Stainless comparable to 1095

T

theflyingplatypus

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Oct 13, 2010
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I own an Emerson A-100 and an ESEE RC-5. I have found that the edge workability plus wear of the 1095 to be preferable. I although sometimes have the need for a stainless steel. What stainless steel would you say behaves most similar to 1095? Does anybody know the RC of both these knives? Thanks


Kaleb
 
the A100 is fairly low to keep its toughness up, I think they are usually run around 55HRC, with the ESEE being a bit harder but not much.

IMO there is no comparison to 1095 in stainless, if there was there would be no real need for any other steel carbon or otherwise. 1095 can be tough as hell at a lower hardness, or scalpel like with amazing edge retention at a higher hardness, its a very versatile steel, and I do not think you will find as good a compromise of edge holding and toughness in a non carbon steel. Maybe cpm m4, but its not stainless, just a good bit more rust resistant than 1095
 
I figured that would be the response. Looks like I am going to have a lot more 1095 steel knives in the future.

How have you found O1 compares to 1095 at the same RC?
 
VG-10 in my experience is closest to 1095 in a all around aspect.
 
If you are looking for a simple stainless steel some choices are AEB-L & 13C26.

I don't drink the kool-aid that 1095 is a good steel. When heat treated properly it is a great steel. I have custom knives made with 1095. However, correctly heat treating 1095 is very difficult. The wide variation of its specifications make heat treating even more difficult. I will choose 1080 over 1095 every time.

O1 was is a great choice. The specifications for O1 are tighter than 1095 and heat treating is easy and repeatable.
 
I have two customs in O1 coming my way, sounds like I will like them. Have you found properly HT'ed 180/1085 behaves similar to Rowan (ESEE) 1095? I am just looking for a basis of comparison based upon what I own.

So many choices so little time and money...

Kaleb
 
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