What is your experience with 01 as a bushcraft knife?

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SuzukiGS750EZ

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Dec 30, 2008
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I have a drop point 4.5" 01 blade that i have for outdoors stuff. It's 5/32" thick. I've kind of babied it to this point just slicing and light chopping. What can a knife like this take as far as abuse before it fails or the edge gets damaged beyond repair with a sharpmaker?
 
O1 is a fine tool steel for knives. It can take quite a bit. I would try prying doors off their hinges or something, but it should handle outdoors chores no problem. It can be rust prone, but if you use it, rust won't accumulate, and you can carry a silicone cloth to wipe it down with if you're really worried about rust.
 
I like 154cm and so far have been impressed with the edge holding of 01 but don't know too much about the steel. I was considering a Ka-Bar before i purchased the knife. I haven't seen a bit of rust on it yet. Hmm, they should create a sheath that has a silicone sleeve you can replace in it :-)
 
Well, like I said, if you use the knife often, you'll wipe away any oxidation that forms before it really digs into the metal.

O1 is good steel, I wouldn't worry at all about it.
 
Why would there be any problems with O1?
O1 is a great hard use steel, my JK Knatchet is O1 and I've pounded the hell outta that with no ill effect !
 
O1 makes up 90% of my field knives. It's tough, holds a good edge and sharpens up easily. It is my favorite steel.
 
I love 01 alot. I love the patina I get on my terrasaur. It looks like it went through an elephants digestive tract. I bet 01 could too. The steel does well for edge retention and in my own personal experience with 01 and scandis, I haven't seen any micro chipping .
 
by Bob Engnanth
0-1 is perhaps the most forgiving of any knife quality steel other than the very simple alloy types, and produces a blade of excellent quality for most normal use. It can be heat treated very easily. Further references? Well, the ole' master, Cooper, used it for many years and folks do love his blades because they're tough. Awhile back, one of the best of the blade smiths said that well treated 0-1 would out cut any Damascus, and no one argued with him. Edge holding is exceptional. 0-1 is precision ground unless you're lucky enough to stumble across some mill bar. Goof up the heat treat and 0-1 will let you try again as often as you like, as long as you don't overheat the metal. Tough on grinding belts.
 
My favourite field knives are O-1. They hold up wonderfully. Terrific edge retention, too. Anyway, it's only a bushcraft knife if it gets used in the bush, so I'd dive right in.

Best,

- Mike
 
O1 Steel is great for a field knife,easy to sharpen in the field, tough as nails blade and I own several O1 steel blades....
 
Go ahead and beat on it. With a good heat treat and temper, O1 is a tough hard use steel made for outdoor use.
Scott
 
I like the way it sharpens, takes an edge and holds an edge.

I try not to abuse my knives so I'm not sure how it takes abuse, but mine take use well;)
 
I an fond of O1 most of my Randalls are O1 and they have never failed me ..the other steels I like are A2,S30V,D2
 
So I guess the general concensus is that it's a great steel? How long does it stay sharp (able to at least cut paper) after a day in the woods with you guys? I do some light chipping on 1/2" or so saplings if need be but that's about it. Shaving sticks, cutting vines and prickers stuff like that. How's it hold up when hit on a rock or sand or something?
 
SuzukiGS750EZ said:
So I guess the general concensus is that it's a great steel? How long does it stay sharp (able to at least cut paper) after a day in the woods with you guys? I do some light chipping on 1/2" or so saplings if need be but that's about it. Shaving sticks, cutting vines and prickers stuff like that. How's it hold up when hit on a rock or sand or something?
Click to expand...

It tends to roll, rather than chip when hitting something hard in my experience. It holds an edge quite well, but it depends on what your doing. I think you will be happy with it
 
Well. I'll list the activities, you tell me if i'll be happy with it or if i should look for something else.

Fishing-Cutting line, whittling a tip on a stick for a rod holder. May possibly hit a metal eye or reel spool.

House - Rope cutting, cardboard, plastic zipties, blister packs, shaving down a piece of plastic or something, whittling sticks

Hiking - Chopping down small sapplings, whittling green and dried wood, possibly splitting, drilling holes

Camping - Same as hiking but also preparing food, possibly cleaning out caught fish or something

Have you guys used yours more extensively and had a good outcome? I almost went with the 1095 but heard 01 was just as good but a squeak better.
 
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