O1 tool steel...

[getridone]

Hi Fellers,

Looking at some of Blind Horse's, and some of the customs recently, looks like O1 is commonly used, some times A. Never owned them myself. In your humble but strong opinions how does it behave compared to something like 1095?

 

[james terrio]

O1 and 1095 are both very good high-carbon steels. I honestly doubt most users can tell much of a difference between them, when they're both HT'ed properly and tempered to a similar hardness.

 

[roninelh]

I can tell the difference.... O1 seems to hold an edge better, both rust easily, but 01 takes it to another level. I think 01 performs waaaaaay better than 1095. Just my opinion.

 

[Big Mike]

When optimally heat treated, the higher alloyed O1 is superior to 1095.


In general, O1 is a bit trickier to get the best out of.


That said, I's sure Blind Horse's O1 will serve you well.


The less controlled backyard heat treater will never know the difference between O1 and 1095 (and would be better off with the more forgiving 1084).





Big Mike

 

[The Mastiff]

I pretty much agree with the above. In my opinion the best heat treated O-1 takes a better, more stable edge and wears longer in most conditions. I have had O-1 that didn't achieve all it could and it's noticeable. More so than 1095.

Joe