Recommendation? metal for boning knife

[Tim Hall]

I am new to knife making and have made some of the ugliest knives the world has ever seen but I have to start somewhere. Can anyone tell me the type of metal you use for boning knives? Thanks guys.

 

[Smiling]

My limited knowledge would say 5160 since it's spring steel and should be able to flex. Leave it soft and it should be OK.

 

[Tim Hall]

Thank you! Where do you get your metal or is that an appropriate question for the forum?

 

[Smiling]

Thank you! Where do you get your metal or is that an appropriate question for the forum?

I'm not actual knifemaker.

But, 5160 is used for springs, especially truck springs, people usually get it for free on scrapyards.

 

[Horsewright]

You doing the heat treat yourself or sending it out? This will make a difference in steel type recommendation. Springiness/flexibility has nothing to do with type of steel or hardness. Geometry, geometry geometry.

 

[Currawong]

AEB-L is a stainless steel that can be run thin and sharp but is still pretty tough with very good edge stability.