Coldsteel O1 steel vs Sk5

M

MichaelMyers

Joined
Dec 10, 2015
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Anyone tested their new O1 steel yet? How are they compared to the older SK5 and SM3? Does anyone know what hardness are they tempered to? I am considering either a large bowie (trailmaster or Natchez) or the Gurkha Kukri.
 
Hi MM,
I have a Natchez in O1 and have tried it on a cutting post made from Douglas fir. No issues with edge rolling or chipping. I have a big issue with the SecureEx sheath that it came with as it rolls the edge every time the blade is resheathed. A light steeling brings the factory edge back to razor sharpness however. When my budget allows I will be investing in a River City Southern Comfort sheath. I think that you would be very happy with either of the blades that you mentioned.
Alan
 
I have been using my 01 TM this year for yard work. It behaves very similar to my old Carbon V one that I used to have ages ago. Managed to hit a stone and
rolled the edge but no problem sharpening it out. My SM3 TM chipped on a stone but I sharpened that out too. I find the convex grind/edge on my Sanmai TM
preferable to the V-grind of the 0-1. Never bought an SK5 one so can't say about it. I haven't seen anyplace where the HRC is given for the 01/sk5/sm3.
 
Secure ex sheath is that bad? This is the first I heard of a sheath rolling the edge. Hmm. Possibly bad heat treat. But it held up on chopping wood. Interesting.

Good to hear that the O1 behave similar to their carbon V.
 
MichaelMyers said:
Anyone tested their new O1 steel yet? How are they compared to the older SK5 and SM3? Does anyone know what hardness are they tempered to? I am considering either a large bowie (trailmaster or Natchez) or the Gurkha Kukri.
Click to expand...

And also you want to know if your Kitchen Knife would be more or less effective in that steel, right? Riiiiiiight?
 
I have most all of the Cold Steel line and do have all of the models available in O1 steel. I've been pleasantly surprised at the fit, finish, factory edge and the overall durability of the steel. Plus it takes an edge that will rival SR101 steel in my experiences. Nice work Cold Steel.
 
Jonslaught said:
And also you want to know if your Kitchen Knife would be more or less effective in that steel, right? Riiiiiiight?
Click to expand...

Wouldn't want my knife edge to dent when going through rib bones. That would ruin my day.
Now seriously O1 would be a poor choice for a kitchen knife. Mine are all German stainless steel.
 
O1 would make a great "kitchen knife" for those of us who prefer a high carbon steel blade.
I cannot afford O1, so I'll just stick to my 1095 kitchen knives. :)
 
yipchoy said:
Hi MM,
I have a Natchez in O1 and have tried it on a cutting post made from Douglas fir. No issues with edge rolling or chipping. I have a big issue with the SecureEx sheath that it came with as it rolls the edge every time the blade is resheathed. A light steeling brings the factory edge back to razor sharpness however. When my budget allows I will be investing in a River City Southern Comfort sheath. I think that you would be very happy with either of the blades that you mentioned.
Alan
Click to expand...
I hear you about the securex. My fixed blade Cold Steels come right out of them, and get new clothes
 
I have the Carbon V Trailmaster and the SAN MAI as well and I also prefer the Convex edge on the sm3 version but the Carbon steels are tougher no doubt. What to do? Get yourself a Worksharp KOE, read and follow ALL directions and educate yourself as much as possible on its proper usage. If you use it correctly, you can achieve a razor sharp convex on any fixed blade knife rather rikki tikk. I was greatly helped by over 30. Plus years of hand sharpening and honing experience.

I love all my CS knives, they're all older versions, but I have to be honest. I think Secruex is the worst thing on Gods green earth that CS HAS EVER USED TO MAKE A SHEATH. The stuff is great for storage, but isn't worth a flip for EDC, if you plan on your edge being a sharp one when you need it the most. Leather is sexier, but not tough enough unless the scabbard is 10 oz oak sole with the necessary treatments and assembly. Hence it will ruin your knife if you don't use EEZOX or Corrosion X, etc

To me Carbon 5 and SK5 perform almost equally in the TM, 01 should rate about the same but it rusts like hell, which is why this response is too long!!! Hope I helped
 
Never had a problem with securex myself, but then I don't grind the edge of my knife on the sheath when I draw it.
 
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