Cheap practice

R

Rob!

Joined
Feb 9, 2000
Messages
1,865
Someone suggested a while ago that beginners pick one style or pattern and stick with it until they have it mastered. I've been pondering that and it seems good advice. Since most of my sales have been hunting knives, that seems the logical way to go. I'm looking for a steel that I can afford to throw away, is not too hard on belts, is still good enough to treat and use when it turns out good, and the ability to heat treat myself would be a bonus.

I'm thinking O1 but I'm open to suggestions. 440C would also be on the list since it's only about $10 CDN a foot. I'd still have to send it out for heat treat but that's only for the ones that turn out good.

If it helps, the skills I hope to hone are flat grinding, symmetry, guard fitting, filework and mirror finish.

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Rob Ridley
Ranger Original Handcrafted Knives
 
Rob, I would suggest the 1095 or 5160 carbon steels. Both can be hardened with a torch and tempered in the kitchen oven (if your wife will let you). My last batch of 5160 from Admiral Steel cost me a little over $3 US per knife, shipped to my door. It does not hurt too much when I screw up and have to throw one out. Both steels make superb knives when properly heat treated.

Fox
 
I make my knives from 5160 and get good results. I can get it from my local automotive spring and axle repair shop. They order a semi load every month and will special order any steel I want and have it added to there order and pass the bulk savings on to me. Buy the way they will also use there metal muncher and cut pieces to any length I ask and it comes in all widths and thicknesses. Take a knife with you and I bet you will find a good ole boy or two that will be taken with your work and be glad to help.
Don't be surprised if you take an order or two before you leave.

Scott Jones

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Scott Jones
Good things aint cheap and cheap things aint good

[This message has been edited by Jonesy (edited 04-11-2000).]
 
I use 12C27 because it's half the price of ATS34, and I still ruin more blades than I like to admit.
 
Hey there Rob, next time you're in Calgary
give Standen's springs a call, they sell 5160 by the pound, something like $1.80/lb if memory serves- and that works out to about 10 bucks for a leaf spring sized piece of flat bar
smile.gif
 
Well, I guess that was a dumb idea. I called Standens and the smallest they have is .262 x 1.75. That would make great hatchets but I want drop point skinners. Maybe if I was real careful, I could take the hacksaw and resaw it to two 1/8 inch pieces.

That aside, I called all over the place for other tool steels. A few would sell O1 or D2 in 20 foot lenthgs and "how many 20 foot lengths would I be needing?"

Metal supermarkets finally came through. They had O1 in 1/8 x 1" at $30 for the bar. THE 3 FOOT BAR!!!! That's what House of Tools charges for 440C and that is 1 1/2" stock. Heck, I can get ATS34 for $13 a foot.

Remember these are all Canadian prices.

It looks like it's not worth going to tool steels. I'll just keep practicing on the stainless.

Thanks for the suggestions.



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Rob Ridley
Ranger Original Handcrafted Knives
 
Unless you want customers yelling at you about their knives going dull, because the edge rusted in the sheath, use a stainless. ATS-34 is hard to beat, and properly heat treated it will perform as well as anything mentioned above. I've been making hunters for 20 years, and you can trust me on this one. everytime, I've used O1 or another tool steel, I catch hell about it discoloring or rusting.
 
Rob,
Jerry is right, ATS34(or 154CM) is a good choice. There is nothing in the world wrong with 440C either. Just be sure that it is cryo'ed. You will find less expensive carbon steels, don't get me wrong, but if that is your choice, please let the folks know before hand about the proper care of that particular steel. Tell them that they should treat their knives the same as they do their rifles, to be cleaned after every outing. This, they seem to understand.

C Wilkins
 
Thanks guys. I had thought I could practice on carbon steels and save a bunch on thrown out knives. Since I can't get 1095 locally, 5160 thin enough and O1 costs as much as stainless, I'll probably stick with ATS 34. It's only about $2 a blade more than 440C and I am just so impressed with it. Besides, with the good stuff I'll be less inclined to get sloppy.

I'm a little depressed though since I've noticed what beatiful knives old Jeep springs make. :-)



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Rob Ridley
Ranger Original Handcrafted Knives
 
Rob,

If your still looking at using O1 to sharpen your grinding skills. MSC ind. supply has a ad effective thru 4/29 for O1.
Example of the prices 1/8" * 1" * 36" is for sale for $11.43. There is shipping added on to this price, but it is worth it for the fast service they give.
 
I'm just starting out now and I decided to go with 440C. I have a piece of 1095 but it rusts looking at it! It was cheap though... Anyways, I figured if I just took my time, I would have few "throw out" blades and although I am only on #3, #4 and #5, they are shaping up really well. Take your time and don't worry about chucking out blades, 'cause they'll all turn out keepers!!

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"Come What May..."
 
Rob, if you're looking for a cheap source for a good steel, look in the phone book under lumber mills. I'd bet theres atleast one in your town, and they're an excellent source for old sawblades. I traded 2 skinners for all the blades I could pull out of the scrap pile at a local mill. That was over 4 years ago and I still have lots of it left. If you can, get only the larger ones, say 36" diameter and up. I've found that alot of the smaller ones aren't made out of as good a steel as the large ones. If you're like me, and have to pull em out of the scrap pile, you'll have alot of rust and pitting to sand off, but you'll be amazed at how beautiful a blade you can make from it. It sure is nice to be able to cut it with a torch too. Also, if you mess one up, all you have to do is cut out another one.
I would also suggest visiting your local steel fabrication business. I'm blessed in that the manager of one in my town loves knives, and especially mine. He has helped me tremendously. Take care!!
Michael

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http://www.nebsnow.com/L6steel
 
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