If you have to choose/put aside a knife for survival functions, which steel material would you go with? D2, S30v, 154CM, or 1095 or any others. Please give reasons why. Thanks.
I have a preference for high carbon steels that I can forge and heat treat myself.... But all those steels you mentioned are great! I don't think you will go wrong with any of them... the design of the knife and its use is a factor as well.... I guess it depends on what or how you will be using your tool.... What your skill level is on caring for the blade and sharpening as some of those steels may be easier to care for in different environments than others... and depending on the hardness of the edge .... may be easier or harder to sharpen.... In the end... a simple steel like 1095 can be just as good as S30V... just depends on the design, the execution of the edge and its hardness, the user... the use... and the environment.... JMHO...
Best steel for survival knife I use several different steels and they have served me well over the years .ATS-43 -CPM-154 and S-30-V
