identify steel?

[blgoode]

Well, I hade two pieces os stainless bar given to me. My mother works for a company that makes motors. What she gave me was 2" bar in 1/8 and 3/16 inches. Problem is the only identifing marks is a 55 on the paper that there wrapped in. The shop guy told her that this will need to be hardened so I think it is good. What should I do? I dont want to make a knife out of junk. Any help would be great.

 

[mete]

First check it with a magnet, if it is not magnetic it is an austenitic stainless steel( 300 series) and cannot be hardened. If magnetic then take a piece and harden it . Do a file test to get an idea how hard it is this would give an idea of carbon content.

 

[blgoode]

Thanks so much. I'll check it with a magnet tonight....