Which steel for a Tusker?

quietmike

quietmike

Joined
Nov 26, 2006
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Need a little help guys. I've basically decided on a choilless 7" Tusker a with lignum vitae handle.

Problem is I'm probably over-analyzing the steel choices, and can't make a decision.

Give me some opinions and help give me a push.

Thanks.
 
What are you going to use it for? Scott does a great job on heat treating all of his steels. I believe he uses D2, O1, A2, 154CM. He uses a few others, not sure if he still uses 5160. Simple matter of taking care of the knife when you get it. I currently have a PSK and PSK Sr in O1 and a WTK in A2. My order for a Kephart and mini Kephart in A2 will come up early next spring. I've had D2 and 5160.
 
Mike, the 2 main steels for Tuskers are O1 or A2. Another good one that I use is 8670M which is almost identical to L6. The thickness choices for A2 or O1 are 3/16" or 1/4". 8670M is 7/32". Another choice would be 1084, 1/4" thick only. I'll be using my 7" 1084 Tusker next weekend on the Hawk Mountain, Pa. trip.
All of the above are good steels.
Scott
 
I'm a big fan of A2. It just seems to have the right balance of great properties. 01 and 1084 should be fine too, but I don't know a thing about 8670M. I tend to think that makers that take pride in their knives as working tools, like Scott, will not use a steel that won't serve well.

If it were me, A2 would be the way to go.

Best of luck. I hope to get one of those 7" choilless Tuskers -- for me in either Osage or Ironwood. That one's got to be a bit later.
:)
 
I have a Tusker 7" A2 and have been amazed with it ! U cant go wrong with the A2, or 01
 
From what I understand A2 will be slightly more wear resistant and rust resistant than O1 but O1 is slightly tougher !
Very little to choose between them and with Scott making them either will serve you well !!!
 
My Tuskers and Buffalo knife are in A2 and they have excellent edge retention, as well as hardness. I have nothing but good things to say about A2.
 
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