Metal choice for making a pry tool?

I

I_Fix

Joined
May 11, 2014
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I've found lots of info on steel choices for knife blades, but not as much for other tools. I want to make my own mini pry tool a la the Atwood Prybaby, but with some custom options. I think it's a perfect tool to start my knifemaking path with, it should be simple enough to create a one-off with files/dremel and other tools I already own.
I'd like to try and harden it myself, I have an O/A torch and I'm pretty sure I'll be looking for something more like a case harden, not a full thickness treatment that a blade would get. I'm hoping that would leave the center of the tool softer and more resilient for prying and such, while giving tough edges to the tool tips.
Any suggestions for steel? I've used W1/O1/HSS before for lathe tools, but I'm thinking stainless would be better suited for a pocket tool.
Or I could go to titanium, but I don't know enough about it yet. It sounds like a great choice, just a bit tougher to work. I'd love to use it for the weight reduction, if it's a reasonable metal to work with at home.

Thanks!
 
I was reading up on steels yesterday. Apparently swordmakers prefer high carbon steels, because they create a stiffer stronger blade. (a sword is a long blade). So for prying i guess stiffness is what you want, but not too brittle.

Good idea btw, i'll try and this too some time! Just got a dremel for my birthday.
 
If you are seriously considering a home heat treatment then 1084 is the steel of choice. To get a good heat treatment on a stainless you will need an oven that will be able to maintain temperatures @ 2000 F for extended periods of time. You could sent your stainless out for heat treatment but then it is probably going to cost about the same to buy the tool. Titanium, from what I have read, is a real bear to machine.
 
CV=chrome vanadium, cats paw=fancy nail puller. It is a useful but different tool than the one you re thinking about.
 
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