AEB-L vs O1/A2/12c27?

[Steelhog]

Hey all. I am going to be picking up another Bushcraft blade soon and wondering people's thoughts on AEB-L in general. I know AEB-L does not have the best edge retention but most comparisons I have seen show it up against modern stainless. How does it compare with O1, A2 or even 12c27?

The knife in question would be an LT. Wright.....

Thanks all.

 

[herisson]

AEB-L and 12C27 are stainless. I like both of them a lot : easy to sharpen and the edge stays sharp for quite a decent time.
As far as ease of sharpening and edge holding are concerned, O1 and A2 are in the same league (but not stainless). So, in my book, they are all good. If the knife is an appealing design, I wouldn't shy back because any of these steels.

 

[Larrin]

O1 and A2 aren’t high edge retention steels either. So if you like them then AEB-L is just fine.

 

[herisson]

"Decent edge holding time"... it all depends on "how" and "what for" you use your knife. I'm very happy with those "ordinary" steels because I'm a low stress knife user. I mainly require a refined razor cutting edge. I like to sharpen, so the "edge holding capability" is just an added bonus.

 

[justjed]

AEB-L is practically identical to Sandvik 13C26. It's a stainless alloy designed specifically for cutting tools. There are lots of alloys like these. As long as the heat-treat is correct, any of them will make a very good knife. Steel type should be the last question you ask, not the first! Unless you just want to see what a particular alloy will do for you personally. I have stainless knives, I have plain carbon-steel knives, they all cut stuff. Picking the right tool for the job is more important than what type of steel it's made from...