52100 or 1095

[justakniveguy]

Im looking to get some carbon steel to make my first real knife. 1095 an 52100 seem to be the best bang for buck steel

what does everyone think?

 

[i4Marc]

What does your heat treating set up consist of? 1095 and 52100 will require longer soak times and tighter temperature control than 10 series. Since you refer to this project as your "first real knife" I imagine you have a fairly simple set up. We can make suggestions but it is up to you so see the wisdom and reasoning behind the suggestion. I would recommend you get some 1084 or if it's in short supply get some 1080 or 1075. These steels make GREAT knives and require only basic equipment to get good results. You can use Canola oil if you can't afford or source commercial quenchants like Parks 50, Brownell or Houghton.

 

[justakniveguy]

my plan was to send it off to a pro for heat treat as i have got nothing but a propane torch, so heat treating isn't a problem.
It is "my first real knife" because all of my prior ones were just for show (mild steel from the depot).

I was wondering if one steel is easier to work with grinding and filing wise?

 

[justakniveguy]

1084 was another i was looking at, i might just get a foot of each kind and see which i like better

 

[Huntsman Knife Co. LLC.]

If you are sending out for HT 52100 is a better steel. Its tougher and has better edge retention and stability but is more expensive and cant take a hamon as well as 1095.

 

[justakniveguy]

52100 it is then, thank you for your help and advice