Thread: That stoopid knife question

Plain carbon steels have been used for hundreds of years because the cpm process didn't exist. And the likes of 1095 and O1 are certainly adequate for hunting.

CPM 3v, 4v and Cru-wear are still carbon tool steels but they are made through a a compressed particle process. They are not necessarily hardened to a higher rc than traditional carbon steel, but they are more difficult to sharpen. The plus for the cpm steels (including stainless) is that the edge will last from twice to many times longer than O1 etc.

CPM stainless is very fine grained and will take an amazing edge. So too will the Bohler range of "N" stainless steels - Boker and Enzo use them. Enzo are excellent knives and good value except in D2 which I find to be a really chippy steel.

The stock Bark River steel is A2 which is not a cpm steel nor is it stainless, but it will outlast 1095/O1 2 fold and is no more difficult to sharpen. It will not rust like O1 etc, but it will blemish and stain - and rust if abused. You can use a fine sharpening steel on A2 (like we do with green river) to straighten the edge if you want but you wouldn't need to until after gutting and boning a whole deer. A couple of licks and you are ready for the next one.

I think that knife makers use O1 and 1095 because its easy to work with and to temper, not because its the "best" knife steel. They are good value though, and do the job. I have a Bark River in 1095 (it was a one off special run) and its a good knife, but not a patch on even A2.