Are bandsaw blades 15n20?

Knifemaker87

Knifemaker87

Joined
Jan 2, 2006
Messages
1,073
Hey everybody!
i am just getting into making damascus. I am finishing up my new welding forge.. and want to try some stuff.
i am told 15n20 makes a great contrasting steel for the simple carbons becase of the nickel.

i was looking up a supplier on the internet and several places said bandsaw blade steel is 15n20. is this true?
i have access to alot of old bandsaw blades
thanks!
~chris
 
When folks say that bandsaw blades are made of 15N20 (if they know what their talking about) they're talking about the blades used in sawmills....the ones that are 6-12" wide and are 10-25 feet long. The bandsaw blades that are used on shop type saws (like the saws you find in metal fab shops and such) are NOT 15N20. The cheaper ones for shops saws are carbon steel, and the upper tier are bi-metal. Neither are what you want for making damascus. The two sources that provide me with 15N20 are Swain Spring Service in Great Falls, MT. (800-378-1246) and Kelly Cupples in Yakima, WA. (509-949-5231).
 
I have about 1000 lbs of the stuff. I will be selling the used material for $2/LB sheared to 1.25 1.5 and 2" widths. I just picked up another 500lbs of blades. I want to do a test billet to ensure it does have Ni. I got some that did not. I do have a bunch that I have already tested. If you want new material I have access to that also but it is $6/lb and shearing is extra. If you are interested in a section of blade it will be $1.25/lb plus shipping. I will post this on the for sale section in the near future.
 
Bi Metal blades have a M42 teeth and carbon steel backs. Makes the best of both worlds in cutting. Plays havoc though when forge welding.. It can be done but I would stay away from it.
 
I thought Dan Gray is selling 15N20 .Yes it makes a good combination with 1084.
 
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