I thought I would go to the guys that know. If I wanted to build a small lockback folder and having a small grinder and lots of files--just which steel would most makers use? this would include I guess either carbon or stainless.--01? ATS-34? others? What do you guys recommend?--Thanks, Dan

I`m an O-1 guy...but everyone knows that!lol,I have one in the display case, it is all O-1 except for pins and handle material and bolster.

It's whatever you feel comfortable working with. O1 makes a good blade and is easy to heat treat but it will of course rust. I feel that ATS34 makes a slightly better blade than 440C but having said that I must tell you that I use both, I have some thin (3/32") 440C and I use this mainly for spring backs.

Most of my folders are ATS-34.

thanks fellas!