Question on metal ID

[WhiteMountaineer]

Got my hands on a big file of farriers rasps made by a company called "Save Edge". Just wondering if anybody knew what type of steel they are.

 

[rashid11]

Prolly something real close to 1095, W1/W2 - a simple low alloy, high-carbon
steel. Use a piece to see if you can anneal and re-harden it. Go with oil-quench,
water will prolly crack it on quench. If it anneals to where you can comfortably
work it, and rehardens later, you got a keeper

 

[A C Richards]

Got my hands on a big file of farriers rasps made by a company called "Save Edge". Just wondering if anybody knew what type of steel they are.

Many farriers rasps are case hardened. Forge one down and give the hardening test a try and see if they can be rehardened. If they can then Rashid is probably correct. If they cannot then they are mild steel case hardened.

Chuck

 

[IronWolf]

Save edge rasps are solid steel, not case hardened, they are also one of the longest lasting files on the market. I used to work in a place that sold them. I had a chance to talk with one of the reps from save edge. at the time he said that they were experimenting with O6, I do not know if that is what they are using now.
If I can dig up some more information I will letyou know.
Ken

 

[Barkes Knife Shop]

I believe it was during the 1930's to early 40's and if so was probably 1095 or 1084 carbon steel since it was commonly used during that age. But don't hold me to it. Not much help on this one. Maybe someone else in here may know more. God bless and have a great day.

 

[WhiteMountaineer]

I called up the guys at Save Edge to ask what they use for steel and the guy that answered the said "if I told you, I would have to kill you." (no joke). I guess i'll just have to play with different tempering techniques to see what works best.

 

[GibsonFan]

This is totally unscientific and by no means "proof", but I have found that when the maker stamps their name on the tool or file, it's generally a good sign that they used quality steel and are proud of it.

I'm very pleased with the Nicholson's I've been using; let us know how those Safe-Edge's work out. Sounds like they're in the same league.