Another newb steel question

S

shoeman

Joined
Aug 3, 2009
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32
So far I've been using old files and an ancient pike to craft my knives from. I ordered some misc supplies last week and not really knowing enough, I bought a piece of 1095, planning to use it for my first "real" knife. Now I've done more reading and I think 1095 might not be such a great beginner steel. Quenching procedure seems more critical than I am equipped for right now.

So in your experiences, what's a better steel for a beginner to start with?

I have a brake drum forge for heat, use engine oil in a big coffee can for quench, and have a toaster oven for normalizing (is that the right term?) and a pile of files, an angle grinder, 4" benchtop belt sander, and other assorted tools.
I've done two file derived blades in my shop with several more in the works until I gain enough skills to use better steel. Last weekend I forged a primitive knife from an old spike using a fire ring at our camp in the woods, some "blacksmith coal", a short section of railroad rail for an anvil, a 2.5" hammer, files, and some vice grips. That was fun! No power at all there. Felt very old world.
So clue me in..steel?

Geoff
 
I think that almost universal agreement is that 1084, 1080, or 1075 would be the best steels to work with minimal equipment. They really only need heating to just above non-magnetic and quench in a fast oil. Minium soak and close to curie point (non-magnetic) critical temperature make them some of the more basic to work. Mineral oil heated to about 130-140F will probably work as a quenchant in a pinch. A brine would also work, though you may have more issues with cracks.

--nathan
 
Shoeman I'm a newb as well and I would also suggest 1084 to start with. It works real easy it holds an edge real good and cleans up easy.
 
I've made quite a few files over the years from Nicholson and Simonds files. I decided to try 1095 last year and after reading the heat treat instructions that came with it I found that it was the exact same procedure I was using for the files. 1095 hasn't given me any problems so far and I've made several knives from it. Haven't had any problem with files either except one which warped. Just re did it.

I've read of several makers having cracking and warping problems with 1095 but that hasn't been my experience. Maybe I'm just lucky.
 
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