choosing the right steel for first timer

J

jawilder

Joined
Jun 27, 2006
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I have made a few knives out of files with files/grinder. My 2x42 craftsman is on it's way and the adobe in my forge is drying. All I need now is some steel but I'm not sure what to choose for my first knives.

1095 seems to be easily available but i've read that the hardening process can be a bit touchy.

What steels are available for stock removal that is fool proof to heat treat/temper etc AND is available at a reasonable price?
 
I would recommend 1084. its a well rounded steel that is very beginner friendly. If you look in the knife supply section you can get some there. its pretty cheep and it makes a great knife. I made my first knives out of 1080 and I still use them to this day.


-Josiah.
 
1080/1084 high-carbon barstock. Cheap, grindable, forgeable, and tough. I'm new at the HT game but almost to a man, the experienced guys here recommend it as easy to HT well.
 
1095 is very touchy, how are you doing your heat treats? if quenching stick with 1084 or 5160....
 
Definitely 1080 or 1084. Simple to heat treat, easy to work with, cheap, and provides good service when everything is done right.

Todd
 
you should be able to get 1075/1080 from admiral.. If you call them and ask they check the warehouse, they even have 1084 in 1/8 by 1 1/4 inches. I just ordered some of this last month...:thumbup:
 
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