Best carbon steel

King - this is going to be a long thread. I have found each to have its merit. D2 will probably come in high on the list. I do not use it for two reasons: it is expensive (and I am not consistently good enough with my grinds yet to afford to waste a piece)and I do not have the equipment to heat treat it. Personally, I like 5160. When properly heat treated it makes a tremendous knife. You get an inexpensive gas forge, oil quench it and temper it in your kitchen oven (if your wife approves!) It is very inexpensive compared to some of the others like O-1, A-2 or D-2. Many of the makers here like 1095 which is also a good steel and inexpensive. You will get a wide variety of opinions in answer to your question. I would not argue with any of them because I could make a good argument for each.

Fox
 
As a fan of carbon steel I am glad to see this thread. I have gerber knives from the early 70's made opf either M2 or vascowear. Great steel. I like even 1095 for its good edge retention and ease of sharpening..;.even for C steel. Carbon V from Cold steel is great. O1 is a good steel. A custom I have made of 52100 holds its edge as well as anything I have. My one knife in L6 steel is extremely tough and has very good edge retention. Keep them dry and kives of carbon steel outperform most or all Stainless steels (except perhaps the CPM steels or the various incarnations of INFI)
 
52100 When forged and heattreated right.
Easy to sharpen,longlasting edge and tough as all get out
 
Gee I guess there is not many fans of carbon steel eh? I was expecting more posts.

------------------
RayField Clement Jr.
rayfclement@yahoo.com
 
I like W2 best, tough and very good edge-holding.....
smile.gif
but rust too easily.

It doesn't pose a problem as I care about my knives.

Joe
 
Include something "very secret" and fancy in carbon steel, like "atomite" or "hyperonium" and suddenly:
carbon steel will be "in".
(Sheep do like to be lead)

I am very happy with my carbon steel knives.
Easy to sharpen, nicely holding an edge.
But:"boy oh boy" they are not shiny....
biggrin.gif


------------------
D.T. UTZINGER
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top