Spyderco has made a Sprint Run using AEB-L on the Urban Plateforme. Mine was bought 65 dollars with 13 dollars of shipping. An honest price and 7 days of waiting. Kudos to DLC Trading.

AEB-L is a razor’s steel. Stainless. When 52100 is also a razor’s steel non stainless (this link take you to a Jerry Stark 6/8″ Straight Razor at 275 dollars…).
Both are small carbides steels and AEB-L is a low chromium medium carbon alloy.
“AEB-L differs from most simpler stainless steels in that it forms very small carbides when heat treated and has a very fine grain structure. Since the carbides are small, they are easier to sharpen, and since the grain is so fine, edge stability and toughness get a boost. Because of these advantages, AEB-L can compete with more complex “super steels” but at a much lower cost.” says Nordsmith site who considers AEB-L perfect for the outdoors knives they made. AEB-L is also consider as a tough steel.

From Doc Dan on the Spyderco Forum:
“I have a couple of folders in 13C26 (AEB-L). It is no super steel and those who are used to S90V or something might be disappointed. It tends to bend and roll rather than chip. In fact, I have never had a chip in either knife. When we first started talking about the AEB-L Urban I was surprised to discover how tough this steel actually is. I think it is a razor blade steel, and for a pocket knife, It think it is a good choice. It sharpens easily and holds a decent edge, but maybe slightly less than 154CM, VG-10, etc. However, if it is run harder by Spyderco, then all of my experience goes out the window.”

So let’s convex it ! Gaffer tape is used to prevent any scratch on the flat of the blade.

I’m happy to use diamonds as it feels hard to scratch.
I heard it was heat treated at 62 HRC. The idea is to have it hard. It feels hard under diamonds.

I keep the factory edge and just deshoulder it.

Then some diamonds paste (thank you JD) and compound for stropping.
It get to a mirror very very fast like 52100.

It is very easy to strop it for a razor level. I have noticed also the edge is like a caress and hairs are jumping.

The point of the blade is not as recessed as on my other Urban. It due to a QC on the spring. But I cannot bring the meat of my finger to be bitten. No issue.

Now starts the test and it will be done in the UK where the Urban is a lawful folder to carry. The mechanism is quite stiff and I really enjoy that. Actually I also love its Cappucino handle and that’s will be his code name from now on.

The bottle’s butt test is passed with flying colours.

The bottle’s neck thick plastic was easy game too.

On wood, it made very clean and precise cuts.
Same feel as 52100 and the exact opposite to ATS-34 for example.
The stronger mechanism makes it much more whittling friendly.
Once the Boot’s dagger quillon held, the knife is powerful and accurate in every cut.