Steel Library/O1 Tool Steel
Tool Steel
Intermediate
Mid-range

O1 Tool Steel

Heat Treatment Specifications

Austenitizing

Temperature802°C(1476°F)
Soak Time30 minutes

Tempering

Temperature190°C(374°F)
Time120 minutes
Cycles2x

Quench Medium

oil

Target Hardness

60 - 64 HRC

Performance Characteristics

Toughness5.5/10
Edge Retention4/10
Corrosion Resistance2/10
Ease of Sharpening8/10
Overall Score19.5/40

Similar Steels

80CrV2

Cheaper, easier heat treatment, but less wear resistance

W2

Water quench, beautiful hamon, but more difficult

A2

Air hardening, less distortion, but harder to sharpen

1095

Cheaper, easier to find, but no tungsten

Not Recommended For

  • Wet environments without maintenance
  • Beginners without temperature control (narrow hardening window)
  • Budget projects (more expensive than simple carbon steels)

Track Your O1 Tool Steel Heat Treats

Start logging your heat treatment cycles with O1 Tool Steel. Track what works, compare results, and repeat your best blades.

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