6A Stainless?

I am as new as they come to this whole knifemaking thing. I jsut purchased a kit for TKS. The Blade is listed as being made from 6A High Carbon Stainless Steel. I can't seem to find anything on 6A. How does it compare to 440 or ATS-34?

Thanks for your help.

If what you have is AUS6A, it is a decent compromise between edge holding and rust resistance. It is at the lower end of acceptable "stainless" alloys for making quality knives, but nothing to be ashamed of.

mn2deep,

That will make a fine kit knife as Don has said. All steels have their benefits. Some, as you will find, are better than others. A lot of it is a matter of taste. Nonetheless, finish the kit and please post a picture of it on the display board when you're finished!

Chris

Thanks for your responses. I hope to use all the info I've gleened lately from CKD and move to stock removal real soon using O-1. Until then I guess the kit thing will have to satisfy this nagging urge to create something sharp!!

You'll have a great time, and you'll be proud of what you do. Keep on truckin', and holler if you have questions!

Joe Talmadge wrote an article a few years ago that covered a vast majority of the different steels used for cutlery today. It is located at:
knifeart.com/steelfaqbyjo.html

Mr. Talmadge states that this particular series of steel is comparable to 440A with less chromium content but does have vanadium which will contribute to a higher wear resistance.


Craig