01 Tool steel is regarded by many purists to be the perfect material for making knives.  It can be sharpened to a shaving edge and retain that edge for longer than many stainless steels.  Most importantly, it is easy to sharpen.  Stewarts knives are made with a single bevel which can simply be laid against your sharpening stone. No trying to guess the correct angle.  Every knife is delivered razor sharp with a hand stitched leather belt sheath.

Rockwell 59 is generally regarded as the optimum hardness for 01 Tool steel.  Each one is tested individually after Stewart has heat treated them in his own furnace.

A carbon steel knife will rust and stain very quickly unless well cared for.  Ensure it is cleaned of blood and moisture as soon as possible after use.  A strop after cleaning will keep it sharp for longer.

There is not enough space here to discuss detailed sharpening techniques but there are many websites which can help.  Try British Blades for some excellent articles, how-to’s and discussions.

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