what is the best steel for a hunting knife

[sbschindler]

I am curious what is the best steel for a hunting knife, I am interested in a blade that will hold a sharp edge the longest,  

[Lamey]

there is no 1 answer, its as much about proper heat treat, edge geometry etc. as it is the actual steel used (as long as its a cutlery grade steel).

Also have to ask yourself do you want a stainless blade, carbon steel etc..

For me, and in my experience the best blade steel ive worked with is W2.  It forges very easy in a wide range of heat, I can full harden or zone harden with ease.  Its also a very tough steel that Ive had good luck with on thinner edge cross sections, allowing for a very keen/aggressive edge etc....

[kbaknife]

"Jesus Christ, Himself, can send a bar of steel down from Heaven.
It will only be as good as the heat treatment it gets on Earth." Jerry Rados.

With that in mind, consider that a high quality steel, which is forged, heat treated and ground poorly, will make a worthless knife.

Conversely, a low grade border line steel, given due attention to forging, thermal cycling, heat treating, geometry/grinding, etc., will make a trusted companion in the field which is easily sharpened after use.

Part two of this overly long-winded response to your simple question would be from the mouth of a highly regarded cutlery "expert" in the world of swords and metallurgy, Roman Landes:
"Geometry cuts. (Not steel type) Heat treatment determines how long."

So, I think you might ask not what is the best steel type for a hunting knife, but, rather WHO!! knows how to work with their chosen steels to make a good hunting knife?

[sbschindler]

OK thanks guys, something was telling me it wouldn't be that simple, are there a select few guys who are considered the best or are there several at the top of their game who would do a good job. send me a PM with the names if you don't want to list your selection

[Bobby Urban]

Lots of great, great knife makers - LOTS!  Many of them are here freely giving away their tips, tricks and talents to hacks like me     I thank you all for that.  Do some interweb research here and take a look through this forum at some of the knives created by the talent.  Decide the style/design you prefer and then speak directly with the smith.  Options are endless but most great smiths have a preferred design that they are truly magical at creating.  Find one that makes your style and have them help you with ideas, design and size, shape, etc..  Order the knife and wait patiently as possible by the mail box.  Open the package and discover a tool that if cared for will provide lifetime(s) of joy.

Kind of like custom bows!!

[Bladepeek]

X2. Bobby you put that as clearly as I've ever heard it explained.