lathe cutting tool steel

S

squazy

Joined
Sep 30, 2013
Messages
121
its probably wishful:confused: thinking but
would a piece of tool steel from a lathe parting off tool be suitable steel to make the blade for a small folding knife? such as the steel in the link
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FAGERSTA-...Home_Garden_PowerTools_SM&hash=item25844a0f78
I intend to just use a simple high carbon steel but on the off chance this kind of steel would be usable I would be happy to try it,I expect it would be difficult to heat treat,possibly the wrong temper for a blade in its present state even If I could grind it and keep it cool in the process and that its probable that it would require proper heat treating equipment and experience? the blade length I intend to make would be around 3''
 
Let's see if we can't find a more appropriate place for this. I think the Knifemaker's forum will get the best results...

 
Parting tools are usually ground with some bevel already to give relief in the plunge, when used for their designed purpose.
The tool is already hardened so drilling for a pivot would be difficult. Since they are prebeveled your tang would also not be parallel assuming you were able to make a hole in it.
 
Many years ago I used one in a small straight knife. I no longer make straight knives and would not try using it in a folder. Look at CPM154, D2, Elmax and or my favorite M390. They will all do a very good knife blade for you. Frank
 
First thing for steels is to find out the chemical composition.That will tell you if you can deal with it as -is .It will also give you some idea how to HT if necessary.
 
The last time I checked Lathe tooling was a bit more expensive than buying knife steel from a supplier.
 
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I can understand the motivation behind this type of thinking... "Well if it will cut steel in the lathe, just think what it could do as a blade!"

The problem, is it's comparing apples to a truckload of oranges. The geometry of a parting tool is a completely different ballgame than that of a good knife... very blunt with a ton of material behind the edge. It's the same for most lathe tooling.

I think to successfully go the route you're pondering here--- to use a High Speed Steel, your best best would be to look into something like CPM M4. :)
 
A few years back, a member sent me some lathe tool blanks to try and make a blade from. It just polished with a 40 grit blaze belt. Only diamond tools would cut it.

Even if it could be shaped with some ease to a 30 degree edged blade, it isn't made for cutting/slicing...it is make to have a nearly 90 degree edge angle that shears off a thin layer of softer steel while both are tightly locked up in a lathe. A thin low angle edge would just chip up as soon as it saw any use.
 
I had the feeling this would be the case,My reason of interest in the piece of steel is simply because im away from Ireland on business for the next while and was hoping to have some suitable material on hand for my return because Its hard work getting anything special in terms of steel in Ireland plus the dimensions im looking for in the material are uncommon I think. ive made lots of different blades over the past 20 or so years from scrap around the garage,hardened and tempered high carbon steel makes a good blade but im going to build this knife slowly and enjoy it,I really dont want to have to out source the heat treatment if I can help it and I want the blade to be as aesthetically in-keeping with the rest of the knife,re the drilling of the lathe tooling steel, the taper is very slight and I believe my high speed carbide burr on an air pencil I have would drill it as a last resort, any other available internet based steel supplier to recommend lads?
 
re the 90 degree for cutting on a lathe, i believe you will find they get ground a bit sharper than that when you take rake and clearance into account
 
I didnt think such companies would entertain international orders,my god when I think back how hard it was in the past flattening leaf springs and worse!
 
well today I bought some high carbon steel ground stock in various thickness for my build, I also bought some brass stock for the bolsters if I feel that way inclined.
Ill have to decide on what handle material I will use but I suppose these are the fun bits in building your own knife, I must bet brass bar stock for the bushings,and malleable brass for the rivits

and the stainless for the bolsters
 
im sure ill mess up and have to start all over again but I still enjoy the peace in making this






 
Looks like a good start to me but then again I dont do folders yet. Maybe one of these days. They are more challenging in some aspects.
 
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