Tactical Knives Magazine Review of RJ Knives

Handcrafted Collector Knives from Montana

While leafing through the latest Schnee's boot catalog (the Montana firm that manufactures state-of-the-art hunting pac boots), I noted that they listed an assortment of fixed-blade hunting knives crafted by knifemakers Bob and Josh Jolley. Even more interesting was the fact that the knives featured blades of 0-1 tool steel.

Given the fact that various stainless formulations are currently the most prominent blade steels in the cutlery marketplace, I was pleasantly surprised to see that this line of knives featured a carbon steel that has a reputation for both superb edge holding and toughness.

First of all, I was curious as to why Schnee's would carry a line of knives in their boot catalog. To find the answer, I telephoned Tom Johnson, the wholesale manager at Schnee's. And it didn't take too long to discover that he was definitely the "go to" person for the right answer.

"Over the last few years, we've decided to expand the selection of our catalog offerings beyond our own brand of boots. The firm of R.J. Handcrafted Knives (Bob and Josh Jolley) is also a Montana based company. And one that has built an enviable reputation for quality over the years. After examining their knives, we were tremendously impressed with the quality of what they produced. Despite the fact that stainless steel is the most popular blade steel on the market, we felt that the 0-1 tool steel used in these knives offers a significantly higher degree of performance potential," Tom Johnson said.

0-1 is certainly an excellent choice as a blade steel. Those who forge their own blades like it because it has a "forgiving" nature under the hammer. Furthermore, when properly heat treated and tempered, this steel holds a terrific edge. And, due to its ductile characteristics, that same edge can take considerable abuse. The basic 0-1 formulation is as follows: carbon 0.94%, manganese 1.20%, tungsten 0.50%, chromium 0.50% and silicon 0.30%. Obviously, the high manganese content provides enhanced grain structure, hardenability and wear resistance necessary for superior edge retention. Silicon also is a strength augmentation element. And tungsten, when combined with chromium, also contributes to increased wear resistance.

Knifemaker Josh Jolley told me, "0-1 is one of the best blade steels I've ever worked with. Our 0-1 blades are heat-treated and oil-quenched to Rc59. And hollowground with a 20-degree edge angle, the steel provides optimal edge retention and sharpen ability. There's not much more that can be asked of a blade steel," Josh said. Jolley went on the say, "In my opinion, 0-1 is very close to D-2, but with greater ductility and better edge holding characteristics."

Bob Jolley has worked with 0-1 for going on three decades. And now his son Josh as a full-time knifemaker for the past seven years has also dealt primarily with this steel. Their opinions are based not only on that rather lengthy experience, but also the positive input from many of their knifeowning clients.

To be sure, 0-1 steel will rust. That's a given with any carbon steel. however, if you keep the blade free from lengthy exposure to elements (water, blood, visceral fluids, etc.) that can lead to rust formation, you'll have no worries with 0-1. In my opinion, edge retention and toughness are far more important considerations in a blade steel. And simple blade maintenance to ensure freedom from environmental invectives, like rust, is something that can easily be accomplished with little effort.

Some time ago, I had a conversation with Bob Loveless about various blade steels. In that discussion Bob commented, "It's hard to find another steel that compares to 0-1. It has everything you could ever want in a knife steel. Sure it rusts. So what! Only an idiot would let a good knife rust. And such a person shouldn't have a knife in their possession anyway." Amen