H1 Steel. How does it hold up?

Infi-del

Infi-del

Joined
Apr 6, 2009
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I was thinking of getting one of these salt water proof knives for my field pack. Something that could get soaked and be left wet and not have to worry about it. My quesiton is that traditonally AFAIK the more corrositon resistant a blade is... the less wear resistance and edge holding ability it has. The old stainless Vs. Carbon Steel thing. I've always been a huge fan of spyderco and found their quality to be top notch. I carry a temerance in my truck every day and it has served me well. How does the H1 hold up. How's it's edge retention? Is it easy to sharpen in the field? Thoughts? Comments?
 
It holds up very well, I use mine to hack brush off hiking trails and I've noticed no chipping. Holds an edge very well and is easy to touch up. It is the first truly rust proof steel with good working characteristics.
 
I carry a Salt 1 often and I haven't had to sharpen it any more often that I do all my other steels. That may have more to do with how I use my EDC (not very hard too often) and to the fact that I tend to touch up my knives more often than they even need it. usually with a loaded strop or a couple strokes on the 1200 rod then a loaded strop.

I don't have a scientific comparison but I will say that I really like having the Salt 1 for the "don't have to worry" factor. Everyone should have at least one H1 knife IMHO.
 
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It is equal to AUS 8 A in the two years i have used it. Buy one! you will not be disappointed.
 
marthinus said:
It is equal to AUS 8 A in the two years i have used it. Buy one! you will not be disappointed.
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That was kinda what I was wanting to know. AUS 8A while not a super steel has always been a good performer in my experience. If these H1's rival that then it's just stupid not to get one. I'm looking at the Aqua Salt fixed blade for my field/bushcraft pack. Think I'll have to pick one up. I guess I'll go with yellow. I sure wished they made a safety orange. That would be sweet. My Temperance is black so I do kinda want something a little different.
 
My plain-edged Pacific Salt has been my EDC mainstay for about eight months now, and it's performed admirably. I sharpen it about once a week, since I don't need a razor sharp edged, just a workably sharp one (that's the lie I tell myself to make me feel better about my crappy sharpening skills :D). It's my favorite knife, and I get cranky when I can't take it along with me (business trips, and such)
 
I have owned a salt 1 for years, since they first came out, and i have edc that knife every day since. Its now my backup but i find myself actually going with the salt more than my main blade sometimes :). So far as edge retention, i would say it is greater than my aus8 that i have had(cold steel, RAT/ontario, etc.). Its also super easy to sharpen, i just carry a small ceramic rod on the keychain and it will get it "shaving" sharp.

I have beat that knife to hell and back and it just keeps asking me for more. Awesome knife and worth much more than what i paid for it.
 
THATS IT! Thanks to you guys I've put a Yellow Pacific Salt on my list. I dont really need it to be yellow, but I don't have ay fellow handled knives so why not.
 
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