Re-bar for forging practice?

Robert_Phelps

Robert_Phelps

Joined
Nov 29, 2005
Messages
475
Is re-bar an OK metal source to practice forging with? I have a bit laying around, and wasn't sure if it was any good. I remember reading that its carbon was too low for knives, but didn't know about its forgability for practice.

Thanks :)
 
Blue_Dragon said:
Is re-bar an OK metal source to practice forging with? I have a bit laying around, and wasn't sure if it was any good. I remember reading that its carbon was too low for knives, but didn't know about its forgability for practice.

Thanks :)
Click to expand...

You can forge just about anything made of steel. Re-bar will fill that bill.
If you are just starting out, two things I remember from Herb Derr;s forging class don't be afraid to hit it and quit grinding while you still have a knife.

The re-bar has too little carbon to make a worthy blade, but you can get the feel of moving the steel around. RxR spikes are excellent for practice and they will harden and make you a serviceable blade.

Have fun, Fred
 
I have practiced a little forging with some rebar and if you can find rebar with the number "60" on it that might be better for you. I have hardened some with the "60" on it and hit it with a hammer and it shattered like glass, i have even seen the quench line when i edge quenched it. I don't know what steel is in it, but i had pretty good luck hardening those.
 
Pretty much depends on where the rebar was made. The stuff that used to be used on major construction jobs was made in the US and it would have a grade make on it. All the jobs I worked on for several years the rebar was marked 60 grade. I made several knives out of it and found it to have enough carbon to make a decent knife. Most the knives that I made from it I sold on the job sites. I've still got several piece of it and every now and then I'll forge one out of it when I find an excess amount of energy in this aging body. Here's a dagger from about 11 years ago: http://bladegallery.com/shopexd.asp?id=2750&websess=1950445869476
 
Why don't you just get some 1095? It's not expensive and you can actually make a good knife. I don't forge but when I do, I'll be practicing with good steel. From the moment I start my goal will be to make a knife out of it and not just to practice. It may not be good enough to sell but it will be a real knife. I suggest you start on your first one with the intent of finishing it. Why waste your time pounding on steel that you know won't be anything. I think that knowing it won't be a real knife will just make you not try your best and your learning will be slower. If you fail then just try again. I hope I made sense.
 
raylaconico said:
Why don't you just get some 1095? It's not expensive and you can actually make a good knife.
Click to expand...

I already make knives out of 1095, using files, etc.. I just want to get into forging for the fun of it. ..I've got 6' of 1095 in my dining room, I'm just too poor to mangle perfectly file-able metal with my current forging skills :p

I made a machete-like blade earlier today, and I intend to finish it to look nice (won't be too usable, most likely.. but I've learned a bit about moving metal and keeping things even and straight.) As soon as I can keep things straight and even a little better, I'll order some 1095 for forging.
 
That is the hardest part if you ask me. I always have lots of trouble keeping the tang nice and flat and the blade nice and straight. I usually have to grind alot off the tang in order to keep it flat. I started out with some rebar. I made a sword out of rebar actually. Its good for practice. Railroad spikes are awesome for practice.

Good luck!

Alex
 
Blue_Dragon said:
Is re-bar an OK metal source to practice forging with? I have a bit laying around, and wasn't sure if it was any good. I remember reading that its carbon was too low for knives, but didn't know about its forgability for practice.

Thanks :)
Click to expand...

Re-bar is mystery metal. Like A-36 it is structural which means it has certain requirements for failure and strenght instead of a set composition. It generally can be forged and reforged if you just want to hammer it. Some of it you'll find works beautifully while other bits are red hard or red short. Some will forge weld easy some won't. It may be worthwhile to find some 1018 or other plain low carbon steel to practice with for consistance, especially if you're buying the re-bar (if it's free and you just want something to hit that is a different story).

ron
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top