7Cr17MoV and AUS-8 are two steels commonly used in the production of knives. Both offer good performance at an affordable price, making them popular choices for mid-range knives. But what exactly are the differences between these two steels?

Here is the short answer:

7Cr17MoV and AUS-8 are fairly similar in terms of performance and composition. Both are budget-friendly steels with good corrosion resistance and edge retention. However, AUS-8 is slightly more durable and easier to sharpen than 7Cr17MoV.

Now that we have looked at the short answer, we can look closer at each steel, what each steel is made of, what tasks they best perform at, and how they compare in-depth. 

Deep dive on 7Cr17MoV

7Cr17MoV is a Chinese steel that is often compared to 440A and 440B steels. It is a steel that is commonly used in budget EDC knives. Its steel composition is the following:

– 0.7% carbon

– 17% chromium

– 1.3% molybdenum

– 0.1% vanadium

– 0.08% nickel

– 0.16% copper

Notably, 7Cr17MoV contains a higher percentage of molybdenum than most similar steels. This gives it better hardness and edge retention, though it can be more difficult to sharpen. Overall, 7Cr17MoV is a good budget option that offers decent performance.

Deep dive on AUS-8

AUS-8 is a Japanese steel that is also known as 8A steel. AUS-8 is a steel that is commonly used for EDC knives as it has good corrosion resistance but is less durable than most other steels in its category. Its steel composition is as follows:

– 0.75% carbon

– 14% chromium

– 0.15% molybdenum

– 0.1% vanadium

– 0.5% nickel

– 0.4% manganese

AUS-8 is similar in composition to 440B steel, but with a higher carbon content and slightly more chromium. This gives it better edge retention and corrosion resistance. Additionally, AUS-8 is known for its durability and ease of sharpening, making it a popular choice for budget-friendly knives.

7Cr17MoV versus AUS-8 

When comparing 7Cr17MoV and AUS-8, it’s important to consider the specific use case for the knife. Both offer good performance at an affordable price, but they differ in a few important ways.

7Cr17MoV has slightly better hardness and edge retention than AUS-8, thanks to its higher molybdenum content. However, this also makes it more difficult to sharpen. Additionally, 7Cr17MoV contains less nickel and manganese than AUS-8, which can affect its corrosion resistance.

AUS-8, on the other hand, is slightly more durable and easier to sharpen than 7Cr17MoV. It also has better corrosion resistance, thanks to its higher nickel and manganese content. Overall, AUS-8 is a more well-rounded option that is better suited for everyday use.

Best knives in each steel

Now that we have looked at each steel and how they compare in-depth, we can see what we at Blade Fun have found to be the best knives in each steel.

Ontario Knife Company RAT (AUS-8)

The RAT is a budget EDC knife that is great for the price and is guaranteed to work great for any EDC task you need a knife for. This knife has a 3.5-inch blade, a 5-inch textured nylon handle, a lanyard hole, and weighs 5 ounces. This knife is perfect for EDC or survival in humid areas where a corrosion-resistant knife is needed. 

Check out this knife here (link to Amazon)

Gerber EXO-MOD Drop Point (7cr17MoV)

The Gerber EXO-MOD Drop Point is a lightweight hunting knife that is very versatile. This knife has an orange skeletonized handle, a 3.7-inch 7Cr17MoV blade, an overall length of 8.5 inches, and weighs a mere 2.6 ounces. If you want an affordable lightweight hunting knife, this might be the knife for you.

Check out this knife here (link to Amazon)

Conclusion

7Cr17MoV and AUS-8 are two budget-friendly steels that offer good performance for the price. While they are similar in many ways, AUS-8 is more well-rounded and offers better durability, ease of sharpening, and corrosion resistance. However, if hardness and edge retention is what you are after, 7Cr17MoV is a better choice.