Can we talk about 1095 vs 5160 for outdoor knives?

I have been making knives for about 5 years and always used 1095 for my bushcraft blades. But last month I made two identical knives, one in each steel, and tested them side by side on some oak branches. The 5160 held up way better to chopping without chipping, even though it was a bit softer at 58 HRC. Anyone else find 1095 overrated for hard use or should I adjust my heat treat?

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gray_patel3mo ago

Used to ride hard for 1095 but your test switched me over to 5160.

4

kai5643mo ago

Did you find 5160 held an edge longer in real use or just cut better in the test?

3