which steel makes a better blade, 5160 or 01

L

leroyk3

Joined
Feb 16, 2009
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In the past I haved made a lot of knives with 5160, but have been wondering if o1 might
Also does anyone know where 5160 can be found in sizes less than 1/4 inch thhick? any comments will be
appericated, Leroy
 
What is the purpose of the knife? Type of grind? Edge strength? Durability? Edge retention?
 
Properly heat treated, O-1 will whup 5160's butt at edge retention, and 5160 will clobber O-1 for sheer ruggedness. They are not even in the same class. In my humble opinion, 5160 is at it's finest for hard use blades over 7 inches long. O-1 is better for blades up to about that size. Both are great blade steels when matched with an appropriate design that takes into account each steels performance characteristics.
Darcy:)
 
Alabama Damascus used to advertise 5160 in thicknesses less than 1/4" and maybe still do. I have a few pieces that are about 3/16" but they were cut from a billet that was 10" by 2" and the saw marks have been really difficult to get out.
 
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