AUS-10A Stainless Steel

AUS10A is a high-carbon stainless steel that is known for its strength, good hardness, and ease of sharpening. It is considered the strongest of the AUS series steels. Manufactured by Japanese steelmaker Aichi Steel, AUS10A is less well known than other AUS steels, but it has been gaining quite a bit of attention lately. Some also refer to the metal simply as AUS10 steel, with the last letter being specific to the manufacturer.

Those familiar with 440C steel will have no difficulty in becoming familiar with AUS10A steel, as they have similar components. Although the levels are not identical, the performance of both steel grades is certainly comparable.

Application

Unlike other grades of high carbon steel, AUS10A is mainly used for the production of cutting tools, and is also used to make:

Knives;
Scissors;
Medical instruments;
Food equipment parts;
Heavy machinery.

Hardness of steel AUS10A

Among the most notable things about AUS10A steel is its hardness which is rated at 58 - 60 HRC on the Rockwell scale. There are many great benefits to be expected from this metal. This is also one of the reasons why it is gaining extraordinary popularity among knife enthusiasts. The hardness level of AUS10A is very noticeable considering that the alloy is very durable. Usually it is one or the other, but the creators of this metal have managed to balance these features. As a result, the steel is able to withstand strong blows and maintain its advantage for a long time.

Chemical composition

Although AUS10A is often compared to many other steel grades, it still has a fairly unique composition that sets it apart from others. Its key components are carbon, chromium, and molybdenum content, which are the main factors in strength and hardness.

Table: chemical composition of steel grade AUS-10A
Chemical composition of steel grade AUS 10A
C	Cr	Mo	V	Ni	Mn	Si	P	S	Fe
0,95-1,10	13,0-14,5	0,10-0,31	0,10-0,27	0,49	0,50	1,0	0,04	0,03	Other

Corrosion resistance

AUS10A steel as a stainless steel also promises good resistance to corrosion. It does not rust easily as it has a high level of chromium. A good advantage of this feature is that it makes maintenance easier. Low chromium steel grades require special handling and care, so they can be finicky. On the other hand, stainless steel knives are more convenient to have in the kitchen and for daily use.

Toughness

Toughness is one of the promises of AUS10A steel, as it is made to be very strong. Many of its components ensure good tensile strength, so it will not break easily under high pressure or impact. Cracking and chipping should not be a problem for AUS10A with a high strength level. However, it is more likely to bend and deform than to break.

Edge retention

With a high level of hardness, you can also expect edge retention. This means that despite the reduced thickness of the edge, it is not easily damaged. This also applies to the ability of the knife to remain sharp for a long time.

Edge retention

A very interesting thing to know about AUS10A steel is that it is relatively easy to sharpen, despite its hardness. With the right tools and technique, sharpening blades using this material is not that difficult.