5160 vs 1095 | Which steel makes a better knife?

In the knife world, there are a plethora of steel options to choose from. This can be extremely overwhelming for those new to knives or even those who have been around the block a few times.

5160 and 1095 are two very popular steels, often compared to one another. So the question is, which one is better in the war of 5160 vs 1095?

Which One is Better?

5160 edges over 1095 in terms of toughness, as it uses a portion of chromium level to achieve this. This also means that 5160 is more corrosion-resistant than 1095. However, 1095 takes and holds an edge better than 5160 due to its high carbon content. So in the end, it really depends on what you are looking for in a knife as to which steel will be better for you.

Quick Comparison Chart

Key Differences

While both steels have amazing benefits that make them ideal for knives, there are a few key distinctions between the two materials.

Built Quality

The first difference lies in the composition of each steel. 5160 contains a higher amount of chromium, while 1095 has a higher carbon content. The chromium in 5160 gives it better toughness, while the carbon in 1095 gives it better edge retention.

Toughness

In general, 5160 is tougher than 1095. This is due to the additional chromium that is present in the steel. However, this does not mean that 1095 is a weak steel. It is still quite tough and can withstand a lot of abuse. This difference is most noticeable in larger knives, such as survival knives and bushcraft knives.

Edge Retention

1095 has better edge retention than 5160 due to its higher carbon content. This means that 1095 will stay sharper for longer periods of time before it needs to be sharpened. However, 5160 is still a very capable steel and can hold an edge quite well.

Corrosion Resistance

5160 is more corrosion-resistant than 1095 due to the additional chromium that is present in the steel. This makes 5160 a great choice for knives that will be used in saltwater or other corrosive environments. However, 1095 is still fairly corrosion-resistant steel and can withstand some abuse before it starts to show signs of wear.

Ease of sharpening

Both steel types are easy to sharpen. However, 1095 is slightly easier to sharpen than 5160 due to its lower hardness. This means that 1095 will require less work to get a sharp edge.

Price

In general, 1095 is cheaper steel than 5160. This is due to the fact that 1095 is more readily available and does not require the extra processing that 5160 does. However, both steels are very affordable and offer great value for the price.

Conclusion

So, which steel is better in the 5160 vs 1095 debate? The answer really depends on what you are looking for in a knife. If you want a tough knife that is resistant to corrosion, then 5160 is the way to go. If you want a knife with great edge retention that is easy to sharpen, then 1095 is the steel for you.

Applications of Both Steels

Although 5160 is a high-quality steel for knives, shorter blades do not frequently employ it. Due to its flexibility and durability, you’re more likely to find it in survival knives and swords. Large-scale knife manufacturers don’t frequently use it because it is typically hardened using oil.

Particularly if your specialty is combat knives, 1095 is very well-liked. When making its battle blades, the US military favors this steel. But because it’s tough and capable of producing a razor edge due to the combination of carbon and manganese, it is also widely recognized as a beginner-friendly knife steel and has a long history of use in the manufacture of cutlery.

Read More: What’s the difference between 1075 Steel vs 1095

Favorite Knives In Each Category

The Spyderco Genzow hatchet is our favorite knife in the 5160 steel category. This knife is a great all-around camping and bushcraft knife that can handle just about anything you throw at it. The Genzow hatchet is made from high-quality 5160 steel and features a full-tang construction for added strength.

The Ontario 7-inch fixed blade is our preference in the 1095 steel category. This knife is a great all-purpose utility knife that can be used for everything from camping to culinary uses. The Ontario 7-inch fixed blade knife is made from high-quality 1095 steel and features a full-tang construction for added strength made in the USA.