1095,O1 and A2 ?

[HighDesertWalker]

+1 on 52100, definitely one of my favs

I only have one from Spyderco but very much look forward to getting one of Mike Stewarts.

Mine is an old Marbles Plainsman with black micarta handle. Here's a website that has a picture of the exact knife I own:

http://www.redriverknives.com/marbles/marble_index.htm

It's the third knife from the top. I don't think the new models are made in 52100 anymore. The current ads just specify "high carbon steel".

 

[theonew]

Mine is an old Marbles Plainsman with black micarta handle.

Sweet looking knife :thumbup:

Mine is a Spyderco Mule with scales made by Lone Rider Custom Grips

 

[HighDesertWalker]

Sweet looking knife :thumbup:

Mine is a Spyderco Mule with scales made by Lone Rider Custom Grips

That is really cool! :thumbup: I wish makers routinely etched steel type on the blade. It would be a lot easier to keep track of what you've got.

 

[Big Mike]

They all have the potential to be great knife steels. :thumbup:

The key is in the Heat Treatment and Edge Geometry for the intended task.

When looking for a new knife I look for a trusted knife maker more then a given steel.



That said, A2 from Mike Stewart is hard to beat,
great edge retention and toughness combined with excellent convex geometries,
be it a chopper or a slicer Bark River’s A2 comes through.

 

[Cpl Punishment]

I don't own any O-1 knives. But from tool room experience A-2 and O-1 are very close. A-2 is a little bit more wear resistant and, IMO a little better on resisting corrosion. O-1 is a little tougher (shock resistant). But, after a proper heat treat, they are so close, we just order whichever is cheaper at the time.

For knife use, I'd say 1095 is a cheaper, slightly cruder (as to grain structure after heat treat), more rust prone little brother to O-1.

When all is said and done, the finer grain structure and increased wear resistance is what you get with the A-2 and O-1 tool steels.

 

[Diamond Dog]

Dang Pitdog this is dandy of a question. I have similiar opinions as others as far as heat treat and trusted knife maker as being just as, if not more important to me than the particular steel. I own knives in O1, A2 and 1095. I like them all. However, I find myself using my knives in 1095 more. For me they sharpen up quick and to razor. I like the 01 alot though because to me it feels heavier more durable in a way and to me all around nicer upgrade to 1095. I have one in A2 and to me this steel seems to seperate itself from both 01 and 1095. To me it feels wicked is the only way I can describe it. The A2 to me gets sticky sharp and it feels to me that it may be the strongest of the two. But that is only my opinion on that nothing scientific or anything.

 

[desmobob]

I prefer A2 (especially in barkies) because it takes an edge easily with diamond sharpeners (DMT) and holds it for a long time. I've also got one blade in 52100 that has really nice edge holding characteristics.

I feel the same way, although I only have one O1 knife and haven't used it a whole lot yet, so I really can't say much about my personal experience with it.

I also really like 52100. I have two Blackjack Woodsman knives made of this steel, and they get SCARY sharp and have very good edge retention.

Stay sharp,
desmobob