railroad spike question

S

stax

Joined
Jan 6, 2009
Messages
146
Does anyone know what type of steel the railroad spikes are typically made of? Does it get hard enough for a good blade?
 
no they dont make good cutting knives, in my opinion. simply pretty novelty pieces if used by themselves.

i was once told they were in the 1030-40 range, but someone more educated could probably give a better answer on that part
 
I'm not sure of the actual type of the steel but I do know there is a right spike to use and a wrong spike. Look for railroad spikes stamped HC on the top I think. Those are higher carbon (H.C. High Carbon). The ones not stamped are lower carbon and will not make as good of a blade. The High carbon spikes were used for curves in railroad tracks where strong and more durable spikes were needed, the low carbon spikes were used for straightaways where there wasn't as much stress on them.

Hope I could help.
~Jonah
 
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I use the HC's for the legs on the forges I build. I wouldn't even use them for letter opener's.:thumbdn:
 
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