File steels/ other scrap tool steels database project

M

Mike Arsenault

Joined
Dec 23, 2006
Messages
84
I guess the idea I had with this thread was to begin amassing a collection of the different types of steels used by various tool manufacturers, regarding thier identifiable use in knifemaking.

I'm sure alot of us less wealthy knifemakers would benefit from such a database. I've got about 10 huge annealed bastard files from our welding dept., they are likely to be the source of my next 10-15 knives. I know they'll make damn good blades (long as I don't screw it up;) ), but it'd be nice to know if it was W2, 1095 or whatever. I've also go access to old proto chisels, bearings, possibly gears and mill/lathe parts. It's a viable souce of steel, as 1 flat bastard file yields about 18 inches of 1/4" x 1 1/4" flat W2, maybe even more if you have to forge out the half-rounds. That's like 40 clams worth of metal, no?

Anyone who has any specific info, or time to do some of the research (I've got a little...), please post some scrap steel specs. to this thread. Once we amass enough of them, I'll compile it into a database we all can use.
 
I've already seen such lists but they are all assumptions !! So item X "might " be made of steel Y.
 
Not to sound like a broken record, but....

Files, saw blades, lawn mower blades,etc.....
They might be 1095,L-6,15N20,5160,9260,mild steel.......
Unless you have it analyzed you will never know. Any chart would be a guess. It is like flipping a coin and guessing heads or tails- some guesses are right and some are wrong. If you want to learn how to make knives with reliable results, use reliable steel.No one getting into this hobby can not afford $20 in known steel. It will be the least expensive part of the knives.
Stacy
 
You are right, of course Stacy - but it is kind of fun to go through the process of reclaiming - and creating something with a story behind it. It isn't the most reliable or easy way - but neither is making your first knife.

If someone is doing this for cheap steel, they have the wrong idea. If they are doing it for the challenge... :) let the games begin.

It's nice to have a starting point when you are trying to figure out a solution. Good thread!

Rob!
 
I totally agree that it is fun to use steel from a unique source. My problem is those who are going to "LEARN" on unknown steel.That would be like trying to learn German here in the USA with a Russian-German dictionary.
Stacy
 
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