Home Forums Gear Knives and Blades 01 vs D2?

pros and cons?

Can't see any reason to take 01 over D2.

D2 being so much more rust resistant is a big plus even if all other aspects are equal. D2 all day,every day.

I generally take O1 over D2 steel. For me, the O1 holds a better edge, and seems to be more resistant to rolling or chipping of the edge.
I could care less about 'rust resistance'. A wipe with an oily cloth usually prevents rust.

I have more than a few knives with both of those steels, and depending on the maker and the design, I would buy a knife with either.

Well, I EDC as well as EDU(use). When you use a knife often during daily use you aren't always wiping it off with oil every time you pull it out and put it back in your sheath.
If you work outside and carry such steels weather conditions don't always make a quick wipe on your clothes conducive to perfectly dry either. Seeing how that and similar steels can start to tarnish in 1/2 hour anymore I want them coated with something.

Those O1 steel blades look pretty darn good when they are polished.

When you're a whore, you want yer [bleep] to look good!

rodeo1,

Are you looking to buy a knife in 01 or D2? How do you typically use your knives?

Like others on this thread have mentioned, 01 is pretty rugged, and it's easy to maintain its edge. It does rust and stain more easily than D2, but with a high hardness it takes quite a bit more to rust than with a 1095-ish Old Timer or Case.

Tony

There is no right answer...

A bigger issue is the heat treat than the steel..I would take 440c with a proper heat treat over improperly heat treated O1 OR D2..

I have both O1 and D2 in my stable.. I use D2 on my animals PERIOD! Cannot beat DOZIER, INGRAM, CROTTS D2 for working on deer, bear, moose..

For all around tough work... I have a knife that is my " go to" knife and it is in 01.
It has a beautiful patina and it holds a decent edge..

I ONLY buy knives from makers that do their OWN heat treat!! Guys that ship out their heat treat are losing CONTROL over the most important part of the process!!

then for your use, you probably should just buy something in stainless steel.

D2 HOLDS a much better edge than O1. You will need to address the O1 more frequently and it will stain easily and rust is also more of a concern.

O1 is quicker to put an edge back on but it doesn't hold anywhere as long as D2, assuming both have been properly heat treated.

rodeo1,

I'd still like to know what your intended uses are -- that could push your argument in one way or it could even introduce other steel types.

And I agree that heat treat is a strong factor in which steel you choose.

Tony