Hardened steel vs A3 steel

Hi forum,
I found a chain the other day in the store . I know these aren’t the best chains, neither is my bike . So what I was wondering was the difference between these 2 chains; One chain is being sold as ‘hardened steel’, while the other is being sold as ‘A3 grade steel’.
I have tried to find some usefull information bu tcould not get further than this:
http://www.johnkingchains.com/product/british-standard-steel-conveyor-chains/british-standard-with-a1-a2-a3-attachments
http://www.quora.com/What-is-A3-Carbon-Steel
Concerning hardened steel, I have found that it means just the outer layer? Am I correct and which is best if both chains are identical 5 mm?
Thanks in advance…
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Answer #1
Without researching the chain quality I thought it may be worth mentioning that 5mm (1cm) think chain whether it be Hardened or A3 grade can both be quite easily cut with a small bolt cutter. I think the best combination is any chain and removing the front wheel or handle bar.
Above that I would recommend a U-Lock. Harder to cut/break

Answer #2
Without researching the chain quality I thought it may be worth mentioning that 5mm (1cm) think chain whether it be Hardened or A3 grade can both be quite easily cut with a small bolt cutter. I think the best combination is any chain and removing the front wheel or handle bar.
Above that I would recommend a U-Lock. Harder to cut/break

Hey, tanks for your reply.
I have a U-lock, an 8 mm chain and the sort we call C disk I think? It’s all heavy and OK for me, but this one is for another bike, so I was thinking for something lighter. However I’m now confused between the A3 grade and the hardened steel.
EDIT: haha, handle bar or front wheel. Nice one.
Answer #3
A3 steel is a specific grade. By stating it as such they ensure that it IS or they can be liable for false advertising and sued.
“hardened steel” is a generic term and doesn’t really mean much at all – no specific grades are stated and you have no call to expect anything but “generic hardened steel”.
Note – that doesn’t mean it’s worse.. it just means it’s not specifying a grade of steel.
http://www.efunda.com/glossary/materials/alloys/materials--alloys--steel--tool_steel--aisi_a3.cfm
Answer #4

EDIT: haha, handle bar or front wheel. Nice one.
lol yeah, its more common than you think. I see guys with their front wheel walking around a lot but they have expensive bikes with quick release front wheels.