1095 is not such a bad steel

[Easyrider]

I have only recently got into traditional slip joints. I have a couple of Queen knives that were given me but I have carried modern folders for 30+ years. My EDC previous to my GEC 73 was a S35v Sebenza. Yesterday the wife and myself bought a new office chair and today I needed to break down the thick cardboard box the chair came in. I thought this would be a great opportunity to test out the 1095 blade steel.

I was very pleasantly surprised with how well my knife, specifically the blade performed. I did need to touch up the edge but that was easy and quick work. Actually I could have kept on cutting but the cardboard pieces were small enough for the recycling bin.

I now realize how good a blade made from 1095 and ground thin can performed. The blade on my other knives are like sharpen crowbars compared to a traditional slipjoint.

It makes me wonder how well an Northwoods Indian River Jack must perform.

 

[jackknife]

I can't tell you have an Indian river jack will perform, but I can tel you how a Northwoods stockman in 1095 performs; great!

The GEC number 15 is right up there with it!

The 1095 steel is a very under estimated steel. Very good edge holding,but still very easy to sharpen up when it looses that edge. I'd say go for it.

 

[Halfneck]

Good blade geometry can be more important than the steel used.

 

[Aias]

Yep, 1095 (with a good heat treatment) is great stuff; I have about 10 GEC's and a couple of Beckers (1095cv), and they cut great. The GEC's are particularly exceptional slicers. I find that 1095 is easy to maintain, takes a very sharp edge easily, and I love the natural patina that come with carry and use. Here are some of my favorites:

 

[SAK Guy]

Schrade 1095...one of the best, ever! 2 favs...8OT & 194OT.

 

[r8shell]

Schrade 1095...one of the best, ever!

True that :thumbup: They seem to want to be sharp.
I think there's a sweet spot between ease of sharpening and edge retention that 1095 hits. YMMV.

 

[pmew]

Good blade geometry can be more important than the steel used.

This is key.

 

[Easyrider]

I agree that good heat treat and edge geometry are more important that blade steel composition.

 

[Jack Black]

Certainly nothing wrong with good 1095 :thumbup:

 

[SAK Guy]

Good blade geometry can be more important than the steel used.

I agree that good heat treat and edge geometry are more important that blade steel composition.

+1 and I believe the old Shrades have this going for them as well. My Dad and uncles have used Old Timers for over 70 years in hard use jobs and I have had them since the early 60's...it's still the steel I compare the rest to....GEC 1095 is exceptional and probably as good as the old Schrades, I just have less experience with them.

 

[Pipeman]

"1095 is not such a bad steel " All things considered, heat treat, grind, etc, 1095 has never been a bad steel.

Regards

Robin

 

[Halfneck]

When I was a young soldier I was all into fancy steels & tactical knives. Then as I got older I started to realize that super edge holding steels = super pain in the backside to sharpen when dull. I also realized I'll most likely never use a knife as hard as I did then. So why do I need to spend the extra money on a steel that holds an edge forever?

 

[Coopsta]

Unfortunately for me, 1095 is a 3-season steel because of the climate and my own damp constitution. It's good stuff.

 

[pinnah]

When I was a young soldier I was all into fancy steels & tactical knives. Then as I got older I started to realize that super edge holding steels = super pain in the backside to sharpen when dull. I also realized I'll most likely never use a knife as hard as I did then. So why do I need to spend the extra money on a steel that holds an edge forever?

I think there are 3 things where people's opinions can justifiably split.

SHARPENING - Some people prefer to have a hard working knife that can go all day or several days between touch up and they're happy to work on a knife at home with special tools. Others prefer to be able to quickly touch up a blade through out the day or as needed. Carbon and decent small grained stainless fits for the second group.

KEEN VS TOOTHY EDGE - Some people prefer a toothy edge that will eat cardboard all day long. Others prefer a very fine edge capable of making fine wood shavings. Carbon and small grained stainless fits for the second group.

OLD VS NEW - Some people like the pride of owning the newest and "best" technology. Others are more comfortable with older technologies that are tried and true.