O1 (Werkstoff 1.2510) is a tool steel. There is a lot of poor information recommending O1 as a good starter steel – it is not! It requires a kiln to get the best from the alloy. If you are starting out knife making and can’t accurately hold temperatures for 15 minutes it would be worth looking at 1070, 1075, 1080 or 1084 as they are easier to work with and heat treat. O1 though has good edge stability, reasonable wear resistance but it is not a tough steel.
Chemical Composition:-
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C:
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Cr:
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Mn:
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Si:
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V:
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W:
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0.95%
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0.55%
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1.1%
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0.25%
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0.1
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0.55
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Suggested Heat Treatments:
Heat to 800C Hold for 15 minutes
Oil Quench (Suggested Oil is Rye 32)
Temper twice for two hours at 200C for 61HRc
Supplied in 1000mm Lengths – Surface Ground Annealed