Advice on using a saw blade to make a knife blade.

I

IAFF318

Joined
May 19, 2006
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We just took some old K-12 saw blades out of service, rather than throwing them away I thought I would try and make some blades from them. I plan on using cut off wheels to get the basic shape and then stock removal for the rest. My question is...during the process am I going to ruin the temper of the steel? Do I need to take any special precautions? I have been building knives for about 20 years, but I have never created my own blade and would like to take the next step. I know I need to take my time and cool the metal, when cutting and grinding so the metal doesn't get too hot, but is that all? Any advice is welcome, thanks in advance.
 
They are carbide tipped from what I found, and so they would not be good for knives. Talk to Aldo (njsteelbaron.com). he will get you a good price on some 1084 that will be better and more predictable.
 
Not going to work? Does that mean it will be too hard to work with? Or after its done it won't hold an edge worth a crap.
 
http://www.thefirestore.com/store/category.cfm/cid_807_k_12_rescue_saw/

Those blade have to be carbide tipped, or the first nail they hit would destroy the saw blade.

That means that the hard carbide tips are (laser welded) onto a soft stainless saw blade.

The steel used in that blade will never harden and never be useful as a knife.


When you hear of saw blades being used for knives, it's a very old blade that were one steel type all the way through
and made to be resharpened, usually with a file.


so short answer
"won't hold an edge worth a crap."



Have a look at this post and start with a new bar of steel.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...ng-tool-steel-(files)?p=10472896#post10472896
 
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