What steel do you prefer for blades?

[hotheaded]

Worked with a variety of steels at the anvil and each one has offered me insights into edge, toughness, or just plain stubbornness. Which steel do you have faith in and what makes it your preferred choice?

 

[WeldandTell]

I always go for the 5160 it's tough, dependable, and stands up to heavy use like a champ.

 

[ericman_]

80CrV2 is my absolute go to. It’s basically 1080 on st3roids haha. It has just enough chromium and vanadium to make it incredibly tough and forgiving during the heat treat, but it still forges like a dream

 

[Ohio Rusty]

I have quite a bit of 1080, some 1075 and some 1095. All three are great blade steels. I guess 1080 is my first choice.
Ohio Rusty ><>

 

[Alan]

Solid choices. 80CrV2 sounds fantastic for that ideal mix of strength and ease of forging and 1080 is a tried-and-true favorite definitely hard to beat for general blade work.