I might be forging

[Gossman Knives]

I'm not sure if this would be considered forging or not and the funny part is, I'm not making a knife. I was at a gunshow today and a gun dealer/gunsmith friend asked me if I could make a spring for an old Winchester lever action rifle. I looked at the broken spring and thought what the heck. I'm making it out of O1. I cut the size piece I needed and heated it to cherry red. I was able to bend and shape the piece in the vise and on the anvil. It's not going to be a knife but I may be able to help replace a part that the owner has not been able to find.
Scott

 

[Kim Breed]

use 5160 if you can. less chance of breakage during use.

 

[Bruce Bump]

I like 1095 for gun springs. Had good luck with them.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

I'd go 1095,too.

 

[Gossman Knives]

I think you guys are right. It did break while I was making it. My fault I bent it the wrong way.:foot: I've got to start all over.
Scott

 

[Will52100]

I'd go with 1095 or 5160, eigther would make a great spring. You should be able to find replacement springs online, VTI comes to mind for the 73's.

 

[Fred.Rowe]

I believe the 5160 is more ductile than the 10 series steel. It has the chromium/manganese alloys that make it so. Fred