O1 vs D2 for EDC user

Gaspumps

Gaspumps

Joined
May 14, 2012
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Looking at a new knife and found a couple of different ones I am really interested in. One has O1 steel and one has D2 steel. The D2 model is less expensive, and I have had good luck with it. D2 and M4 are some of my favorite steels. Other than some limited experience with a couple of blades, I don't have much time with O1.
I will be using the knives as general knock around blades in the garden, yard, barn, etc.
Thoughts and comparisons one either steel? Should I expand my horizons with O1 or stick with my tried and true D2?
 
O1 will rust much easier than D2 will be is also much easier to put an edge back on. O1 is a great steel for an outdoors knife and im really surprised the D2 blade costs less normally its the other way around.
 
I'd take D2 for an EDC over O1.

I don't have anything against O1, every knife I have in that steel is just fine, but it definitely does take more effort to keep O1 rust free than D2.
 
D2 for me only because I've used it and it works great for me. From a performance perspective I have no reason to try O1 and from what I've heard about how easily it stains I have no interest.
 
D2 holds a great edge, especially if correctly heat treated. In terms of rust, I live in Texas too (near Houston) and I personally have had no trouble with my tools steels rusting. I have 2 tool steel knives that I use outside, one in w2 and the other 1095.
That being said, I would go d2
 
O1 rusts easier but if you throw a patina on it shouldnt be a problem,I have D2 blades but im not a fan of sharpening it,I can get it razor sharp but something about it annoys me,D2 is also more brittle than O1.
 
I like O-1 for the edge it takes, higher sharpness, tougher depending on the heat treat naturally. It's just a great all around steel IMO. I really like it in folders though they are rare.

Joe
 
2 very different steels. O1 is a carbon steel. Carbon steels take a fine edge, sharpen easily, and hold an edge OK. D2 is "semi-stainless", having enough chromium to prevent outright rust, but not quite enough to be considered "stainless". D2 also has high amounts of large carbides. Carbides are needed in stainless steels to offset the large amount of chromium (which soften the steel) and bring hardness and edge holding up to useable levels. D2 has large carbides, which gives it great edge holding, but also makes it a PITA to sharpen.

Either way, there's a trade-off regarding upkeep/maintenance. O1 is easier to sharpen, but will rust easily if not taken care of. D2 will resist rust far better and holds its edge, but is much more difficult to sharpen and get to a fine edge.
 
If you like your steel nice and shiny, get D2. If you dont mind patina, 0-1 is fine too. Both are great steels if heat treated properly. I personally prefer D2 because I like shiny and live in a high humidity environment.
 
How is the O1 heat treated, if you have that information? I like O1 myself, but have little experience with D2. I'd say give O1 a try if you havent used it before. I'd say D2 for myself for the same reason.
 
How is the O1 heat treated, if you have that information?
Click to expand...

"O" steels are Oil Quenched. For temps, and times, as well as temper info it's extremely easy to find as it's such a common steel. IIRC, Crucibles website had a page for it. Dunno if it's still there.

Blind Horse Knives triple tempers and cryo treats it's O-1 knives, for instance but most aren't treated to that extent. It can be much more than a basic, inexpensive steel and it can take a really nice, fine grain.

I live in a humid area and don't have a problem keeping my non stainless knives from rusting or staining. I don't patina either. Never have. I don't feel it's necessary or looks good. I grew up with non stainless steel knives as the stainless knives I could find or afford were junk to me. I still prefer carbon and alloy steels though they make some pretty amazing stainless steels nowadays.

Joe
 
In my experience 01 is much easier to sharpen and takes and holds a sharper edge than D2.
It goes against the experience of others but the D2 knives i have discolor as fast (or possibly faster) than my 01 knives.
I don't really dislike D2 or anything, as long as the blade is ground right so you don't have to reprofile it it is a good steel. But re profiling D2 can be a real pain!
Mainly i have just had a better experience with 01 and find it more user friendly. But then i generally prefer carbon steel anyway.
If you must go for stain resistant steels i'd take S30V or 154cm over D2 any day of the week.
 
Most have said what I would say. I'm not an engineer or chemist, so take it for what it's worth. I'm a recreational hiker and camper. I need a knife that can withstand being rained on and exposure to ground level moisture in the forrest for days on end. 01 simply rusts easily. It requires frequent maintenance if exposed to constant moisture. That's not an issue if you go home on Sunday after a weekend of car camping and re-oil the knife. However, who can do that on a multi day hike? Hikers don't carry maintenance equipment on long hikes, it weighs you down. D2 on the other hand because of it 'almost stainless' properties can withstand several days in the woods without maintenance.

You asked about EDC. I'm assuming that allows you time for regular maintenance. If that's the case, either steel will do.
 
tholiver said:
In my experience 01 is much easier to sharpen and takes and holds a sharper edge than D2.
It goes against the experience of others but the D2 knives i have discolor as fast (or possibly faster) than my 01 knives.
I don't really dislike D2 or anything, as long as the blade is ground right so you don't have to reprofile it it is a good steel. But re profiling D2 can be a real pain!
Mainly i have just had a better experience with 01 and find it more user friendly. But then i generally prefer carbon steel anyway.
If you must go for stain resistant steels i'd take S30V or 154cm over D2 any day of the week.
Click to expand...

My knives in D2 resist corrosion really well. I had to force a patina because it wasn't taking it naturally and I wanted that look. I have one blade on my mini trapper with a patina and one without. Neither rusts and I never oil them or anything. That slipjoint is my most carried knife too.
 
What are your primary uses?

D2 Pros - better for cutting abrasive material like rope and cardboard (lots of big carbides) and more stain resistant
O1 Pros - tougher and, depending on heat treat, can take thinner edges; better for applications where there will be sideways force on the edge like when you are carving wood.

It all depends on intended use, both are good steels when heat treated properly.
 
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