O1 vs 1084 - What's easier to file?

A

arsenius

Joined
May 29, 2012
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I made a few knives about 10 years ago using just hand tools. Like most people I started out using some old files. Later I got hold of some 1/8" O1, and was amazed because it cut like butter compared to the files. At the same time I ordered some 1095, but I never did anything with it because it was so hard to work with files and a hacksaw compared to the O1 I had.

Since then, it seems that 1084 has become the more popular steel for beginners. But I'm wondering how it compares to 1095 in terms of workability. If it's similarly hard to cut, I'd rather stick with the O1.

I would just order some 1084 and try it out since it's cheap, but I'm going to have to have this shipped overseas, and I'd rather not have to do that twice.

Thanks in advance!
 
It is primarily an issue of what state the steel is in. Annealed steel is easy. Even super high alloy stuff like 3V is not that bad. Hardened steel, even "spring tempered" stuff, not so easy. I do some light filing on some steels that have a fair bit of alloying elements and they are not bad at all as long as they are annealed. With that said, John White did the bevels on a little wasp waisted dagger of hardened W2 a while back totally with files.........he just trashed 3 big files in the process.:D
 
I have used 1095 almost exclusively for years. I recently tried 1084, and was pleasantly suprised at how easily it worked.
 
O-1 (and 1095) will work harden. 1084 tends to file easier, but if properly anneakled, both should be no problem. After hardening, both will sand about the same.
 
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One of the great things about Aldo's stuff is that he actually has his "plain carbon" steels smelted and rolled, so it comes to you in the best possible condition for use my a knife maker.
arsenius said:
Sounds like 1084 should be fine, assuming that Aldo's comes annealed.

Thanks all!
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