1095cryo vs A2 tool steel

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nottoosharp

Joined
Apr 7, 2011
Messages
32
Hello Guys,
I've decided on a Blackjack fixed blade 1-7. I've seen them in A2 and what was listed as 1095cryo. What is better? I'm not familiar with either.

Thanks,

NTS
 
I dont have any blades in A2 but several in 1095 cryo,its easy to sharpen,very tough and makes a good chopper.
 
A2 has more carbon, and low to medium amounts of several beneficial alloying elements. It is a good knife steel, is easier to sharpen than high alloy steels, and is slightly better in most ways than 1095CV.
 
For me, it's pretty much a toss up. I really like both of these steels. In my mind the average user isn't going to be able to tell the difference.
And if you plan on hanging around here for a while you'll probably end up buying several knives that are pretty similar, so I say why not buy both, try them and sell whichever you don't like?
 
I like the higher alloyed A2 Tool Steel.

It seems a step up when it come to corrosion resistance.

Both are very tough and make great knife blades.



Please Note: All of the BJ Model 1-7's made in recent years are A2.




Big Mike
 
Thanks Guys for the input. The Blackjack listed in 1095 was listed as new and USA made. "Big Mike" stated all recent models are made in A2. I'm a little confused.
Are the newer model's better or equal to the earlier models. I've read about Effingham models (hopefully I spelled that right). Were they made of 1095?

Thanks for the help,

NTS
 
I'd go with A2 for the little extra wear resistance, and also because I have no idea why someone would cryo treat 1095.
 
nottoosharp said:
Thanks Guys for the input. The Blackjack listed in 1095 was listed as new and USA made. "Big Mike" stated all recent models are made in A2. I'm a little confused.
Are the newer model's better or equal to the earlier models. I've read about Effingham models (hopefully I spelled that right). Were they made of 1095?

Thanks for the help,

NTS
Click to expand...



The earlier models where indeed 1095, but the switch to A2 happened several years back.

Some web sites have not been updated to reflect the change.



The BlackJack Knives Model 1-7 have always been made in the USA,

...as have all of the BlackJack "Classic Blades" Series.



The new BlackJack Knives (made in Escanaba) are the equal to the Knives made in Effingham.

In fact I would argue that the change to A2 steel makes them better.

Plus there are more options available on the knife these days.




Big MIke
 
hardheart said:
I'd go with A2 for the little extra wear resistance, and also because I have no idea why someone would cryo treat 1095.
Click to expand...

I don't either, sounds more like a marketing ploy to sell knives to me at very high profit as 1095 is very cheap and it's sad that people will fall right into it.

Now if they took 1095 to 64-65 HRC then it would be a different story.

A2 would be the better choice as it's a better steel than 1095 all the way around.
 
hardheart said:
I'd go with A2 for the little extra wear resistance, and also because I have no idea why someone would cryo treat 1095.
Click to expand...

Yeah, what's that about? :confused: Is it just typo of sorts or is someone really trying to use that as a marketing ploy?
 
Thanks for the info Guys,
And thank you for the clarification Big Mike. Good to know the quality is still there.

Thanks

NTS
 
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