first knife/ leaf spring

Joined
Jan 21, 2001
Messages
7
Well friends,
I have everything just about ready to begin my first knife. I still don't have an anvil, (Arkansas being the industrial hub of the earth and all,) but maybe I can make do. I believe I'll try to forge something simple out of a small piece of auto leaf spring. Does anyone know what the actual steel type that leaf spring is made of? Also any tips you have would be VERY welcome. Thanks guys and gals, you're GREAT!!!!

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I don't do any forging, but from all the previous threads, I believe most auto springs are made of 5160 steel. Hope this helps.

Marcel
 
All your different automobile makers sometimes use different steels in there sorings.Some are 5160,some are 1080,and there are others..you may have to test a piece to find the proper draw back temperature.
I would start with 350 degree's for 2 hours and see if the edge is to hard and if it is try increasingthe heat by 50 degree's and check it again and keep doing this untill you get it where you want it.
It is easier if you know thee type of steel exactly then you can find out the steels working properties exactly....
It isnt hard so don't let it scare you off from trying,it is a good learning experience.And in my opinion everybody should learn how to do this so that if they are ever in a have to case they will be able to do it...
If I didn't know how to test it doing the chain damascus or the Harley kickstand would not have been a option for me to do and then the customer would have had to find someone else with the knowledge or not get there piece made at all....
If you have any other questions or need help just email me and I will try to help you out anyway I can....
Bruce

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Bruce Evans Handcrafted Knives
The soul of the Knife begins in the Fire!!!!!
Member of,AKTI#A000223 and The American Bladesmith Society
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Older GM products '70's were usually 5160 except cadillac, did I say usually. Studebaker probably was 2.
 
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