Best steel for 4"-5" backpacking knife?

psy-ops

psy-ops

Joined
Sep 27, 1999
Messages
3,164
I am thinking of another new backpacking knife acquisition.

Bark river Montana guide---A2
Some customs----O1
Fallkniven S-1----VG10

Any opinions on which would be best?

I just purchased an F-1 but the handle is a bit small. So I am back to the search for my perfect knife. The F-1 is damn close.

Thanks
 
I like A2 and O1 best. And for a great price you could have one of our resident fine makers whip you up just what you are wanting. That's the way I have been going lately and it has worked out great.
 
Not to jump the rules...but I have an S-1 and a Montana Guide that I plan on listing soon..they are both fine knives...I just have to many small fixed blades, and they aren't my favorites. I totally agree on the F-1 having to small of a handle...If you can spare the money, I recomend the H-1..twice the knife of the F-1 IMO.
 
After using Bark River and Rapid River knives, I gotta say A2.

I've used a friends Dozier in D2 and while it was tough as nails, I just have a fondness for A2 when it comes to overall performance.

Never had a chance to use O1 so I can't honestly compare but for the size you are in the market for, I have yet to be as impressed as I am with A2.
 
Any of those will work. One thing about carbon steel and rusting. The finer the finish the less prone to rust it will be.
Scott
 
I guess I should add that I am interested in edge retention. I have owned a lot of knives with carbon and they don't hold an edge quite as long as VG10. So I am partial towards it. My Cold steel master hunter CV is an exception.

Also, I just read the RAT4 thread, So now 1095 is an option.
 
psy-ops, Have you thought about getting an F1 blade from someplace like Knifecenter and handling it yourself? That's what I did. I bought an F1 blade and put olive green micarta handle scales on it, held by Corby-style stainless steel rivets. You can make the handle as "fat" or as "skinny" as you desire that way, and still have your VG-10 blade!

Ron
 
Day in and day out, cost and everything considered, 1095 gets my vote for everyday work knives. Durable and no suprises. A hard combo to beat.
 
Ron53 said:
psy-ops, Have you thought about getting an F1 blade from someplace like Knifecenter and handling it yourself? That's what I did. I bought an F1 blade and put olive green micarta handle scales on it, held by Corby-style stainless steel rivets. You can make the handle as "fat" or as "skinny" as you desire that way, and still have your VG-10 blade!
Click to expand...

I second this idea. :thumbup: If you don't feel like you can do it yourself, I'm sure local custom makers would be glad to help for a fee.

The S1 also has a small handle (some like it, some don't), so if it's the handle size that's the problem, the S1 probably won't solve it.

I don't really know about "best steel". I like a lot of different steels for this kind of thing, from good old 1095 to INFI. It should be easy to sharpen and reasonable tough, though, so stuff like ZDP-189 is right out.
 
D2 has bad reputation, which is somehow undeserved, and its because so many people do not know how to heat treat it properly. It can have qualities, both in toughness and edge retention which match or surpas those of more modern steel. I would not go for a large chopper in D2, altough again - I have 8´´ bowie in it and its my best knife, wickedly sharp, but for small blade it is a fine choice. D2 makes somehow different edge than most carbon steels, but when used properly it cuts like mad devil!

J.
 
I've had really good luck with Bark River's A2. Very good edge retention and doesn't rust easily as much as develop a nice patina.
 
psy-ops said:
I guess I should add that I am interested in edge retention. I have owned a lot of knives with carbon and they don't hold an edge quite as long as VG10. So I am partial towards it. My Cold steel master hunter CV is an exception.

Also, I just read the RAT4 thread, So now 1095 is an option.
Click to expand...


How about a Fehrman Thru-hiker if you want good edge retention !!!!

oops, just noticed the 4-5" bit so I guess the Thru-hiker would be too small !
 
Edge retention....... 01. It was designed around this.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top