Why do people like 1095 for pricier knives?

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I have a ton of knives in different steels, ranging from M390 to 3V to INFI and everything in between. I spend a lot of time in the woods, and do some long distance backpacking, and I prefer 1095 (ESEE) because I know it is reliable, easy to field sharpen, and is of good quality. I would say I am a bit of a steel snob, but when it comes to getting the job done, I reach for 1095 for its simplicity.
 
deskil said:
Factually inaccurate.
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Which raises the next question....is 1095 so basic that it's essentially*the 'same' everywhere or ARE there variances in quality indicators by brand or company?

I know I have always felt there is something special about one of my older 1095 knives, as far as a uniquely tactile stiffness, toughness and an amazing edge ability seemingly different from my*other 1095 blades, but it may be my imagination.
 
RX-79G said:
Clearly, 1095 is perfectly capable of making a quality knife.


I have nothing against 1095. All steels excel at something, and 1095 excels at making a tough, sharp knife for relatively little expense. I just don't personally understand why anyone would choose a knife made of 1095 if they are spending into the tool steel price range unless there simply is no other choice to get the features they desire.
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I don't know that people prefer 1095 in "pricier knives", but if the question is "Why do people like 1095?", or "Why are people willing to pay for 1095", it appears above that you have answered those questions.

People are willing to pay for a "capable", "quality", "tough" knife made of 1095 with "the features they desire". I don't see the mystery.
 
I like it cause it takes a great edge and it easy to keep it going with some plain leather stropping. I grew up with Old Hickory and I got a set in my kitchen that my late Grandmother got as a gift at Christmas 1972.
 
RX-79G said:
Already did. Twice, really.
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Ah. So the characteristics you feel make a steel "nicer" are the industry standard for "nice", and not just your idea about what you consider "nice". Got it. Is that an ASME thing? Maybe you could give us a link. Like I said before, sometimes it helps if you explain all tihs stuff to us...you know how we are!
 
DeadboxHero said:
So Becker is the exact same product as Tops and ESEE including "extras" but cheaper?

And EnZo makes the same designsand features with higher end steel at the same price?

Please elaborate.
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Becker is not 1095. Please check out my OP.
 
DeadboxHero said:
So your OP was a statement for reference?
Not a question to discuss?
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We can discuss whatever you want, but I can't answer questions that don't make any sense. Becker is not the same steel as Tops. It is a better steel.

And I'll save you the rest of your objections - there are no two knives made by different companies that are identical - totally preventing any sort of perfect comparison of dollar to value between them.


If you feel this means you've "won", please enjoy your victory with my compliments.
 
1095cv is 1095 with a tiny amount of a couple extra ingredients added, so say it is not 1095 is similar to saying that ESEE's 1095 has too nice of a proprietary heat treat and is therefore disqualified from being considered base 1095.
 
RX-79G said:
We can discuss whatever you want, but I can't answer questions that don't make any sense. Becker is not the same steel as Tops. It is a better steel.

And I'll save you the rest of your objections - there are no two knives made by different companies that are identical - totally preventing any sort of perfect comparison of dollar to value between them.


If you feel this means you've "won", please enjoy your victory with my compliments.
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And disscuss we shall!

But,

This thread is confusing unless you elaborate.

Tops and ESEE don't come in different steels.
 
The steel often is not the most expensive component when making a knife. 1095 works great for a blade and not a deal breaker for many collectors and users.
 
I don't buy a knife based solely on the steel used. How comfortable it feels in-hand is a bigger factor to me. Great steel, but uncomfortable to use makes less sense to me. Growing up using 1095/1095CV I'm familiar with it, and there is a degree of comfort in it's capabilities. Other than my GEC slipjoints, I have quite a few fixed blades (Mora to Dan Koster) in 1095 that I use on hikes an camping trips. I prefer simple steels for my woods use knives that can be easily field sharpened. While I'd prefer O1, A2, or L6, if I prefer all the other components of a knife and the steel is 1095 than so be it.

And that's my personal opinion on the question.
 
DeadboxHero said:
And disscuss we shall!

But,

This thread is confusing unless you elaborate.

Tops and ESEE don't come in different steels.
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I'm not sure which of us is more confused. Tops and ESEE are examples of 1095 knives. Becker and Enzo are examples of nicer knives that come in superior steels to 1095.

What is it you're asking?
 
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