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Steel guide

AUS-10 steel, explained

AUS-10 is a high-carbon stainless steel chosen for longer edge retention. At SAMURA it comes as a solid blade in the Reptile series and as a 5-layer Damascus blade in the Artefact series.

Samura knives in AUS-10

Samura Artefact Santoku Knife 180 mm – main view BLACK NOVEMBER −30%

AUS-10 Damascus · 59–61 HRC · 180 mm

Artefact Santoku Knife 180 mm

€108,99€76,30 with BLACK NOVEMBER

Samura Artefact Utility Knife 127 mm – main view BLACK NOVEMBER −30%

AUS-10 Damascus · 59–61 HRC · 127 mm

Artefact Utility Knife 127 mm

€84,99€59,50 with BLACK NOVEMBER

Samura Artefact Petty Knife 180 mm – main view BLACK NOVEMBER −30%

AUS-10 Damascus · 59–61 HRC · 180 mm

Artefact Petty Knife 180 mm

€105,99€74,20 with BLACK NOVEMBER

Samura Artefact Paring Knife 97 mm – main view BLACK NOVEMBER −30%

AUS-10 Damascus · 59–61 HRC · 97 mm

Artefact Paring Knife 97 mm

€83,99€58,80 with BLACK NOVEMBER

Samura Artefact Nakiri Knife 173 mm – main view BLACK NOVEMBER −30%

AUS-10 Damascus · 59–61 HRC · 173 mm

Artefact Nakiri Knife 173 mm

€110,99€77,70 with BLACK NOVEMBER

Samura Artefact Hakata Knife 211 mm – main view BLACK NOVEMBER −30%

AUS-10 Damascus · 59–61 HRC · 211 mm

Artefact Hakata Knife 211 mm

€108,99€76,30 with BLACK NOVEMBER

Samura Artefact Slicing Knife 206 mm – main view BLACK NOVEMBER −30%

AUS-10 Damascus · 59–61 HRC · 206 mm

Artefact Slicing Knife 206 mm

€105,99€74,20 with BLACK NOVEMBER

Samura Reptile Slicing Knife 274 mm – main view BLACK NOVEMBER −30%

AUS-10 · 59–61 HRC · 274 mm

Reptile Slicing Knife 274 mm

€90,99€63,70 with BLACK NOVEMBER

What AUS-10 is

AUS-10 is a stainless steel with more carbon than AUS-8, plus chromium for corrosion resistance and small amounts of molybdenum and vanadium for a fine, wear-resistant structure. The extra carbon lets it reach a higher hardness.

SAMURA uses it in two forms. Reptile knives have a single, solid layer of AUS-10 stainless steel. Artefact knives use AUS-10 Damascus steel with 5 layers, which shows as a layered pattern on the blade.

Hardness in SAMURA knives

Both forms are hardened to 59–61 HRC. That is a step up from the 58–59 HRC of most SAMURA AUS-8 knives.

Higher hardness helps a thin edge stay keen for longer. It also makes the edge less tolerant of twisting, prying or striking hard objects.

Strengths and trade-offs

AUS-10 aims for a long-lasting, fine edge with good stain resistance. The trade-off: a harder edge takes a little more time to sharpen and asks for clean, controlled cuts.

  • Generally holds an edge longer than AUS-8
  • Good resistance to rust and staining
  • Takes a little more effort to resharpen
  • Avoid bones, frozen food and twisting cuts

SAMURA series in AUS-10

The Reptile series uses solid AUS-10 stainless steel. It includes chef's, Chef Modern and santoku knives, some with engraving.

The Artefact series uses 5-layer AUS-10 Damascus steel. It includes chef's, santoku, petty and utility knives, plus a knife set. Compare with the softer, easier-to-sharpen AUS-8.

Care and sharpening

Wash by hand, dry at once and store the knife so the edge touches nothing. On Damascus blades, prompt drying also keeps the pattern looking clean.

Sharpen on whetstones, moving from a medium grit to a fine one. Keep a steady angle and light pressure. Hone gently between sessions. Browse whetstones and sharpening tools.

Questions

AUS-10: common questions

What is the difference between AUS-10 and AUS-10 Damascus?

Both are hardened to 59–61 HRC in SAMURA knives. The solid version, a single layer, is used in the Reptile series. The Damascus version in the Artefact series has 5 layers, visible as a pattern on the blade.

Does AUS-10 hold an edge longer than AUS-8?

In general, yes. It has more carbon and SAMURA hardens it higher, so the edge wears more slowly with the same use.

Is AUS-10 harder to sharpen?

A little. Harder steel needs a few more strokes on the stone. With a medium and a fine whetstone it sharpens cleanly.

Can I cut bones with an AUS-10 knife?

It is better not to. A hard, thin edge can chip on bone or frozen food. For chopping through bone, use a cleaver.

How do I keep an Artefact Damascus blade looking good?

Wash it by hand with mild soap, dry it right away and store it safely. Avoid soaking, abrasive pads and long contact with acidic food.