New steel to me -

[dbalfa]

Gentlemen and scholars- I've got a fellow requesting a knife made from either AUS-8, H-1, VG-10 or 1095....... I don't know where he got all those ideas but he is a collector of sorts so here we go- said he preferred H-1.
I've never heard of H-1 I've hears some about VG-10 and Aus-8 and of course 1095. Alas I have not worked with any of the above. So I have a lot of questions-
The knives he wants are going to be 12" OAL hidden tang hunters. What can you tell me about these steels or comparisons of them for general hunting usage. I have worked with 0-1, 440C and ATS-34 but either he doesn't like these or thinks they are inferior.
Given each of the above workability, should I jump into trying one of them or convince him to go with what I know or send him elswhere?
He has a brother and friends that have my knives and apparantly likes my work- and I told him I was unfamiliar with those steels but would look into the possibility.

Thanks

[Thingmaker]

"H1" is a steel used by Spyderco. It is a precipitation hardening steel, rich in ad hype and dripping with sexy claims of super superiority.

[Larrin]

He sounds like a wannabe steel snob to me, but his particular tastes are rather baffling, since H1 is known for corrosion resistance and little else, and AUS-8 is popular with....well, no one. You probably won't be able to get H1, AUS-8 or VG-10 since they are not generally available from knife steel suppliers. 1095, being a very shallow hardening steel, would be difficult to use without some trial and error first.

You can tell him that if he truly wants a high performance knife, he'll request a steel you have experience with, since heat treatment is more important than steel choice. Or you can send him elsewhere, as you said.

[AcridSaint]

I don't have a ton of experience taking orders, but I have a little. I also know many knifemakers who do or have taken orders. It is my opinion that this could end up being a customer who wants far too much control and input and makes the process very unsatisfying for you. I would tell him what steels I was willing to use and make it clear where I stood on input/direction on the order after placed. It might cost you an order, but either way it will save you heartache.

[dbalfa]

Thank you Gentlemen! All sage advice which I will take fully to heart!