Tell me about O-1 Steel

[Bufford]

If you are going to need a knife that is rust and stain resistant, then stick with the stainless cutlery steels, otherwise let those 01 knives and such 'develop their patina personalities' or keep up with the maintenance of their finish.

 

[Bastid]

It is a bold statement, but for edge retention, I would put well heat treated 01 up against any "super" steel at the same RC.

So there.

Yup bold, and in my experience quite accurate.

 

[greater]

This might sound irrational but the feel of an O1 edge on my fingertips (carefully of course) inspires my confidence in it's cutting abilities.

 

[Hitthespot]

Thanks. I'll have to get some steel wool. I personaly prefer a new look rather than patinas. Can't this lead to pitting?

NO. I have three Randalls which have seen use in Ohio winters and none of them show any signs of pitting. I keep the blades polished with simichrome and in this polished state they resist rusting, and like you I prefer the new look and my blades look superb.

Bill

Fred is amost 20 years old IIRC. Randall Model 5-5" in 01 steel

 

[Rossi Knives]

I have had an A2 (Similar corrosion resistance) pocket knife that I cut meat, citrus, etc with. A little Flitz or semichrome and it looks like new.

 

[SteelSnob]

Thanks guys. I'm going to look in to Fitz. What do you apply it with?

 

[Hitthespot]

Thanks guys. I'm going to look in to Fitz. What do you apply it with?

I just use a plain old Terry Cloth or more recently a Microfiber Cloth. When Sams started selling them for $9.99 for 25 cloths I bought a couple bags.

If you do decide to use Metal polish to keep your Carbon blades nice, don't forget to wash them good before cutting meat / food with them.

Bill

 

[hoopster]

NO. I have three Randalls which have seen use in Ohio winters and none of them show any signs of pitting. I keep the blades polished with simichrome and in this polished state they resist rusting, and like you I prefer the new look and my blades look superb.

Bill

Fred is amost 20 years old IIRC. Randall Model 5-5" in 01 steel

That is the sweetest looking Randall I've ever seen. In my experience O1 develops a beautiful bluish patina when used in the kitchen.

 

[Hitthespot]

That is the sweetest looking Randall I've ever seen. In my experience O1 develops a beautiful bluish patina when used in the kitchen.

Thanks Hoopster, Old Fred has served me well in the last 20 years and fits my hand like a glove. He is even more attractive in person, just ask him.

I have no knife in my collection that will take a sharper edge, and I have Spydies, Bark Rivers, and Falknivens which are all great knives.

Thanks

Bill

 

[SteelSnob]

I just sharpened my O1 knife and I was impressed with the edge it took and how quickly it took it.

I'm still undecided on patina or no patina. If it develops a patina and I don't like it, is the patina easily removed with Fitz or something else?

 

[SteelSnob]

NO. I have three Randalls which have seen use in Ohio winters and none of them show any signs of pitting. I keep the blades polished with simichrome and in this polished state they resist rusting, and like you I prefer the new look and my blades look superb.

Bill

Fred is amost 20 years old IIRC. Randall Model 5-5" in 01 steel

That looks great! I'm going to order some Simichrome and microfiber cloths. Thanks!

 

[nevermind35]

You may also want to think about bluing the knife. I blued an old carbon bait knife that I found in my grandpa's fishing tackle that I inherited and am really enjoying the look and rust prevention I achieved by doing that. You can pick up some Birchwood Casey's Super Blue at most sporting goods stores.

 

[SteelSnob]

Got any pics? I would love to see what that looks like. I just pulled the trigger on some simichrome.

Here's a pic of my O-1 Folder-

 

[Hitthespot]

You may also want to think about bluing the knife. I blued an old carbon bait knife that I found in my grandpa's fishing tackle that I inherited and am really enjoying the look and rust prevention I achieved by doing that. You can pick up some Birchwood Casey's Super Blue at most sporting goods stores.

I've often wondered about blueing a blade. If it works for guns why not knives. A picture would be nice.

Bill