The Best Pattern Welded Steel

There is no easy answer to this question. There are literally dozens of good tool steels suitable for cutlery applications. The steel one chooses is largely dependent upon the use to which the knife will be put. As well, some steels are suitable for forging and some are not.

For example, I would not recommend forging any of the high chromium stainless steels and expect to get high quality predictable results. These steels require very precise heat treating procedures and do not lend themselves to the usual forging methods. The simpler high carbon steels are much more suitable choices for the bladesmiths' purposes.

While I have my favorites,(01, 52100, 1095,L6) it is far more important that the individual bladesmith choose steels to work with that they can handle with the equipment and facilities that are accessible to them. Pick your steels and really get to know them well. Study the heat treating specifications, do personal testing including destructive testing, edge holding, toughness, and strength.

Take notes and notice what happens to the steels' performance when even small things are changed in your handling of it(Soak times, quench mediums, tempering methods, normalization etc.).Always note your procedures. When you produce a blade with superior qualities, you will want to know how to repeat those results.

Some of the best performing blades I have made were forged from very simple high carbon steels. Their high level of performance was attributable to a good working knowledge of the materials. Mostly anyone can make blades that are just OK in terms of performance,but to take the performance curve as high as possible, real study of the steel at hand is key.