Livesay Air Assault (which steel?)

Bobby B

Bobby B

No more Mr. Knife-guy
Joined
May 18, 2001
Messages
3,053
I'm looking at a Newt Livesay Air Assault, which steel, and why?
It is offered in 1095 and D2. The catch is that the D2 carries a price tag of almost 60% :eek: more than the 1095 ($133 vs $84)...
This would be a general use/abuse (technically...:rolleyes: although unlikely...) camping/ outdoors, etc.
What are anyone's thoughts?
Note: this is a steel comparison...same knife, different steels...;)
Thanks,
Rob
 
Hi BB,

Ordinarily I would choose the semi-stainless D2 over 1095 BUT not in this case...from what I have read about Newt (correct me if I am wrong anyone), he doesn't believe in "super steels" and he is "the master" of heat treating 1095...so a 1095 blade is more in keeping with a "Newt Livesay" knife...again, just my impression....

RL
 
The Air Assault is an excelent knife, and Livesay is an excellent maker. The 1095 will serve you well, especially if you are on a budget. Newt is a master at heat treating 1095. He is also equally adapt at working D2, remember that Newt learned his trade at the side of Bob Dozier in the Moresth factory.
If you can afford it D2 will offer higher abbrassion resistance, be stronger than 1095 and be less prone to rust. D2 is a highly alloyed tool steel, and is considered by many to be the best steel for knives. Newt Livesay in fact holds this opinion.
Bottom line, if you can afford it get the D2, if not the 1095 will serve you well. I will make this offer, if you get the D2 and are unsatisfied I will trade you a 1095 version and give you cash for the price difference.
What ever you decide, I am quite confident that you will be well satisfied with your Livesay knife and the service provided by the staff of the Wicked Knife Co.

Take care,
Chad
 
Pardon me for switching gears here...Chad, you seem to know Newt's products quite well...can you confirm whether the ITK has been discontinued? I heard a (sad) rumour that it was...

RL
 
RL,
Yes, I belive it has been discontinued. You may be able to find a used one, or Newt may be willing to make a small or custom run.
Take care,
Chad
 
I have the air assault in 1095 and love it. Holds and takes a great edge. Also have the Sniper, and HKR team knife and the Woo, and they all are super in 1095. Would have them no other way. Plus you will wait forever to get one in d-2. Newt is so backlogged with orders. Good luck.
 
Newts air assault kicks ass I have one in 1095 and its great.I also bought one for my brother when he went over seas he loves it.Also Newts handle on the air assault is the best imho
 
I'll second and third and fourth! I bought the AA when it was $125 (don't understand how he managed to LOWER his price) in 1095. Has been my primary camp knife ever since. Holds a great edge, and is easy to sharpen. Handle is one of Newt's best designs...
 
I've got a Company Knife, the AA's big brother, and I'll echo what the rest here have said about 1095 and Newt's heat treat. It holds an edge for a long time, and is easy to sharpen. They come parkerized, so the rust factor is very small, only if you wanted him to give it a satin finish would I ever really worry about rust, etc. The handles are great.

Hank:cool:
 
I am leaning towards the D2, but we'll see what the wait is like...:confused:
Thanks,
Rob
 
Bobby B.
I would go with the 1095 in the Air Assault if you want a knife for all around beater, and if you take care of your blades. I have sold hundreds of the Air Assaults in 1095 steel. It holds it edge well and will serve you quite well. I you want to spend the bucks and if you do not take care of your knife like you should then go for the D2 version. IMO I rank D2 up there as one of the best if not the best all around user steel on the market today. It is not a super secret compound but a proven stainless steel that will hold it's edge and outwear most of the more common user metals on the market today, and not cost you a arm and a leg. I make all my custom hunter and skinners out of D2 and have for years. It is a great steel.

RL;
I have for most parts discontinued the ITK, and the TK knives. I do as of this post have three knives in stock on the make up board. These ITK are the last of a short run of ITKs for some Federal Police Offices, some local SWAT Team Personnel, and a couple of civilian customers who were in line. Like I say I think that there is three on the board in the shop. They are ground, heat=treated and ready to have handles put on them. When these are gone there will not be anymore unless some one catches me in a good mood or Drowns me in Coors or Bud.:D
Newt

Newt Livesay Web page
 
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