01 vs. A2 Pros and Cons for Outdoor / Bushcrafter?

Flatsman007

Flatsman007

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Just what the title sayes. Please tell me the differences and / or advantages in an outdoor woods knife about 4.5 inches in length 3/16 to 5/32 thickness.
Thanks,
Ron
 
A2 is more stain resistant. Otherwise, their performance is pretty close. I have knives in both steels and I'd be happy with either steel for an outdoors woods knife.
 
They are both good. I have a couple Bark Rivers in A2 and a couple B. Goode cusoms in O1. They take a wicked sharp edge. I use my B. Goodes for hunting and outdoors stuff and love them. I edc my Mini Canadian some and like it also.
 
No, they're not all that close based on O1 vs. A2 steel composition comparison

I've had a small o1 knife long ago, and CRK A2 large and small blades.
I personally prefer my 4-5" knives optimized for light/medium cutting and then O1 is a winner, it can be hardened to higher RC, less chromium in it, has tungsten which A2 doesn't have and a little more Vanadium, those should help with increased wear resistance. Besides O1 is a popular choice for kitchen knives. Butch and few other makers use it.

A2 is better choice for large, heavy duty knives.

Now given your 5/32 thickness criteria I figure you intend to use that knife for batonning, chopping, prying and such? If so, perhaps you need A2..
 
THE only knife I have ever had rust from siting stored was an A2 knife but it was not heat treated by ME so I cant say that it was done correctly. I think thats why it rusted from sitting even if it was oiled and put up correctly. It was a very well known companies knife that makes many knives and I have heard that teh heat treat on some has been off on a few at times.

in my opinion and its just an opinion I dont think A2 is that much more rust resistant over 0-1 but I do find it more stain resistant.

I always go back to 0-1 as its an awsome user steel and I like D2 for a more stain/rust friendly knife.
 
blgoode said:
THE only knife I have ever had rust from siting stored was an A2 knife but it was not heat treated by ME so I cant say that it was done correctly. I think thats why it rusted from sitting even if it was oiled and put up correctly. It was a very well known companies knife that makes many knives and I have heard that teh heat treat on some has been off on a few at times.

in my opinion and its just an opinion I dont think A2 is that much more rust resistant over 0-1 but I do find it more stain resistant.

I always go back to 0-1 as its an awsome user steel and I like D2 for a more stain/rust friendly knife.
Click to expand...

Stains give a knife character. That little orange knife you made for me is sooo freaking useful.
 
A blade that size I'd definitely go with 0-1. It can be hardened to a higher RC plus it will take an exceptional edge
 
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