Part 1: Is 1095 Steel ACTUALLY BETTER For SURVIVAL Sharpening? Kabar vs Spyderco vs Benchmade

[@homeslicesharpening]

BESS Scores after diamond plate destruction: Spyderco Salt H1 - 657 g Benchmade Model 943 - 738 g KaBar Becker BK7 - 622 g

[@aceman1126]

Awesome video as usual bro! 1095 is a decent choice and when done right can be very tough. However, I've personally snapped 1095 so it CAN be brittle if not done right lol. I also heard more than once that one of the benefits to 1095 was sparking flint.

[@homeslicesharpening]

Aw, that’s a good perspective! I had not thought about flint. Seems like no one uses a flint any more in this age of Ferro rods, but that is true. You need a reactive carbon steel to strike with a flint - because it’s actually particles of steel that spontaneously combust from fast oxidation. Stainless will not work! Thanks for that. I’ve never broken 1095, but heard of a handful of others who abused it and paid the price. It works well in the thicknesses and hardness levels it’s often made at.

[@JohnCaudill-jb8zf]

I had some friends go hunting antelope in Wyoming on Binions ranch, when it was time to dress the kill Friends sat down with Arkansas stones, the guide said, there's a front moving in, we don't have time for that. The guide pulled out a file which was more practical for the situation.

[@homeslicesharpening]

Makes sense!

[@billbush1270]

Really enjoyed this! Your riverscape is gorgeous. I wondered about field sharpening without a stone. I've been considering a fixed blade, but finding it hard to decide between a survival vs camp/woodcraft blade.I truly cannot imagine myself in a woods survival situation where the choice would matter. I am a car camper/trail walker up the mountain and back, with a carpet for my tent floor and a shower available. I even carry my own fresh-ground coffee for the percolator. Leaning toward a Condor Kephart style knife as a good midpoint. I could sharpen it in a pinch, and it would be very very durable and versatile.

[@homeslicesharpening]

Yeah Bill, I think you are on the right track there. If you camp in a way that caters more to conveniences, I'd recommend going for a design that would be enjoyable to prep food with and could enjoyably do some minimal fire starting stuff. Scandi's are nice for feather sticking but less efficient for food prep in my experience. I think a Condor Kephart would do you well. Only thing I'd recommend you also consider is a stainless steel. The Buck Small Selkirk is about $55, has 3D Machined Micarta handle, is Bos' Heat Treat 420HC, is a dream to sharpen, pretty dang tough full flat ground blade. Just food for thought, you'd do well either way. Link to check out the Buck below. www.amazon.com/Buck-Knives-Small-Selkirk-Sheath/dp/B01NCY97R0 That's the 4 inch model (cheaper), they also make one that's nearly 5 inches.

[@wincingatlight]

What a great video! Thanks for the experimental testing and the great scenery!

[@homeslicesharpening]

Thanks Darren! I had SO much fun shooting this, it was a breath of fresh air. I hope you find some unexpected adventures this week too - it just makes things fresh. Cheers.

[@BradGryphonn]

What an awesome place to do some sharpening testing. That's a beautiful stream.

[@homeslicesharpening]

I had never been there, but it was so pretty!

[@JohnCaudill-jb8zf]

In a survival situation a fine grade file for sharpening is the best efficient choice.

[@homeslicesharpening]

Yeah, that is true. And in my travels from the jungles of Burma to the south pacific islands - that's what they all use for sharpening their machetes anyway! It probably causes some significant deformation to the steel under the surface, but when you can remove steel so quickly to get rid of damaged portions, does it really matter? I definitely think you're onto something with that. It's a good thought! Cheers.

[@PeterC585]

Becker had that knife in S30VN. It was the bk77!

[@homeslicesharpening]

You know - before this moment... I had no idea!😆

[@bboyshr6]

Love it! Thank you! I think I would take 1095 over 14c28n as I value toughness over corrosion resistance. The level of toughness I might need could be unpredictable while corrosion is more avoidable.

[@homeslicesharpening]

You know, it's funny I always thought 1095 had better toughness - but in Larrin Thomas' testing came out on knifesteelnerds.com it tests quite a bit lower than 14C28N. If you found this video interesting, you might also enjoy this one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y2qbnp6Le5J2Y8k

[@bboyshr6]

@@homeslicesharpening wow, did not know that! Thanks for sharing

[@homeslicesharpening]

No problem. This is probably the best article to compare attributes. He shares a lot of charpy toughness testing about a quarter of the way down the article, just under the CATRA edge retention chart. Enjoy. knifesteelnerds.com/2021/10/19/knife-steels-rated-by-a-metallurgist-toughness-edge-retention-and-corrosion-resistance/

[@powers1776reset]

This was a cool video, mate! Opens up a completely fresh conversation and challenge, all in the name of FUN! I have become quite fond of 1095, personally! I’ve come to realize why it’s the “go to” high carbon steel, of the big name makers, we all love, and it’s not just about how much cheaper it is. I seem to hear that a lot, from knife snobs. 5160 is normally my favorite, for hard use, woodsy/yard work endeavors, however, my BK21 has won my heart, in the last couple of years. It’s a hell of a blade! I imagine you would enjoy it, although it may be a bit large for what you typically like. Only saying that because, I don’t recall you using 10+ inch blades in your vids, but I may be off on that. Anyway, thanks again for the awesome video, bro 🤙🏼

[@homeslicesharpening]

Wow! Thanks bro - that is exactly the effect so was hoping for, so encouraging! I have not been using big choppers, but I have a bunch lined up for upcoming videos because I’m felling some brush that is monstrous tree-like things! Will check out the BK21! I definitely agree that 1095 is solid stuff for its intended purpose, and I definitely like the steel as well! I did a test where I chopped a board 1000 Times, and my BK7 with a denim stropped edge actually blew my mind!!! Cheers!

[@homeslicesharpening]

Have you seen this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eV60dWaNfsaSqZY You should try a denim strop on your BK21! It’s so good! I can send you my tutorial if you want!

[@BradGryphonn]

12:00 I have done this before and that sound of the steel on the stone threw me straight back there. It's a sound that strikes horror in the hearts of knife nerds.

[@homeslicesharpening]

😂 Indeed! I had so much fun though. What good is a tool if you are too afraid to ever use it?

[@BradGryphonn]

@@homeslicesharpening Absolutely my friend. I really should show some of the abuse I deal out to my knives...

[@dandildarious4849]

I'm back! great video!

[@homeslicesharpening]

Welcome back to the party sir. Thanks, I really enjoyed making it!

[@Dirtyknives007]

Great footage, great commentary, great video! Loved it!

[@homeslicesharpening]

Thanks bro! I hope to do a follow up with some budget steels, and some other rocks. Haha, thanks for being along for the ride, and thanks for the comment - have an awesome day!

[@archivist17]

Cool test!

[@homeslicesharpening]

Thanks mate! I had so much fun!!!

[@archivist17]

@@homeslicesharpening It was fun to watch, too, but I have to confess, I wouldn't want to test it with my blades! 😆

[@homeslicesharpening]

@@archivist17 I don't blame you - I'm going to be pretty choosy with which knives I subject to this! But probably will do a few more of these!

[@bushcraftingmuslim]

Awesome video, and the first time I recall someone putting real effort into testing this idea. My personal feeling through use is that the 1070-1095 and similar carbon steels are easier to sharpen with suboptimal stones, but I've never sought to really prove it. I do know that with cheap nasty sharpening stones, I notice a significant difference in ease of sharpening from the stainless moras to the carbon moras. Half the time and sharper imo. But very subjective and not at all scientific.

[@homeslicesharpening]

Yeah, I think it always seems easier to get a crisp edge on Carbon, almost like the chrome takes the ductility to a level where it’s harder to clean the edge of burr fully. I appreciate your encouragement, and subjectively agree with your subjective observation. Thanks for your comment, nice to see you!

[@thiago.assumpcao]

High carbide content steel is not the best idea for suvival because the toughness is low and its harder to grind. I think that makes sense but hardest knife to sharpen I have is 1070 steel with thick geometry. Its just horrible to sharpen. My guess was that S30V would be harder. Between H1 and 1095 I would say geometry would play a larger role than carbides . I forgot H1 has very few carbides, it probably has less abrasive resistance than 1095 even though its stainless. Clean stainless is quite easy to grind. 14C28N is a great choice. I would either go for it or AEB-L as steel choice. Carbon steel is not my preference but well done 1084 and 5160 are also good choices.

[@homeslicesharpening]

Thanks for your thoughts! I totally agree that geometry plays just as big of a role as your steel choice in sharpening, especially when your equipment or circumstances are not ideal! Yeah, I am going to do a few more of these survival sharpening videos, and test some other things to see how they do!

[@EngineersPerspective701]

Challenge accepted! My guess was between the S30V and H1 because of how difficult it can be to remove the burr on 1095 but worried that it will be hard to form a solid apex on S30V. Just don't know enough about H1 on the stones though so S30V is my vote.

[@homeslicesharpening]

I thought S30V would have done better too, but I think I needed a finer, flatter stone to refine that carbide rich Apex. Bro! I am so stoked to see what steels you choose and what your results are! No pressure to do the video in the same style, be yourself! Thanks Justin!

[@homeslicesharpening]

I think I’ll do a few more of these videos with different steels and stones.

[@GoodBoy-rf7tp]

Sharpening knives in The Shire with river rocks.

[@homeslicesharpening]

😁 what could be better?! Cheers!

[@ssunfish]

I'd do a 14C28N blade or AEB-L. Corrosion resistance and ability to be sharpened on river rocks and the higher toughness, just in case. The question is thickness behind the edge, spine thickness and DPS. one could have a blade orientated to sliceyness instead of a sharpened pry bar type knife. I know we all have our own ideas and needs. With enough preparedness you could have one item replacing river rocks and still use river rocks. But it's looking like one doesn't have to have a certain alloy. How about if you have edge holding too great for river rocks, but don't need to sharpen until you're rescued?

[@homeslicesharpening]

Haha! Love the thoughts and the closing comment! I think I'm gonna redo this with several budget steels, BTE thicknesses, and different rocks. See what we find out!

[@ssunfish]

It'll be a worth while video to watch!

[@slalomnorth]

Video paused: I don’t think the steel will matter much, the one with the thinnest geometry will win? Idk Fun video!

[@homeslicesharpening]

Ah, that’s a creative guess - I had not thought of that! The test is admittedly not extremely precise because of different geometries, but it was SO fun.

[@slalomnorth]

@@homeslicesharpening lovin the channel. I saw someone mention you are the bob ross of sharpening/knife edges. I’d agree. Just sharpened up my first dual grit (aebl on a knife I made, puukko like design). Shapton pro 220/shapton pro 2000 (highest grit I have). Haven’t used it much yet but excited to see how it performs

[@TheScrawnyLumberjack]

Can we talk about the time and calories exerted to find and attempt to sharpen a knife. Time and calories are super valuable in survival situations which is why a small pocket stone would be the best choice.

[@homeslicesharpening]

Haha, Kyle you're not supposed to start a totally reasonable line of argument that completely invalidates my whole quest - when I'm in the middle of trying to debunk the 1095 fanboys! JK haha, great point.

[@TheScrawnyLumberjack]

@@homeslicesharpening you should throw a diamond plate in a river and then pretend to find it and act like it’s a totally natural occurrence.

[@homeslicesharpening]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@homeslicesharpening]

“Oh loooook, this must be an ancient artifact from the diamond-stone age!”

[@TheScrawnyLumberjack]

@@homeslicesharpening ancient man understood the importance of the proper abrasive selection for the intended task.

[@BradGryphonn]

16:05 I recently gifted my H1 salt 2 to a mate who is a pro fisherman. I told him to keep it in his pocket for when he needs a handy knife that won't rust on the ocean. I had it hair cutting sharp when I gave it to him. If it dulls I'll tell him to find a river stone LOLZ. TBH, he's a fisherman, he knows how to sharpen knives.

[@homeslicesharpening]

It did decently well! Not a pretty edge, but a functional one. I’ll post a video with more in-depth discussion of the results tomorrow.

[@BradGryphonn]

@@homeslicesharpening I'm really interested in whether a functional edge can be achieved using river stones with various steels. I still have the old 'Buck 110 can be sharpened on a rock' trope stuck in my brain. I have, a few times, run my Hultafors GK (?) against a 4x4 steel post to get an edge back on it because I was too lazy to hunt down my field sharpener. I can be so disrespectful of knives LOL

[@homeslicesharpening]

@@BradGryphonn Haha, me too apparently! I am going to try this again with some different steels and rocks. I am assuming something like agate, quartz, or jade would be really good for edge finishing if you could score one of those. Adhesive wear stones can really help minimize burr. Also interested in pumice... Maybe loaded with something fine, like clay or lime.

[@BradGryphonn]

It took me three years to get the sharpening of my Crooked River in S30V right. Now that I've sorted it, I've been carrying it around, using it for a range of cutting jobs. It holds an edge really well compared to softer treated steels and honestly, I'd prefer to spend some extra time sharpening in the evening than constantly having to dress an edge on one of my softer knives. But hey, out in the scrub, in a survival situation, I'd prefer any easier steel to sharpen.

[@homeslicesharpening]

Interesting input Brad! Looks like it lines up with my test pretty well. I do like S30V as an EDC as well.

[@homeslicesharpening]

And the Crooked River is beautiful!

[@BradGryphonn]

@@homeslicesharpening It is. I have the full-size. It's arguably my most expensive knife but when I saw it, I kinda fell in love with it. Like a 110 on Steroids.

[@jeroenvoss6231]

Well the test somewhat confirmed the choice of 1095 for survival. Ofcourse it's cheaper then a powdered steel or a high carbid steel, but it's used for hundreds of years for a reason; it is a good steel. Note to myself; never go on survival without my DC4 stone and/or another sharpening pocket stone. You have to love the scenery though. Thank you for the test Gabe, have a good weekend my friend.

[@homeslicesharpening]

Haha, yeah, it’s not a bad steel. I do like 1095. 2 grams on the BESS is a minuscule difference, so I’d say that basic stainless and 1095 Carbon steel tied - which is maybe an even more interesting result! Now I have to try some Martensitic Stainless… 420HC, 12C27, something like that. Cheers Jeroen!

[@jeroenvoss6231]

@@homeslicesharpening the 420HC could be interesting famous on the Buck 110. 12C27 is a very nice steel, not sure how it sharpens on a rock though.

[@homeslicesharpening]

@@jeroenvoss6231 well… Only one way to find out 😎

[@sandorandras4148]

Hi Gabe. I don’t have experience with 1095 or H1. But I predict the steel thats the most forgiving in deburring will win. I’m confident I could sharpen s30v on a brick 🧱 and some water. So the others should go fine. A stick and sand should be a beautiful course strop. So I say 1095 wins: harder than H1 so the burr gets of better and easier / softer ( les carbide) so it doesn’t chip like s30v ob cours grits.

[@homeslicesharpening]

Well my friend, I think you just about nailed it!

[@sandorandras4148]

@@homeslicesharpening like a PRO!! 😎

[@homeslicesharpening]

@@sandorandras4148 Next time I need to have a prize for the winner planned, lol!

[@sandorandras4148]

@@homeslicesharpening don’t worry mate! Keep on doing the videos and thats fine by me! Stay safe and healthy and peace out!

[@Kyle-bb9zp]

I want to buy a combo edge esse 4 but I suck at sharpening and have never in my life have sharpend 1095 carbon steel

[@homeslicesharpening]

Bro - I think you should buy the ESEE and watch some tutorials! I think you could learn, 1095 is renowned for being fairly easy to sharpen, and there are a lot of beginner tutorials you could start with. I have one, but also there are great beginner tutorials by Outdoors55 and many other channels! Cheers.

[@Kyle-bb9zp]

@@homeslicesharpening the reason I would like to buy one they have a awesome warranty in like cold steel knifes. Thanks again Kyle

[@BradGryphonn]

So, after a million mid-video comments, I'm at the end. I am 75% as happy as you with the adventure. I dropped 25% because I wasn't there. If I had a BESS tester, I'd make an effort to do this. Maybe soon I'll start making some knife videos...we'll see. You and Pete and a bunch of other knife dudes and dudettes that I follow seem to have it all covered though.

[@homeslicesharpening]

Haha! Thanks for the commentary bro - I so enjoyed that. You should make a few videos. It would be fun to “meet” you… sort of, you know.

[@BradGryphonn]

@@homeslicesharpening I hear ya, mate. I have a few up but they're mainly about building my new mobile house and some nature-type videos. I'm learning how to edit. Feel free to have a look. Something may interest you.

[@homeslicesharpening]

@@BradGryphonn I checked a few out with some of your Australian wildlife stuff, it was super fun. That was a several months back. Will check it out again. Cheers.

[@D00MTR33]

1095 is a lot cheaper. The price of steel to make a 940/943 out of 1095 would be in the $3-$5 range(closer to $5 if its 1095 cro-van). The same piece of steel in s30v is around $20 +/- $3-$5. It also requires more abrasives and time to grind it raising the cost and the heat treatment is more complicated(if done right). Reason few people use s125v is it takes 4 times as many belts to grind it vs even high wear resistance steels like m398 or s90v. It's also expensive and takes a lot of time to heat treat(some like Denis Frolov/yanhook even forge it before hand to get the most out of it). A BK7 out of s30v would probably cost twice as much as the 1095 crovan. Piece of steel alone would be $50-$60 I'm guessing.

[@homeslicesharpening]

Very interesting! I definitely think it has its place, and I like it. I just think it’s funny that we make up reasons like “survival sharpening”. When other things like 420HC, 12C27, 5160 etc would be just as good for survival sharpening. Sometimes our explanations are more justification of what we want to be true than actual information haha!

[@jesseadams45]

I've rubbed fine sand mud on my pants and stropped on it. It worked pretty good but I didn't need to, it was just to test if it works.

[@homeslicesharpening]

Yeah, I think I’m gonna do another one, test out some budget steels, different stones (maybe agate if I can find it, or quartz) and strop with silt on my leather belt or pants. Just wanted to go super minimal on this one, like if you had nothing. I suppose it would be pretty rare to be lost in the woods naked with a knife though, so pants stropping is probably allowed 😂

[@jesseadams45]

@@homeslicesharpening the only instance I can think of is for a TV show:) I think it basically comes down to knowing the concept that you are trying to raise a bur and clean it off so I drag cross grain through the wooden handle of my strop so I suppose that is allowed as well. Fun video.

[@homeslicesharpening]

@@jesseadams45 Ah, yes, wood grain is a must for the next Survival Sharpening video... Good idea!

[@homeslicesharpening]

@@jesseadams45 PS It's not a TV Show I would want to be on! "Naked & Afraid... & also Dull"

[@EdgeoftheUnicorn]

Really nice viedo idea! Something I also wanted to do for ages. And I really think that the 1095 or H1 (maybe hard to deburr? So second best?) sharpen better and S30V tha worst. Because man, how can you shape 2800HV Vanadium Carbides if the hardest natural rock is like 1100 HV Quartz or maybe 1800 HV aluminum oxide. But I am here to learn! :)

[@homeslicesharpening]

Yeah man - I think you have a point. I think the only way to salvage some kind of edge on those high vanadium steels is if you can get one with really small carbide size and good separation! I do another test here that is quite interesting, and (in line with your assumptions) the best performers are NitroV and MagnaCut: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y2qbnp6Le5J2Y8k I also did a wrap-up to share my overall thoughts: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aXbOkKOBaJWkpLs

[@JohnCaudill-jb8zf]

Kabar 1095 high carbon easy sharpen

[@homeslicesharpening]

It's true! I do like the sharpen-ability vs edge holding of the 1095 CroVan!

[@mohdzaudikhasni8829]

So when we go outdoor we no need mirror edge, mirror edge is totally useless when cutting rough materials at fields..

[@homeslicesharpening]

You certainly could not make mirror edges with any of the rocks I found haha! Cheers my friend!

[@mohdzaudikhasni8829]

@@homeslicesharpening yeah, we can't do with river rock unless you found super fine diamond dust on it lol.. cheer too 😁

[@homeslicesharpening]

@@mohdzaudikhasni8829 😂 and I could sell it afterwards and really get some upgrades for my KZbin Channel 🤣

[@mohdzaudikhasni8829]

@@homeslicesharpening lol.. so the best steel around outdoor carbon steel 1095, easy for sharpening. Others steel like s30v or m390 sure will pain our ass if we lost diamond plate or cbn during camping site right?

[@homeslicesharpening]

@@mohdzaudikhasni8829 Yeah, I suppose. The S30V had a surprising working edge, but it was not as keen as the 1095. I think the 1095 edge would have been way more functional in this situation. But the H1 sharpened really well too, about a tie between 1095 and H1.

[@D00MTR33]

My guess would be H1. I'm guessing it has the thinnest bte/edge bevel and that always makes sharpening faster. It'll be interesting to see what the results are. New Zealand is really beautiful I'd love to visit there someday. Maybe during the summer to get away from this desert heat. You better be careful walking along ledges and crossing rivers you crazy kiwi, you have a family to take care off. Also why is the water going upstream and up the waterfall? Is that a southern hemisphere thing like your toilets flushing counterclockwise? Weird countries producing weirdos like you and Pete.

[@homeslicesharpening]

😂 this comment…. Love it!

[@homeslicesharpening]

Yeah - 2 grams BESS is a wash, the BESS varies by 5-10% based on my imperfect calibration. I’d definitely call it a tie between 1095 and H1. S30V definitely lost this one. Although the edge on the 943 was a great working edge during later use!

[@D00MTR33]

@@homeslicesharpening this was a great video Gabe, I've been looking forward to it ever since you told me about it. As you said in another response and in the video there's really not a big difference between carbon steels and low carbide stainless steels when it comes to field sharpening. H1 and 1095 did the same but so would most of the Sandvick steels(19c27/Aeb-h/MBS 26 might be a little harder due to higher carbon and carbide volumes), 420 and 440 series, 5160(huge fan for big knives), L6, 01 and others. I think there's a lot of misrepresentation of 1095 and steels like it. You hear "experts" say they prefer it over stainless for higher toughness and ease of sharpening while a lot of stainless steels like Aeb-l, Nitro-v, 12c27 and 14c28n have way more toughness and are about as easy to sharpen. But you also get better wear resistance and stain resistance (some people don't think about their knife dulling due to corrosion). I'm always glad when you come up with interesting and unique topics like this. Keep up the great work. Hope Lazarus and the rest of your family are doing well. Take care my friend.

[@stuartdavenport2952]

The only way to even get close to a proper comparison would be to have 3 knives that are identical in every way except for steel. Is a hollow ground Spyderco pocket knife in H1 ideal for a survival situation? Absolutely not! Is an S30V pocket knife ideal for survival? Uh...no. Is a large fixed blade knife ideal for survival? Yes, yes it is. But regardless of that reality, If you were to have 3 identical knives with identical hardness and the only variable being the steel (and the human hand), then that test could give some good data. And in that case, more than likely 1095 would win. We weren't even given the BESS number for each individual knife going into the start of the test after you dulled them, but rather you mentioned a rather large range of those numbers. This video was just a venture into a beautiful country side, really, and I think more of a test, not to see which steel responded to a river rock better, but rather to see IF the river rock even worked. And to that end....sort of.

[@homeslicesharpening]

Hey Stuart, thanks for your input. The BESS numbers after the diamond plate are shown at about 3:55 but if you are curious it was: 622 g - BK7 657 g - H1 Salt 738 g - Benchmade 943 Since a couple people have missed it, I have pinned a comment with the numbers to make sure it’s clear. All the edges were 17 dps to start with, and had the same motion, pressure, and amount of strokes in the diamond plate. Haha, clearly no one would want to be in a survival situation with just an Salt 1, lol - the test is not designed to be perfect or scientific, more for fun. We are not testing the individual knives for survival capacity, but instead the steels to begin to see if there are differences in sharpenability. It is not meant to END any discussions, or paint 1095 in a bad light, it’s meant to start a discussion - one where we consider our assumptions and begin testing things we take for granted, to see what is true together. This is why I invited other sharpeners to participate and see what results they get. I’ll also do more follow up videos with other steels and rocks, and probably use 1095 as a control variable which is tested each time for comparison, since it actually did “win” this round. Your perspective and input are most welcome in that conversation, and you seem quite passionate about this. Do you think 1095 is better than people give it credit for? What do you like about it?

[@homeslicesharpening]

Also, to be clear, I actually really like 1095, and have been blown away by the edge durability on my KaBar, promoting the steel’s performance in many videos. The most dramatic and recent is this one: 1000 Chop Test & Mind BLOWN - Kabar BK7 Knife 17 DPS Denim Strop Micro Convex Ultimate Edge kzbin.info/www/bejne/eV60dWaNfsaSqZY

[@CSGraves]

Alternately, it'd be interesting to see the same steel in different hardnesses, not so much that that we'd expect softer tempers to sharpen any less easily, but more the degree of difference along the range.

[@homeslicesharpening]

@@CSGraves Hmmm Interesting. I could probably pull this off with NitroV. Not many other repeated steels in my repertoire right now.

[@CSGraves]

@@homeslicesharpening True... it's not often the average knife collector has a broad range of hardnesses in blades of the same steel, to say nothing of the shape & other variables. More of a hypothetical query than an earnest wishlist. (although if some knifemakers of fancy-schmancy metallurgy lab guys wanna step up to the task for us... coughcough)