Differences between O1 vs 1095?

shappa

shappa

Joined
Oct 15, 1998
Messages
3,556
Hi guys,
I know O1 rust/stains just by looking at it. How does 1095 compare to it.

What are the other differences between the two?

Thanks!
 
The big difference is 01 has .50% chromium and twice as much manganese, it also has a bit of other alloys but I don't have time to look them up :)

From my experiences, 01 will not rust any easier than other simple carbon steels and I've used a lot of 01.
 
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My experience with O1 and 1095 is limited to grinding and hardening. 1095 cracks easier than O1, and a water quench is recommended. I've warped several O1 blades, but I've cracked as many 1095 blades. Edge holding is a little better w/ O1. I have not noticed a difference in rusting between the two, but I lived in Raleigh, NC when working with O1, so it wasnt unusually wet or anything.
 
O-1 is a tool steel and the 95 spring steel. I find O-1 stiffer under the hammer. Its almost like forging 52100. Rust should be about the same. O-1 cost more money.
 
01 is superior in edge holding, but requires a soak of around 1500o for about 15, to 20 minutes to get it into a good solution. That is one drawback, the other, to some, is the price. I don't mind the extra cost to get a better blade. It will also air harden if you heat it even to a low pink. Drill all holes before HT. 01 also has a dose of tungsten, and most has a bit of vanadium. I used 1095 for many years before switching to 01. I have never looked back. It does not rust any faster than any other carbon steel, and takes cold blue very well, if desired.
 
I use O-1 as the primary steel in my damascus. I have had O-1 in my shop that has been there for a year that has no rust on it. Yes my shop has a good roff and walls, but if the temp is 40 deg. or higher I have my door open, rain or not. I also have damascus that is heat colored in my csae that has been there for more than a year that has no rust and has been to many shows and handled by many hands.
It bothers me that there is such a misconception about rust with carbon steels. NO steel rust by looking at it. Have we gotten so used to stainless steels that the small bit of care needed to prevent carbon steels from rusting is to much for us? Have we really become that lazy? I hope not, but it sure seems so. I live in northern michigan and so we have a wide range of weather conditions.
As to your question about the difference between O-1 and 1095.
O-1 is a tool steel that has a little less carbon more manganese and the addition of chromium and tungsten. It is also held to a higher quality standards than 1095. O-1 is a steel designed to cut other steels.
1095 is a spring steel that also makes good knives.
Del
 
I really have to second Del's comments about rust.

I've only made a small number of knives, all out of 1084, and none have had any rust of any kind. I also own a set of kitchen knives made out of a carbon steel (I didn't make these, so I don't know the grade) and while the one small boning knife that my wife ran through the dishwasher on hot and left overnight came out an interesting shade of pitted, the rest have held up admirably with no rust problems of any sort.

People in general are too paranoid about rusting. No offense to anyone in specific, (except maybe a buddy of mine, who won't own a non stainless knife, even now that I'm making the freaking things. He's weird like that) but more an observation about the public at large.
 
The rust thing is funny to me also. I've been using non-stainless knives for 40 years and making them for 25. I have never had one of mine rust, turn dark yes but never rust.
Very minimal care required :)
 
As far as the rust goes, I am in the same boat as Don. I have a blade I have been abusing seeing how it holds up. Been hacking berry bushes and such around the yard. It has discolored but not rusted. I let it set in the garage without cleaning it for about 4 months. I just cleaned it up, used a bit of WD40 and scrubbed all the crap off that had accumulated. No problems at all. It was made from 5160 but O1 has about the same cr content. Just need to be aware of the minimal care that needs to be done..

Shappa, how's sunny FORTUNA?? I am glad I made the move when I did.
 
1095 is good for the guy with a simple heat source and a fast quench, O-1 is good for the guy with the precise controlled heat source and a slower quench.
 
I think rust is mostly for the truly neglectful and for those of us whom choose pineapple as a comfort food.
 
Thanks for all the great info guys!:)

I take great care of my knives so I don't expect any problems with any steel.:)

Hi A.C., The town hasn't changed much. The economy in the area still sucks. Gas is 4.07. Roger Rodoni was killed in an accident on the way to a fund raiser. His wife was just appointed in his place.
Glad you are enjoying your new place.
 
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