saw blade steel for knives

[Seals]

I just bought a few drop point blanks made from old saw blades.They have a nice looking dark even patina.Seem very strong with great flex ,but are quite thin.They are heat treated and sharpened.Very sharp clean edges.Does anyone know what type of steel this likely is?

 

[elkins45]

I think most saw blades are L-6.

 

[A.P.F.]

From 'Knife Steel FAQ':

"L-6
A band saw steel that is very tough and holds an edge well, but rusts easily. It is, like O-1, a forgiving steel for the forger. If you're willing to put up with the maintenance, this may be one of the very best steels available for cutlery, especially where toughness is desired. In a poll on the knifemakers email list back in the 1990s, when asked what the makers would use for their personal knife, L-6 emerged as the top choice."

 

[Seals]

Thanks for the info!I think they will make some great skinners and or utility knives.

 

[riddleofsteel]

I think it depends on the type of saw blade.

Carbide tip blades are pretty soft steel, regular saw blades usually hold an edge pretty well. Old sawmill blades make good knives. Blades from the newer computer controlled saw mills make super knives.

This knife came from the blades of a computer controlled saw mill. It has a convex edge and came wicked sharp. It holds an edge at least as well as my O1 and A2 knives. I think it is close to VG10 in edge holding. We regularly use this one to butcher deer and a few passes on a charged leather hone brings it right back to hair popping sharp even when you work it close to the bones.