What is A8 steel?

Answer 1

A8 is an air or oil hardening tool steel with more abrasion resistance than the S or H series tool steels, but much better toughness than D2 or similar high alloy semi-stainless and stainless steels. The working hardness is from 55 to 60 rockwell C. The alloy content is as follows:
C 0.50-0.60 Mn 0.50 Si 0.75-1.10 Cr 4.75-5.50 Ni 0.30 Mo 1.15-1.65 W 1.00-1.50 Cu 0.25 P 0.03 S 0.03
This steel is a good choice for a balance between hardness and abrasion resistance, it's well suited to larger cutting implements which must endure some shock and hard impacts to the edge, but also some "dirty" cutting and other direct wear. It's balance of characteristics make it good for certain types of industrial cutters as well, and it would not make a bad axle for an open socket that would get dirty during operation(and thus abrasively wear the steel), or other machine component which may not run clean. A good choice for a larger outdoors knife, but inferior to D2, VG-10, and S30V for shorter blades and inferior to S7 or L6 tool steels for blades of sword length.

Answer 2

A8 steel is a type of air-hardening tool steel known for its high wear resistance and toughness. It is commonly used in applications where high precision, cutting, and shaping of materials are required, such as in tool and die making. A8 steel offers good performance in cold work applications.

Answer 3

Steel is resistant to climate change. Suitable for welding. With 8 percent sulfur.