Advice

[Hattrick]

You guys gave me the bug..I have a friend thats going to coach me through making a knife.. 1095 0r 01 which is better knife steel i believe were going to forge the blade.. I like the old look.. Is one better than the other for a beginner or that old look? When we get this going i`ll try to post some pics an i`m sure i will have a bunch ???

[chiger]

Hey trick,

If you're going to forge and your friend is an experience smith, I'd use what he's comfortable with.  Unless he tells you to go to Lowes and get some steel.  Then I'd get a new friend.  ;~)

Seriously, if your friend doesn't have a preference I'd use W1, W2, O1 or 5160 if he is a good enough smith to keep you out of trouble.  5160 can be tricky for the beginner, but it's great steel.  O1 is about the most forgiving oil quench steels for the beginner to forge.  And W1&2 are very forgiving for beginners to forge and water quench.  It only comes in round or square bar stock though.  

1084 and 1095 are good steels, but I think you'll be happier with a blade to keep and use made from the steels I mentioned in the long run.  

Look forward to seeing some pics.

[Hattrick]

Chiger thanks for responding, i take it the ones u mention are better for corrosion reasons, an the edge quality are about the same through out ur choices.. My buddy uses 01 alot an 5160 i just seen some knifes made from 1095 an liked the old look but i guess u can get that with anything.

[chiger]

Yep, finish can be similar on all of um.  Hamon or quench lines can be a little more problematic with oil quench and W2.  But doable if you know the process.  

As far as corrosion resistance, 1095 and W1 are about the same.  And maybe even O1 would be close.  5160, W2 and even 1084 will be only slightly better for corrosion resistance.  But they will ALL rust.  They are all carbon steel and all carbon steel rust.  

Heck, even stainless steel rust in the right conditions. Like not heat treated properly or prolonged exposure to organic materials.

The best way to inhibit oxidation in carbon steels is to put a mirror polish on um.  The smoother the finish, the less rust has to start on.  But since your wanting to do a rustic finish anyway, rust will only enhance it!  ;~)

O1 and 5160 are both good choices.  And 1095 makes a good blade.  So you will be happy what ever you use.  

Hope that's what you were looking for.

[Hattrick]

THANKS