1095, W1, and W2 how do they differ?

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bronyblacksmith

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Nov 6, 2012
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I did some research on these steels and 1095 and w1 seam to be almost the same steel, and w2 just has some added vanadium.
do most of these steels work best for smaller knives? or will they work well for larger knives. thanks.
 
They are similar and because of the allowances in 1095 and W1 specs there is some overlap. W2's vanadium content makes it the tops for hamons according to many. Vanadium is also a element that helps keep finer grain. These steels have been used for everything from razors, large kitchen knives and large choppers,bowies and fighter with very good reesults.
 
They differ slightly in alloy content but are basically very similar. The problems with comparing them is they differ within the same steel type. Each has a pretty wide range of specs. Once you find a steel in this group, say some great W2, get a lot of it from that supplier specifying it all be from the same batch. That way next year's knife will be like this year's knife.
 
All three steels make fine knives, small and large, but you have to do your part.

W2 will out preform the other two, if you get the heat treat right.
 
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