1095 or O-1 for a bushcraft knife?

I've had more burring issues sharpening 1095, O1 tends to sharpen up more clean for me. But then again, it's totally dependent on the heat treat. I would be VERY happy with either steel at 62 HRC, maybe even a little higher. ;) If you could get either at 63 - 65, you might think you had a super steel from the way that it held an edge... And you'd be right. It's amazing what a few points and the proper heat treat will do.
 
O1 and 1095 are very similar, with 1095 being cheaper and O1 easier to heat treat. It won't make a difference whatever you pick, performance will depend on heat treat anyway. If it's a thicker knife then go for the O1 as 1095 may not harden all the way through.

Some O1 has vanadium, some do not. There are different variants of O1 with different elements in them.
 
If I was handed a knife made from O1 and another knife in 1095, I don't think I could tell the difference. In use and sharpening they seem too close to call.
 
I think the average Joe would be very hard pushed to tell a difference in two knives identical except that one is from 1095 and the other from O1, providing they both have good heat-treat !

My ML Knives are 1095 and not only do they keep a great edge but maintaining it is simplicity itself. Even just stropping them on the leg of my jeans will bring them back to shaving sharpness !
 
cotdt said:
O1 and 1095 are very similar, with 1095 being cheaper and O1 easier to heat treat. It won't make a difference whatever you pick, performance will depend on heat treat anyway. If it's a thicker knife then go for the O1 as 1095 may not harden all the way through.

Some O1 has vanadium, some do not. There are different variants of O1 with different elements in them.
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1095 when quenched in the proper oil, has no problem up to .250... over that and you may have case hardening issues....there should be no problems at all with 3/16th in 1095....
 
Another vote for "ask the maker". If you like his design and craftsmanship, let him choose the steel he's most comfortable with. O1 and 1095 can both make excellent blades.
 
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