01 Tool Steel

[richard w]

I'm a Spydie fan from the UK and own several Spyderco knives, including Calypso jnr, Native and Dragonflies.

I was at a Wood Fair in the UK where I met a local guy who is making custom knives. They were absolutely beautifully crafted, but he uses 01 tool steel exclusively.I know nothing about this.

Can any of you knowledgable Spydie nuts advise me on how good/ bad this is and whether it is easy to sharpen and holds an edge well.

Any advice appreciated.

[yog]

Hi Richard
There is a very good FAQ over on blade forums that looks at a lot of steels http://www.bladeforums.com/features/faqsteel.shtml

Here is what it has to say about O1
"O-1
This is a steel very popular with forgers, as it has the reputation for being "forgiving". It is an excellent steel, that takes and holds an edge superbly, and is very tough. It rusts easily, however. Randall Knives uses O-1, so does Mad Dog."


"Walk softly, but carry a big stick."

[Joe Talmadge]

I agree with the guy who wrote the FAQ <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>

O-1 is a great tool steel, but plan to spend a little effort maintaining it, because it will be perfectly happy to rust if you let it go.

Joe

[yog]

Heh heh, so I missed the fact that you wrote most of the other FAQ's as well <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>

The sharpening one is still one of my favourites.

"Walk softly, but carry a big stick."