Steel

Maybe you should set up a poll... that would be interesting.

Personally, I like good quality steel, period :) Stainless steel, tool-steel, "old-fashioned" high carbon steel... all have their place. I love the fact that we have so many dang good steels to choose from! My current inventory includes 1084, 1080, 1095, D2, CPM-D2, 440C and CPM-154. Plus several well-worn Nicholson and Simmonds files, whatever they may be.

I'm chomping at the bit waiting for my kiln to arrive, so I can begin learning to heat-treat each type properly.
 
I agree, a wide selection of quality steels that all have their place is awesome but, I guess I'm asking something like, if you could only work with one steel, what would it be? I haven't worked with anything but scrap steel and O1 so far as I'm just a newb so I guess I'd have to say O1 for me.

I can't figure out how to make a poll or I would have.. do I need to be a paying member? Maybe you can start a poll on this?... if you want.
 
1084,and CPM-154 for the bulk of my knives.
Others are 1095, W-1, 15N20, CPM-M4, D-2

Stacy
 
I use 1095, 1080, 1084, 1075, W1 and W2 when I can get it, A2, D2, O1, 5160, 8670 and 52100. But if I had to choose just one I would say it would have to be one of the
10XX or W's just because that is what I started with and still use.
 
01......................
 
5160 and O1 are what I have used and I like them both.

I've tried 1095 and had 2 blades fail in HT but I'm sure I'll like it once I learn how to HT it.

Steve
 
5160/9260 most favorite for fixed blade, CPM 154cm or ats34 for a folder. Just became a fan of 1090 though and will use more of it.
 
CPM 154 is my favorite so far. O-1 is also comfortable for me.
I've only worked with L6, O-1, CPM154, ATS34, and 440C, though I heat treated another maker's blade and have a piece of Aldo's 1084 I'm looking forward to working with.

--nathan
 
I much prefer 1018 steel. It is widely available, and very easy to work.



Kidding though.
 
I've used 5160/9260/1070/1095/O1/W1 and mystery harbour frieght ball pein hammer steel. out of all of them I LOVE W1 for it's simplicity of forging, low cost, and ease of heat treating.

Jason
 
A2, just starting to make stainless some out of 13C26. Used to use O1 but decided that plate quenching is really nice for a stock removal guy.
 
Aldo's 1084, 15N20 for contrast in damascus, Aldo's 1095, 5160 for swords, and if I am forced to do stock removal, O-1

-Page
 
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