Quite possibly the coolest railroad spike knife ever!

Danbo

Danbo

Joined
Nov 28, 1999
Messages
14,985
Picked up this cool knife Saturday, at the Ron Duncan Hammer In from Daniel Ehrenburger. Certainly the biggest railroad spike I have ever seen, since the cutting edge is over 7". It's also one of the sharpest knives I own, and will easily shave hair.
 
Nice forging there. However, unless I'm badly mistaken, isn't the C content too low to get good hardenability?
 
The carbon content is a little too low for an ideal knife, but they make a good and tough blade. I believe the carbon content is similar to 1060 steel.
 
"HC" marked spikes have enough carbon to harden.

That thing is wicked. Spikey spikey!
 
I saw that thing this past weekend and it is wicked indeed!
 
Wulf said:
"HC" marked spikes have enough carbon to harden.
Click to expand...

I've been told that it's a persisting "bladesmithing legend", that HC is in fact a maker's mark.
 
I don't know about the HC part, but I've read that if using the ol' superquench, you can get the spikes to about 57.
 
boy that is nice, I agree with Keith, it takes a certain look to appeal to me, this one does!
 
I just acquired a railroad spike. Now all I have to do is to get someone to knock it into the right shape for me! :) :cool:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top