vote for favorite steel for modern single edge sword

[wnease]

Hi all,

I'm doing a little market research. Please vote for your favorite steel or a steel you would most like to see a modern cutting sword made of (no don't say INFI thanks, would love to try it but I have the wrong last name).

Anecdotes are welcome, but it will be way easier for me to count the votes if you vote only once for a particular alloy.

Thanks!

 

[McAhron]

I prefer L6/8670m and 5160.Properly heat treated these steels are nearly indestructible.But you know that already.

 

[caseyp]

A2 gets my vote. Very tough steel and great edge retention.

 

[ccr]

1095 hi-carbon or t10 both very similar.

 

[Wolf_1989]

5160 for me. I have a small collection of H.I. khukuris made from it and it's hella tough. I also have a Gen2 Viking Sword, also a 5160 blade and it's really impressed me.

My second choice would be 1095, but in a shorter sword.

Anecdotes: I've broken blades before but NEVER a blade made from 5160 or 1095.

 

[J.Fisher]

My choice would be hydraulic pressed pattern welded M2 & L6 Salt heat treated.......

 

[cotdt]

S5.

For obvious reasons.

 

[AfterTFD]

With price considered something like 1080 is fine.

 

[Triton]

For whatever it's worth I don't believe steel choice is nearly so important as a proper heat treat for 99% of users.

 

[jdm61]

Good old W2 has been gaining favor of late amongst a number of makers.

 

[kyle87t]

Didn't you guys already know of the magical powers 9260 steel has? It's so flexible you can almost where the katana as a belt!!!

 

[facocero]

1095 carbon ...!!!