5160 sources

G

gshamr

Joined
Jan 18, 2002
Messages
178
I'm new to hobby knifemaking and haven't found an answer to this question, so I finally got up the gumption to post it. I want to make some larger knives, etc. by stock removal, and have completed two from A2, but am looking to try 5160 too.

What is a cheaper alternative to Admiral Steel for small amounts of 5160 steel? I'm looking for something listed online, or in driving distance of the Puget Sound region of WA.

Where do some of the knifemakers like Bill Siegle or Ted Frizzell buy theirs?

Also, has anyone bought scraps of 5160 from an auto spring manufacturer in this area? It seem like it would be very thick, about 1/2 inch.

Gerry Hamrick
Snohomish, WA
 
Uncle Al, the knifemaker's pal will have what you are looking for. Not to be contentious with anyone but I recommend using a known quantum. You "may" be able to make a usable knife from railroad spikes, truck springs, old files or saw blades but you never really know what you will end up with. If you buy steel and know what it is up front then you have removed at least one fly out of the ointment. The problem is this. Say you use an old file and this time it works out OK. Next time it may not. It is just awfully hard to have repeatable good results with an unknown. The same goes with a quenchant. Whatever you use, use a known good oil. If we were to swap around and use this then that, then the results are always unpredictable.

Here is also a link to a Knifemaker's Supplier's List that may be useful to you as well.

If you have any questions at all, ask away. The old adage about the stupid questions holds true. As a chief in the Navy said years ago, Well that was a stupid thing to do, why didn't you ask someone how to do it."

C Wilkins
 
Thanks for the replies.

I'll try the sources you mentioned. Since I'm doing stock removal, I'm leery of using used truck springs. I might end up calling a local spring maker and ask to buy a few feet of 5160, if possible.
 
Try Pacific steel I think they have a depot around Seattle.
I have bought 5160 from shops that make springs. Tell them what you want it for and take the short pieces. You might get a deal.I got some 1/4 by 1 3/4.
Pacific also has 1084.
Take Care
TJ
 
what kind of shops make springs? what do you look up in the yellow pages for springs?

alls ive used is old truck springs.

thanks
 
I looked in the Yellow Pages and actually found a local manufacturer under "Springs-Auto Sales and Service"
 
There you go.
Sometimes it takes a little scrounging .
Problem for Admiral Steel is freight kills us out here in WA.
I ordered $75 dollars worth of steel cost me $60 to get it here.
I lucked out and found a Pacific out let right here in Yakima.
Take Care
TJ
 
Gerry, if you cannot get it locally and want to drive to Bellingham, I will give you some 5160 and 1084 to try. It is 3/16" x 1.5" x 36". Shoot me an email if you want. I cannot check email until evenings though.
 
Bill Burke advised me to go to my local John Deere shop and ask for some used load shafts. Supposed to be 5160. I called them and got two shafts for nothing on my lunch break. They were just going to throw them away! Looks like I can get quite a few knives from just two shafts and I can't beat the price either.:D Hope this helps.

Rick
 
This thread brings up another question that someone may know the answer to...

Where can you find "clean" 5160? I have seen quite a bit it have inclusions from time to time.

C Wilkins
 
C.L. - I have had the inclusion problem several times in 5160 from Admiral. However, the last batch I got was nice and clean. I am going to try some other sources for my next purchase. A number of makers are purchasing from Uncle Al at Riverside Machine, who now sells 5160H, a very high quality steel:

www.riversidemachine.net/

Several people are now trying 5168 as well. Ed Caffrey recommends Swain Spring Service, Great Falls, MT, 1-800-378-1246. Talk to Jeff or Jim
 
Hey guys, I still need some help finding the size bars of 5160 I need. I don't forge, (yet) so the John Deere stuff is out. I've tried the supplier's list and every link offered so far. No one has stuff 2 inches wide. I need 1/4" thick x 2" wide x 24" long. Any suggestions? thanx
 
Possum,

I called Al at Riverside Machine (see the post above yours) He has a few bars that are 2"x.262 x 5' for $20 plus shipping. That's pretty cheap. It is thicker than 1/4", (5/16 maybe?), but close enough to grind a bit off to suit your needs.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top