4140?

[cmott69]

is 4140 any good for knives?

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

No.........

 

[Don Hanson III]

Not enough carbon.

 

[langchop]

its 'shaft' steel.. not good edge retention for knives.

 

[Raymond Richard]

Good for hammers and fishing lures..........

 

[JCaswell]

Folks have made motorcyce/racecar frames with it for years. "Chrome Molly".
I think its used to make gun barrels sometimes too.

 

[Bruce Bump]

Yep it makes good gun parts and knife guards etc. but just not enough carbon to hold an edge for a blade.

 

[cmott69]

thanks guys

 

[Phillip Patton]

I don't remember the hardening temps, but you might be able to weld it with O1 (mostly O1) and get something useable.