Knife Question - General Info

[Blasterjdh]

Ok folks - I guess this would be the best forum to ask this question. I am looking for a general knife for hunting - But I could not begin to know what type steel or steel alternative would be best to obtain in a high quality knife.

I am not sharpening challenged - and want the edge to keep a good while.

I had an "old" WWII Navy Mk I utility knife way back that I loved - but I could not to tell you the steel quality- sure held an edge.... Loved it...

Any suggestions or comments are more than welcome -

Thanks in advance....

[kbaknife]

I would do your searching not so much on steel TYPE, but rather the type of MAKER who is known for properly heat treating the steels of his choice.
High dollar, high-tech designer steels are worthless if not heat treated properly, while even border line quality, simple steels are highly effective when properly manipulated by the discerning knife maker.
Search for the quality maker - not the quality steel.

[R H Clark]

Good advice above.

I like D2 for a hunting blade.It has large carbides and will have sort of a micro toothy edge that will pull cut very well.It won't get as hair popping sharp for me as 1095 but will keep a great cutting edge longer YMMV.

O1 and A2 I also like but they will stain easy like 1095.

In stainless 12C27 is my favorite so far.

[Blasterjdh]

Thanks you for the info - I will be checking into these suggestions....

[Bobby Urban]

Decide how much are you willing to spend and do your research from there.  You can get exactly what you want, exactly.  Design, hardness, etc. from a reputable custom maker of knives but custom knives can make custom bows seem cheap.  Worth every penny IMO as the knife will serve you grandchildren's children if cared for and not lost.  
Bob Urban

[SoNevada Archer]

I agree with all that has been said above. I would add that you need to decide if your use would be better served with a stainless or non-stainless steal. There are many good knife makers out there. You need to come to the table with an idea of what you want, but to get a maker to really produce a high quality piece of work that both of you will love, you need to give the maker a little creative license. Otherwise one or both of you will be less than satisfied.

[Lin Rhea]

 you need to give the maker a little creative license. Otherwise one of both of you will be less than satisfied.

I like the way you think.    Lin

[SoNevada Archer]

Thanks Lin…
You, as a knife maker, know the truth of it!
So do I. My customers and I need to both be happy with the project or it just doesn’t work out usually.