Choosing a steel type

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Sep 7, 2006
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hey guys,

Little help here with choosing a steel please....

I want to order a knife from a guy who forges blades. We're busy discussing the different steel types. The chap is a relatively new maker and is comfortable working with O-1 steel. I asked him about other steels like CPM154 and D-2, as they seem to be well-liked.

He can use D-2 for the same price but that would be stock removal method, not forged (his equipment/experience isn't up to forging D-2).

I like the idea of owning a forged knife (my first) but I'm nervous about the O-1 staining and rusting, as I live in a high humidity climate.

Anyone have experience with O-1? Will be cool if I just keep it wiped down with WD-40 or Tuf-Cloth? Or should I just go with the D-2 option, as it seems to be quite popular. Is there another tool steel that offers better stain resistance?

Thanks!

Mark
 
01 is a fine knife steel and with a little care, rust will not be a problem.

A maker should use the steel he is most comfortable with.
 
Thanks Don, I am keen on getting a forged knife, so I'm willing to take the chance with the tool steel.

Mark
 
yea definatly what Don Hanson said... I've never had 01 in my forge but if thats what he's comfortable with that's what he should use. D2 shouldnt be forged unless you have specialized heat treating equiptment to include cryo. I'd use gun oil, but thats just me.
dont worry about it staining or rusting just once a month wipe it down and your good to go.
 
I agree that utilizing the blade steel most familiar to the maker is recommended.

As far as protecting the forged steel, I really like Camellia oil compared to WD40, gun oil, Renaissance wax and such as it seems to stay on longer, does not get gummy and gives a very nice sheen (not too dull/not too glossy).

Can be purchased from Blade Gallery. Swordmakers from the far east have been using it for hundreds of years.
 
O-1 is a very good steel. I have a knife with a forged S30V blade, and will be getting one in forged D-2, but if the maker isn't comfortable forging stainless, or in the case of D-2, almost stainless, stick with what they are comfortable with.
 
01 is a fine knife steel and with a little care, rust will not be a problem.

A maker should use the steel he is most comfortable with.

That pretty much summs it up. Let the maker use what he knows if you want a good result.
 
Mark -- I posted earlier in a thread about this knife recently made by Brian Lyttle and it is done with O1 and is referred to by Brian as his "supersteel"

orig.jpg


perhaps your maker might wish to converse with Brian and try out this idea when he does a blade for you. I carry this knife daily and use it and it does a great job and while the steaks etc that I have used the knife on do adjust the color of the blade edge, the etched area is not affected.
 
Hey,

Wow, that's impressive! This is more of a 'tactical' knife though so I don't think I'll be cutting my steaks with it :)

I was keen on a forged knife, but can't afford a big ol' bowie (much as I would like one).

The maker - Derek Goodson - is relatively new to the game so his prices are reasonable.

I also like to support the new guys so it works out well for everyone.

I'll be sure to post pics of the knife when I get it :thumbup:
 
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