W2 is supposed to make a good knife. But at the local steel supplier they sell W1. Is W1 simillar to W2? Would it make a good knife steel?

Thanks,

Chris

Typical Analysis:

Carbon Chromium Manganese Molybdenum Nickel Silicon Tungsten Vanadium
W1 0.70-1.50% 0.15% 0.10-0.40% 0.10% 0.20% 0.10-0.40% 0.50% 0.10%
W-2 0.85-1.50% 0.15% 0.10-0.40% 0.10% 0.20% 0.10-0.40% 0.15% 0.15-0.35%

They are about the same and either will make a good blade.

w1 will work fine.

The higher vanadium in W2 helps to inhibit grain growth and makes it easier to use high heats for clay backing/hamon work and pattern welding without AS MUCH fear of overheating the steel for long perods of time.
Of course, some simple post-forging techniques, and grain growth is a mute point.
I've used lots of both and enjoy them immensely.