Bob, I'm pleased to hear that you have a good opinion of O1. I've bought a couple of O1 blades, more because the handles appealed to me than because of the steel -- I've heard that a lot of small-scale makers like it because it's supposed to be relatively easy to heat treat, but not much on how well they hold up. Perhaps I'll add a picture of the last one I bought when I get home (I'm blocked from PhotoBucket at work); it's a drop point, perhaps Nessmuk-inspired blade with Snakewood handles.

If you want the very best performance from a 4-5 inch blade for wood work or preparing game .... Infi is not the best steel for edge retention .... I said this when I had first came here after testing my Skinny Ash on just about every angle and style of edge. The knife now resembles the much shallower 3B2 ....it has had that much work .... but there are also better steels than those mentioned above .... I might do a post on the comparisons but really there is little to see from the photo's themselves as they cannot demstrate edge holding and "time" in terms of length of use.

The best steel for edge retention and taking an edge that I have come across is R2 damascus by Hiro Itou ... then Cowry X damascus by Ichiro Hattori ... essentially forged steels by Japanese masters ... in the region of Rc 62 to Rc 64 ... but you need to do a lot of work to seperate them ... and both are pretty expensive.

Hey Peter- would LOVE to see a " comparisons" post <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />. I for one value your findings-Thanks <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Guesses on price? $297