for everyday use, AUS-8 represents a balanced compromise and AUS-10 is the choice for demanding users who require superior quality and precision.
| Steel Type | Carbon content | Hardness (HRC) | Benefits | Recommendations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AUS-6 | ≈ 0.55-0.6% | 56 ± 1 | Toughness, easy grinding, corrosion resistance | Suitable for beginners and general use |
| AUS-8 | ≈ 0.75% | 58 ± 1 | Balanced hardness to sharpness ratio, easy maintenance | For regular use in the kitchen |
| AUS-10 | ≈ 1.05% | 60 ± 1 | Long-lasting sharpness, high hardness, aesthetic appearance | For professionals and demanding chefs |
Japanese steels AUS-6, AUS-8 and AUS-10 differ primarily in hardness and blade life, but all share high quality workmanship and reliability. Their stability, ease of maintenance and corrosion resistance make them among the most popular choices for modern kitchen and professional knives. If you are looking for a knife that will provide you with precise performance and long life, then the AUS series steels are the right choice.
