O-1

[jawilliams0425]

Now for my next question but first the reason for the question. I have a friend who's wife is going to Iraq or Afganistan in May. He asked if I knew of a good knife. I told him I would build her one. Now my question orshould I say my understanding. O-1 is a tool steel. I was told that it is a shock steel. Meaning that it is used for things like jackhammer bits. So it can take abuse. Is it hard to sharpen? Does it hold an edge better than 1095 or 5160? I want something that is really good. Need as much feed back as possible before I order steel. Thanks

James

[bubba-san]

Now for my next question but first the reason for the question. I have a friend who's wife is going to Iraq or Afganistan in May. He asked if I knew of a good knife. I told him I would build her one. Now my question orshould I say my understanding. O-1 is a tool steel. I was told that it is a shock steel. Meaning that it is used for things like jackhammer bits. So it can take abuse. Is it hard to sharpen? Does it hold an edge better than 1095 or 5160? I want something that is really good. Need as much feed back as possible before I order steel. Thanks

James Hello Jimmy whats up . I have worked a little with 0-1 I made some kiridashi with it and they turned out pretty good . I did find it a little difficult to work with , because it will air harden some making it difficult to work with files ,and forge I had to keep annealing it . but, other than that it was fine. I f I were you I would try some w-2 . Alot easier to work , sharpen and forge . It will also get just as hard . I believe 0-1 gets its 'shock resistence" is from silicon . You could also find something that has a high silicon alloy. Its what they alloy steel with for hammer bits. I would also consider a high quality stainless for weather resistence ? I am sure there are lots of good steels to consider. Just wait a little bit and you will get lots of opinions about what that should be .good luck bubba

[rio]

a while back i was looking for info and i got this, i hope it helps
http://www.threeplanes.net/toolsteel.html

[jawilliams0425]

Is w-2 an oil quench also?

[bubba-san]

It is primarily a water hardening steel , Hence the "W" (I heard that somewhere ?) You can quench with oil or water , preferably a fast quenching oil . I just got an order in from diehl steel . sometimes its difficult to find . If you order from them you will have to buy a 3 ft piece however, I think knifekits is selling it by the foot. If you need a piece I will sell you a piece for cost. bubba

[Suhrbier]

I use a good bit of O-1. I like it. If you forge and then are going to use hand tools it does need to be annealed. If your doing pure stock removal then it is no problem. It's easy to sharpen holds a good edge. It is prone to rust and will turn gray over time. I use it for a series of combat knives some of which have gone to Iraq.

Wayne

[Austrian Digger]

I work with O1 all the time.

Easy to grind,harden... :madaddy:

Without coating it gets rusty and dull in no time

Holds a good edge for sure

[bubba-san]

Is w-2 an oil quench also?

Hey jim Did you make anything with the w-2 you picked up last weekend from me ?? Bubba

[jawilliams0425]

Been to the shop once this week and did a little too much grinding. Too thin, so I will do some forging on that piece. Now I am waiting of some belts. Can't wait to get something made with the W-2.