5160 or 52100?

S

Stonefish

Joined
Jan 20, 1999
Messages
24
Can anyone tell me the better choice for beginning knife making? My application would be very similar to a Filipino bolo knife.

Thanks!

 
That's real easy 5160 is the steel for you.
It holds an edge good not as good as 52100 but good. It is a lot easyer to work with, 52100 the heat range is much smaller for a good knife. and 5160 is a much tougher steel. It is used in big knives and swords by people that don't need something that is easy to work with. You experts.
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-Greg Johnson
ICQ#4236341

 
This may be an often-repeated question, but would car/truck leaf springs be a good place to start? Is there significant advantage to buying stock 5160 that's pre-annealed?

Stone
 
that depends on who you talk to. But I use them and have no trouble with them. I can make a knife that cuts real good and holds an edge good. My problem is I can't grind a straight bevel to save my life. So I will keep useing the springs intill I get it right.

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-Greg Johnson
ICQ#4236341

 
5160 is a great steel for knives and swords that are going to get hard use. I make large Bowies and machetes from it. It is not hard to work with, but is somewhat gummy to grind and throws sparks like mad. You can temper it with a torch. You can selectively temper it and it will show a temper line. If you are broke and have time. Car springs work ok. 5160 is not expensive. I figured it was costing me more to use car springs by the time I annealed it and got it close to the size I wanted.

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Ron Ruppé
http://www.ruppe.com
 
Thanks, guys!

This is good information. I'm more or less interested in poking around to see what I can make. I figured leaf springs would be cheapest, since I expect my workmanship will suck. Initially, at least.

Can you recommend a good source for steels like 5160, pre-annealed?

Stone
 
For cheap 5160 try looking in the phonebook under springs. Find a place that specializes in making replacement springs for cars and trucks. Then ask them *very* politely if they`d order some unhardened stock from their supplier. I had good luck with this method and now buy new stock in any width and length I want for $1.25/lb. The only prob is they don`t have it in very thin pieces,still it beats the heck out of cutting spring packs apart,annealing it,and flattening it before you can work it. Also used springs tend to have rust pits in them in less than ideal climates,that was my biggest reason for buying new stuff. Hope this helps. Marcus
 
hey buddy!! Good news for you!!! I've found a supplier for 5160 !!! They have a net addy and you can order a catalogue from them. I ordered one and it got here in less than a week! You will be impressed..... it has it all, from soft tool, and carbon to hard spring and stainless! well here's the address: www.admiralsteel.com
Oh, I almost forgot!! They offer lazer cutting services too!! Hows that!!??

Glad to help!! Chris S
 
Chris & the rest of you,

This is more great info! Thanks a lot. I'll try to get some off of Admiral Steel and start a-grinding!

Stone
 
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