I was just looking at the bandsaw thread and the idea occurred to me that bi-metal bandsaw blades could make really nice knives. really hard edge and softer spine. Ive heard something about this a long time ago, but I cant remember what the consensus was. Is .063"(1/16") (the thickest I could find) too thin for even a short knife?, and is it really feasible to grind?
-
The BladeForums.com 2024 Traditional Knife is available! Price is $250 ea (shipped within CONUS).
Order here: https://www.bladeforums.com/help/2024-traditional/
Bi-metal bandsaw
- Thread starter Nebulae
- Start date
- Joined
- Feb 16, 2010
- Messages
- 3,668
Not at all too thin. They should make fine knife blades. Especially nice for fillet, paring, and steak knives. My local metal supply warehouse throws out two to three 14' x 1.25" blades per month. The teeth are usually gone or the blade simply snaps while cutting. Find one local and you could probably get them to save a couple dead blades for you.
Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith
ilmarinen - MODERATOR
Moderator
Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
- Joined
- Aug 20, 2004
- Messages
- 38,257
Well, if you only want a small thin wharncliff blade of doubtful quality, I suppose you could do it.
The problems come from the degree of hardening, the shallow depth of hardening, and the degree of softness of the blade spine.
Another problem is you said,"Bi-metal band saw blades". Bi-metal blades have the teeth impulse hardened usually, and would not make good knife material. However, if you meant, "Power hacksaw blades", then that is often a usable material. These type of blades are often of a singular material, and fully hardened.
Many folks who have access to new and used power hacksaw blades select the ones made out of something like M4, grind them in the hardened condition (usually into fillet knives), and draw the temper back to a reasonable hardness.
The problems come from the degree of hardening, the shallow depth of hardening, and the degree of softness of the blade spine.
Another problem is you said,"Bi-metal band saw blades". Bi-metal blades have the teeth impulse hardened usually, and would not make good knife material. However, if you meant, "Power hacksaw blades", then that is often a usable material. These type of blades are often of a singular material, and fully hardened.
Many folks who have access to new and used power hacksaw blades select the ones made out of something like M4, grind them in the hardened condition (usually into fillet knives), and draw the temper back to a reasonable hardness.
Bi metals are made of two types of steel. The HSS teeth are welded on the relatively soft but tough spine(like 5160 or so). And only teeth are hardened. So if you make a knife and grind the teeth off.... your blade is simply trashed.
Blade without "Bi" addition would do much better, but even than you need to HT it to get proper hardness.
Blade without "Bi" addition would do much better, but even than you need to HT it to get proper hardness.
- Joined
- Jul 13, 2009
- Messages
- 21,535
I really don't understand this question at all.
How about you look at the suppliers here and buy some good steel ?
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=699736
well really because they are already heat treated, and it could be really cool kinda like kershaw's composite knives. a 68Rc edge and 45Rc spine
but you may be right I am spending too much effort on this might as well just buy real steel.
but you may be right I am spending too much effort on this might as well just buy real steel.
Last edited: