154cm v 1095

[Livebythesword]

Which of the two is better in terms of edge retention when it comes to abrasive cutting(ropes, cardboard etc.) Thanks in advance.

 

[Jason B.]

That depends a lot on the knives you are looking at and their heat treat.

 

[Livebythesword]

Ka-bar 1095CV (cromium vanadium) and Benchmade 154cm.

 

[GoodGuy]

Theoretically, if both steels start off with the same edge geometry, I think the 154CM will cut better, longer (everything else being equal). From a practical perspective, however, I don't think you would notice all that much difference. In my experience, blades made of 1095 (or similar) steels start off with better edges, but their edges degrade more quickly. 1095 steel edges are easier to maintain.

I think if I was tasked with cutting a lot of paper board or ropes/cord made from natural fibers, I'd choose a blade made from D2.

 

[jnevill]

Carbon steel rules. Easy to sharpen, takes a fine edge, holds it well, a classic.

 

[sketchbag]

154cm>1095 in edge retention hands down.

 

[StretchNM]

154cm

 

[PartialSerrations]

I love them both. I think 154cm wins but not by much but 1095 is more tough

:jerkit:

 

[he who say]

if it rains alot where you are go with the 154.

 

[Joshua J.]

154CM should win hands down, but they are very, very different steel types. Normally it would be kind of odd to compare the two, as they are usually used for completely different designs (154CM good in small/medium knives, 1095 excels in large blades).

 

[Razorsharp244]

154CM wins in wear resistance, no contest. The edge stability however is better with 1095 since it does not have the high carbide volume of 154CM. Also the toughness is better with 1095, also because it does not have any carbides (only half-true, but true enough for your question). And of course 154CM is stainless so in a corrosive environment the 1095 edge will be degenerated much faster.

//Jerker

 

[Livebythesword]

I had considered D2 but everybody claims it is hard to sharpen, especially with serrations which is what I’m going for. I do all of my sharpening with a sharpening stone, plain and simple, no diamond sharpeners or anything like that.

 

[TinyDee]

I love D2 for sure but just consider that the old carbon versus is not logical in real steel comparison. My vote is for 154...

 

[GoodGuy]

I had considered D2 but everybody claims it is hard to sharpen, especially with serrations which is what I’m going for. I do all of my sharpening with a sharpening stone, plain and simple, no diamond sharpeners or anything like that.

Serrations.... That changes things a bit. If you want a serrated blade, I think the balance swings to the 154CM. I've found, too, that serrated blades made from properly heat treated 420HC are a good alternative to some knives made from higher priced stainless steels.

 

[Livebythesword]

How about this? It looks pretty nice.

Would it be that hard to sharpen, the serrations are rounded so I don't know how I would sharpen those. It is D2.

 

[RMLamey]

Dont know what kind of 1095/154 everyone is speaking of, but in my shop testing 1095 is superior in every aspect save stain resistance.
Flex test, edge retention, abrasion resistance etc.

 

[Livebythesword]

To hell with it. I'll get the Ka-bar Fin in D2. It should be a learning experience. Thanks for all the help.

 

[sketchbag]

Dont know what kind of 1095/154 everyone is speaking of, but in my shop testing 1095 is superior in every aspect save stain resistance.
Flex test, edge retention, abrasion resistance etc.

Can you give some details on how you do your testing, and the knives involved?

 

[akadave2]

154, but I can get a much keener shaving sharp edge on my 1095 blades that I cant seem to get on my 154CM blades. Not saying you cant shave with both but the 1095 blades get ridiculously sharp.

 

[U.C.O.K.]

Livebythesword, what is that knife?