Steel suggestions please

cbwoods67

cbwoods67

Joined
Oct 12, 2010
Messages
8,189
Hi guys.

I am going to put in an order for some stock and would like some suggestions.
My plan is to get one bar stock and be able to use it for a choppers and friction folders.
I am thinking either O-1 or 1095, all work will likely be done with files and sandpaper and I will send out for HT.
My question is, would 3/32 be substantial enough for a chopper? It will not be used for tank busting or zombie decapitation or anything ridiculous. I plan to use it around the farm to cut down arm-sized maple trees, and smaller vegetation.
I figure it is easier to file steel away for a folder than put it back on for a chopper.
Is 3/32 thick and 2 inches wide a decent decision for my desired application?
Would O-1 or 1095 be better suited for my uses?

Thanks for the advice.
Cooper
 
I would choose O1, I find it has a bit better edge-retention. It's also readily-available in precision-ground stock (nice and flat with no scale on it), which will save you a lot of time and elbow grease. Especially if you're working with hand-tools only.

3/32" is on the thin side for a chopper (would make a nice machete though), and almost getting thick for a small folder blade. Order yourself two pieces, one 18" x 3/16-1/4" for the big knife, and one 12" x 3/32" for several folder blades.
 
+1
unless all you need is a machete, go with 3/16" x 2" stock for the chopper.
a good way to test out your need would be to buy one of the Ontario heavy duty 12" machetes and see if that blade profile does what you want. It's about 3/32" thick 5160 if I remember correctly.

3/32" O1 would be great for folding knife blades, or even 1/16" stock unless you're planning on a lot of lateral stress (prying)

good luck!
 
Consider A2 as well.

When it is heat treated you do not worry about finding a place that will quench it.
 
All the above are good suggestions. The problem I made when starting out is buying 1/8 stock thinking smaller would be easier for a newbie to work with. Well, the problem with small stock is that you have fewer chances of correcting any errors. There is a point of no return when using any stock, on smaller stock you get there quicker ;) I like 3/16. If you'll be filing bevels, it'll give you plenty of room to practice your filing :)
 
Thanks for the advice guys. I guess there isn't too much difference in cost in buying two bars, and it may be the more sensible option. (Actually I am broke and am asking for knife making supplies for Christmas from my parents:D)

AVigil said:
Consider A2 as well.

When it is heat treated you do not worry about finding a place that will quench it.
Click to expand...

Is it difficult to find people to HT O-1?
I haven't seen anywhere that mentions not being able to do it.
 
the difference between O-1 and A2 is that A2 can be air quenched and O-1 Has to be oil quenched. many places will air quench, but not oil quench. some do everything, but not that many.
 
thegeek574 said:
the difference between O-1 and A2 is that A2 can be air quenched and O-1 Has to be oil quenched. many places will air quench, but not oil quench. some do everything, but not that many.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I am aware that they are quenched differently, I just hadn't heard of anyone who doesn't do O-1. I will probably just send them out to Peter's whenever I reach that point.
Thanks
 
Peter's has done an excellent job on many O1 blades for me. :thumbup:
 
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