Category: Knife Making

1084 steel is a widely used steel in the knife-making world. Its high carbon content makes it great for heat treating.

In this blog post, we will look at the unique properties of 1084 and why it is used to create knives known for their strength, sharpness, and versatility.

We will also provide resources for purchasing high quality 1084.

High Carbon Content for Hardness and Edge Retention

1084 is a steel alloy with 0.80 – 0.93% carbon, making it perfect for achieving a desirable hardness and excellent edge retention.

To compare, the steel you find at Home Depot or Lowes typically has 0.18% carbon in it or less.

These soft steels (under 0.45% carbon) aren’t “hardenable” so they don’t make good knives.

Knives made from 1084 can maintain their sharpness even after extensive use, allowing for precise and efficient cutting tasks.

Whether slicing through tough materials on a backpacking trip or performing delicate maneuvers, 1084 blades provide a reliable cutting edge.

Ease of Sharpening

One significant advantage of 1084 is its ease of sharpening.

This steel type responds well to sharpening tools, enabling blades to be honed to a razor-sharp edge with some practice.

This attribute is particularly important for outdoorsmen and bushcrafters, who prefer knives that can be easily maintained and sharpened to retain their optimal performance.

Our picks for sharpening:

Nicholson Flat Files – Amazon.com

Sharp Pebble Premium Whetstone – Amazon.com

Good Wear Resistance and Durability

1084 has excellent wear resistance, enabling knives made from this steel to withstand heavy usage without losing their sharpness.

The inherent durability of 1084 ensures that knives crafted from it can handle demanding tasks.

This durability makes 1084 knives reliable tools that can endure challenging conditions.

Rust and Corrosion – It’s Not Stainless Steel

It’s important to note that 1084 steel is not stainless, and therefore, it requires proper care and maintenance to prevent rust and corrosion.

Applying a thin coat of oil to the blade after each use and ensuring proper storage will help protect the steel and extend its lifespan.

Regular maintenance is crucial to ensure the longevity of knives made from 1084.

Conclusion – 1084 Steel

1084 steel stands as a popular choice in the realm of knife making due to its high carbon content, offering desirable hardness and edge retention.

This steel’s ease of sharpening and honing further enhances its appeal. Its wear resistance and durability make 1084 steel knives reliable tools for various cutting tasks.

Where to Buy 1084

Unfortunately, you won’t be able to walk into your local hardware store and buy 1084.

For the most options, we recommend ordering from OnlineMetals.

To order, here are the selections to make at OnlineMetals.com:

1. Select Material: Carbon Steel
2. Select Shape: Bar-Rectangle
3. Select Alloy: 1084
4. Select Thickness: Up to you, but we recommend in the range of 0.125 or 1/8″ thick for stock removal. Thicker for forging.
5. Select Width: Currently they offer 1.5″, 2″, and 3″

When it comes to crafting exceptional knives, the choice of steel is crucial. One popular option is 1095 steel.

Known for its remarkable properties, 1095 is favored by knife makers worldwide.

In this blog post, we will explore the unique qualities of 1095 steel. We will look at how it is used to create knives that deliver strength, sharpness, and durability.

1095 Steel – Hardness and Edge Retention

1095 possesses impressive hardness. This makes it ideal for creating blades with exceptional edge retention.

This means the blade can retain its sharpness even after heavy use.

Knives made from 1095 will maintain their cutting performance, allowing for precise and efficient cuts. This assumes proper heat treating.

Quick Trick to Determine Carbon Content/Hardening Ability:

• The last two numbers in “1095” tell you the percentage of carbon in the steel.
• 95 translates to 0.95% carbon.
• The remaining majority of the steel alloy is Iron.

Easy to Sharpen

One of the notable advantages of 1095 is its ease of sharpening.

This steel type responds well to sharpening tools. This allows blades to be honed to a razor-sharp edge.

This attribute is particularly appealing to both professional chefs and outdoor enthusiasts. These knives can be easily maintained and sharpened to maintain their peak performance.

Excellent Wear Resistance

1095 demonstrates excellent wear resistance. Knives made from this steel can withstand heavy use without losing their sharpness.

This is a function of the carbon content in the steel and proper heat treating.

This property is particularly valuable for blades subjected to demanding tasks, such as cutting through fibrous materials or performing rugged outdoor activities.

Knives crafted from 1095 can handle tough conditions, making them reliable companions in various situations.

Considerations for Rust and Corrosion

It’s important to note that 1095 is not stainless. This means it is more susceptible to rust and corrosion compared to stainless steel counterparts.

To prevent rust, it is essential to properly care for and maintain knives made from 1095.

Applying a thin coat of oil to the blade after each use and ensuring proper storage will help safeguard the steel and extend the life of the knife.

Here are some oil suggestions for high carbon steel:

Conclusion

1095 is a highly regarded material in the world of knife making, prized for its:

• Superior hardness
• Edge retention
• Ease of sharpening
• Wear resistance.

Knives crafted from 1095 carbon steel offer a winning combination of strength and sharpness, making them reliable tools for a wide range of cutting tasks.

However, proper maintenance is crucial to prevent rust and corrosion.

By understanding the unique properties of 1095 carbon steel, knife enthusiasts can make informed choices when selecting their ideal blade.

Where to Buy 1095

You can purchase cut lengths of 1095 from OnlineMetals.com

Select these options:

1. Carbon Steel under “Select Material”
2. Bar-Rectangle under “Select Shape”
3. 1095 under “Select Alloy”