ATS-34 vs. O1

[jimbowie7]

Which steel will produce a sharper edge, assuming knives are identical and both are optimally heat treated?

 

[Danbo]

O1 would be my pick.

 

[djolney]

What do you plan to cut, and how much of it do you plan to cut?

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Very different steels.If the ATS-34 is cryo treated,it will come quite close to O-1 in edge sharpness.The O-1 will rust and may chip a little easier than the stainless ATS.If you are making a kitchen knife,go ATS,if it is a bowie,use O-1.You can HT the O-1 yourself much easier.
Remember - sharpness is only one part of a steel choice,and in my opinion it is not the most important.A tin can can be sharpened to shave hair,and glass is 100 times sharper than steel.
Stacy

 

[ddavelarsen]

I'm with Stacy, unless you're working in a harsh environment O1 would be the way to go.

Just for grins, I'll tell a story of a dumbass. Once I thought I'd shave with a knapped glass blade...

 

[jimbowie7]

Thanks for the replies.

It'll be a hunting knife and camp knife. Maybe cut a few branches and skin a few deer.