Which tool steel do you prefer?

P

pinkfloyd101

Joined
Sep 24, 2008
Messages
187
I was wondering what tool steel you prefer out of 1095, 0-1, A2, D2, SR101? I was also wondering if someone can explain the differences between these steels of post a link for me? THANKS
 
pinkfloyd101 said:
I was wondering what tool steel you prefer out of 1095, 0-1, A2, D2, SR101? I was also wondering if someone can explain the differences between these steels of post a link for me? THANKS
Click to expand...

1095 and 01 aren't tool steels.

A2 is tougher then D2 but with less edge retention, D2 is less tough but has more edge retention and is more stain resistant.

SR101 is similar to S7? If so it has poor edge retention but is very tough.
 
SR101 [52100] is a carbon ball-bearing steel that is very tough and can hold an edge for a ridiculous amount of time. Here's why ball-bearing steels makes for good knives:

(per Spyderco)

Ball bearings are required to hold a great deal of pressure in a small area without flattening; similarly, that’s the goal as well when choosing steel for a knife blade which is also required to resist a great deal of pressure in a small area.

It rusts easy in humid climates. Even leaving a little tap water on it overnight causes rust spots. Doesn't affect it's usability in any way. I've found it a little difficult to sharpen, but it it capable of holding a stable, very acute edge for a long time @ 61 or 62 RC.
 
I have several carbon/tool steel blades, love the edge and can deal with the rust. First ones I ever bought were Cold Steel Carbon V, couple of Twistmasters, an SRK and Master Hunter- still have all of them. Don't know exactly what the composition is, but they sharpen nicely and hold a decent edge- I have no complaints. Have a few Swamp Rats in SR101, they do take and hold a nice edge and are incredibly tough. M2 and CPM-M2 are fantastic in folders, love the way the sharpen. Burrs are almost non-existent, they both a take super edge.
 
Of the ones mentioned,I prefer 52100(SR101),D2,A2,1095,& O-1 in that order.
My favorite tool steels are 3V & M4(best of both worlds,regarding edge retention & toughness).
 
Last edited:
Of the steels you listed, regardless of whether they are tool steels, I prefer SR101 because it combines a high level of edge holding and toughness.
 
M2 is definitely #1.
But out of the choices you gave I would "settle" for the A2 or D2, in that order.
I have found that M2 takes an edge quicker and holds it longer than either A2 or D2.
 
I prefer A2 and D2 because they are both fairly forgiving in the maintenance department (read: rust), especially D2. As far as which one, it depends on the knife...

A2 is better for larger knives (about 5"-6"+) because of its greater toughness. Although it is nothing to sneeze at in smaller blade lengths either. You'll still get superb performance.

D2 is better for smaller slicing type knives because of its greater edge retention. I wouldn't want a chopper in D2. It's great for folders IMO.

SR101, and especially 1095 and O1 are too high maintenance for my taste because of corrosion issues. SR101 would be my choice of the three though. It seems to have a great combo of toughness and edge retention.

I have no experience with M2 or M4.
 
A2 at RC 58-59 as heat treated by Bark River has impressed the heck out of me. Superbly tough, even at very acute edge angles (12 degrees per side and less) and extremely wear resistant. I've mercilessly batoned the crap out of my BRKT Aurora, with an 8 degree per side edge bevel, and had no edge deformation :cool: Corrosion resistance is mediocre but I don't really care too much about that.
 
Depends on the purpose, but overall I like VG-10 as used in Fällknivens as they are pretty tough while being very easy to maintain and to sharpen - I haven't used their 3G extensively, but they too are incredible cutters/slicers. Besides that I really like the CPM-3V steel as used by Fehrman knives. As tough as it can get and its edge retention is great.

I am really interested in Dozier's D2 and as I am about to use few of their knives, my opinion on the best knife steels might differ in due time.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top