Bolo Knife Steel?

[fourcornersrocks]

What kind of steel is the Bolo knife made of? My dad told me that back in the 60's he knew a knifemaker who sent one off for analysis and they couldn't determine the steel's makeup.

Thanks!

 

[Troop]

Many makers in the Philippines use old leaf springs from vehicles for their bolos; 5160 mostly.

 

[Alarion]

Whatever medium to high carbon steel they can use.

 

[fourcornersrocks]

Is this the military bolo (used for amputation) ya'll are talking about or are their different kinds?

Sorry for my ignorance, I just thought there was one kind and they were a special type of surgical steel... maybe just an old myth...

 

[safta]

They are referring to traditional bolo knives. Like these.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bolo_knife

I believe you are referring to the US Army Model 1917 bolo. Like this.

http://www.olive-drab.com/od_edged_weapons_tools_bolo.php

http://www.knife-expert.com/bolo.txt


As far as I know they were used to clear brush, though the pre 1910 bolos were probably better suited for that task. I doubt they are stainless or surgical steel because they rust so easily.