O1

Let’s see, Abrasion resistant cutting tools, Engraving Tools, Paper Knives, reamers, I would say that this is a steel designed for cutting things! For knives this is a definite round peg. For larger knives and swords it will also work quite well, although there are some steels with better shock resistant qualities. However I have seen machetes made from this steel that perform quite admirably.

O1 heat-treats quite easily, as long as you don’t over heat it and the same applies to forging, you just have to watch how hot you get O1. This is the only drawback for a beginner smith, this stuff can come apart if you hit at too high of a temperature. If you really don't have a good eye for heat yet, one of the 10XX may be better. As for edge holding, O1 might very well be near the top of the list when heat-treated properly.

For some time this steel fell out of favor in blade making. I think this can be attributed to two things. First, as I mentioned before, it does not like to be over heated so not just anybody with a fire and a bucket of oil can get the most out of it. The second factor is even less fair but probably has more to do with the ignoring of this wonderful steel more than any other- it is too common. That knifemaker “steel of the month club” always wants something exotic, impressive sounding or rare for their trendy new super steel. O1 has a short, to-the–point name, has been around for years and years and can be gotten anywhere, how boring! But there is a reason that it has been around for years and years and is almost anywhere you look, it works!

With salt baths gaining popularity I am seeing O1 making a comeback (better temperature control) and many more people discovering the true cutting abilities of this steel.

Click on the appropriate link below to go the the Crucible Service Center or Admiral Steels O1 page:

Admiral Steel®:O1
Crucible Service Center®: O1