W1 vs. 1095

[Joss]

Hi,

What do you feel are the key differences between those two steels, and how they should be heat-treated?

Thanks,

JD

 

[Joe Renner]

The way they harden, 1095 may harden a tad deeper, though the hardening method really dicatates that more. Graham has said before, that the simplicity of W1 makes it a little harder to pile and set on a flex.
You might find W1 to be easier under the hammer, and more precise in differntial hardening(be it claycoat or otherwise).