A-2 vs. O-1 tool steel

[xceptnl]

I need advice on this selection of tool steels from a custom maker. I have used D2 tool before and generally love it. I am looking to purchase a camp sized blade (4-1/2") for outdoor use. I need to know what my fellow forumites think of these steels and the proper Rc for me to request. I am not looking for the longest edge retention, just good toughness with fairly high retention and corrosion resistance. Thanks,

 

[Danbo]

Neither of the two steels listed are going to be very corrosion resistant. But, A2 would do a bit better in that catagory.

 

[Lorien]

I like O1 at relatively low hardness, (57-58) because I've had good experiences using knives like this in the past. I'm making a knife outta this stuff right now. Never had a knife made from A2.

 

[AVigil]

I like them both but 01 can be deferentially heat treated probably easier then the A2. He can do an "Edge Quench" or clay the back for your camp knife. Also a neat little tip I got from Ed Fowlers website is to use the oil from the side of your nose and behind your ears and rub it on the blade to help keep it rust free....works really good.

 

[R.Russell]

I've had good luck with 01 and 5160 ---for what it seems you're looking for. Are you going to be chopping or butchering? What is your useage? You may want to do a search and read up on past posts, like "01 vs A2 vs 1095" etc... There's a lot of info available on this site already. I am one of those people looking to try out A2. According to some makers it is VERY comparable to 01 with slightly better corrosion resistance and slightly harder to sharpen. Remember, the finish on your blade is also going to affect its corrosion resistance.

 

[flatgrinder]

I need advice on this selection of tool steels from a custom maker. I have used D2 tool before and generally love it. I am looking to purchase a camp sized blade (4-1/2") for outdoor use. I need to know what my fellow forumites think of these steels and the proper Rc for me to request. I am not looking for the longest edge retention, just good toughness with fairly high retention and corrosion resistance. Thanks,

They are very similar, but A2 will cut slightly longer from my experience (same edge geometry and hardness).

A2 is also less likely to warp in heat treat and is more rust resistant than O1. Neither are intended to be rust resistant.

They both have a good combination of edge retention and toughness. HRC 60 would be a good choice.

 

[xceptnl]

rus, I plan on doing alot of butchering more than chopping so edge retention is somewhat more important, but I may baton it some for fire wood. Nothing big, just small tinder. I typically carry a pack saw and/or small camp axe when I backpack overnight. I have used 1095 before and it works great and is really tough, however I always seem to develop some edge rust buildup. I am not negligent with my blades by any means, but I do want more rust resistance than 1095 (uncoated) typically gives me. Regarding the finish, I believe the hand-rubbed satin will hold up ok and if it doesn't, I have been wanting to do a homemade stonewash anyway. Thanks for the info.