SK5 Steel Vs 1095: Which Steel Is Better and why?
One of the oldest and old steel is the 1095 steel. Nowadays, people compare Sk5 steel with 1095 steel because of its exceptional properties.
However, a short and main comparison between SK5 steel and 1095 is their hardness. The hardness of SK5 is 55HRC, and 1095 steel is 55HRC. Additionally, there are differences based on the properties such as edge retention, toughness, and wear resistance.
In short, SK5 steel is best for cutting bones and other sold things since it has a higher hardness level. And 1095 steel is best for daily kitchen work.
Let’s dig into the article to know more about the comparison between SK5 Steel Vs.1095.
Which one is better?
A Japanese brand produces SK5 steel, which is a low/mid-range carbon steel. SK5 steel is generally made for razor blades, utility knives, scalpel blades, cutting tools, etc.
On the other hand, 1095 is high-carbon steel from the 10XX steel series. 1095 contains a high carbon percentage, making it better at toughness but not so hard.
Anyone from beginner to mid-range level chefs can use 1095 or SK5 steels. Both of those are appropriate for kitchen wear or medical purposes.
A Quick Comparison Chart
| Comparison Basics | SK5 | 1095 |
| Chemical Compounds | 0.9% Carbon 0.30% Chromium 0.25% Nickel 0.50% Manganese 0.35% Silicone 0.25% Copper | 0.95% Carbon 0.5% Manganese 0.3% Phosphorus 0.5% Sulfur |
| Hardness | 65HRC | 55HRC |
| Toughness | Medium | High |
| Wear Resistance | Good | Excellent |
| Corrosion Resistance | Decent | Low |
| Edge Retention | Impressive | Excellent |
| Ease of Sharpening | Hard | Easy |
| Maintenance Required | Required | Not Required |
Key Differences
Between SK5 Steel and 1095 Steels, the key differences are extremely stark.
Built Quality
SK5 is better than 1095 because of its chemical compounds. SK5 has different chemical compound variations, making it a versatile steel. On the other hand, 1095 contains few chemical compounds. The only good thing about the built quality of 1095 is that it has a high amount of carbon particles.
Hardness
Between SK5 and 1095, the hardest steel is SK5 steel. Its HRC score is 65, and 1095’s HRC score is 55. That means SK5 is harder than the 1095 steel. Another factor that makes SK5 steel harder than 1095 steel is that it contains more chemical compounds than 1095 steel.
Toughness
The SK5 steel has a higher HRC score, which makes it brittle and easily breakable. The higher the HRC score, the lower the steel’s toughness level. That’s why 1095 steel has much more toughness in this case than SK5 steel.
Wear and Corrosion Resistance
SK5 has a decent amount of wear and corrosion resistance. SK5 contains chromium which contributes to corrosion and wear resistance. On the other hand, 1095 gives a very low performance on wear and corrosion resistance tests. The only reason for 1095 to show low wear and corrosion resistance is the lack of chromium.
Edge Retention
Both of the steel gives excellent edge retention. SK5 steel is harder than the 1095 steel, which makes its edge retention impressive. Both steels have a decent amount of HRC, so SK5 and 1095 steel have the best edge retention.
Ease of sharpening
SK5 is very hard steel and it is also hard to sharpen. But 1095 steel is easier to sharpen because it does not contain too many chemical compounds and is less hard than SK5 steel.
Conclusion
In this SK5 Vs. 1095 steel, which one do you choose? In my opinion, I would go with SK5 Steel knives because of their exceptional edge retention, hardness, wear, and corrosion resistance. Therefore, you can choose an SK5 knife if you do not use a knife frequently on a daily basis. Because it requires maintenance.
However, for daily use, you can choose 1095 steel knives because they do not require maintenance, are easy to sharpen, and have great toughness.
Read More:
- 80CRV2 steel vs 1095 | Which is better and why?
- 5160 Steel vs 1095 Steel | which steel is better for knife making?
My Favourite Knives in Each Category
SK5 and 1095 are some of the common steel in the industry. Here are my favorite knives from Sk5 and 1095 Company
Cold Steel 49LCKZ Srk SK-5
Cold steel SRK-5 knife is a great sturdy knife for kitchen wear. You can also use this knife for various purposes, such as gardening, cutting, cooking, etc. You would also enjoy the sheath here: secure retention, little to no rattle, sturdy but lightweight construction, flexible lashing points, and the ability to fasten a belt without first removing it. Everything makes this knife a perfect fit for everyday use.
Condor Tool & Knife, Bisonte Knife, 1095 High Carbon Steel
Knives from Condor Tool are made with high-carbon steel and are hand-polished to razor sharpness. They are best for razor blades, kitchen tools, cutlery, and medical purposes. Condor Tool knife has a classic look, and the handle is easy to grip. Anyone, from a novice to a professional, can easily use this knife daily.
