Spring steel/ 1095 damascus?

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TopoChico

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Mar 28, 2023
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EDIT: Thank you all for the comments. After scouring the internet for Springsteel/1095 info, I will be sticking with 15n20. That is, unless someone informs me otherwise on this thread that there may be a slightly better alternative to 15n20. Thank you all for the insight! As for the 4063bc steel, I guess I'll just have to experiment with it on my own time.

Has anyone had any luck with making damascus with these 2 metals? I recently acquired spring steel from a toyota vehicle and I'm wondering if It's possible to make damascus with it.
Any tips, tricks, or a blatant "no, it's not possible" will be greatly appreciated!

Also picked up some weldable steel from Tractor Supply company 4063bc steel. There isn't much online about it being usable for knife-making. Anyone have any experience with forging this steel?
 
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You could, but why?

Both are higher-carbon/no-nickel steels and wouldn't contrast much (if at all) after etching. You would not get the typical damascus look.
 
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shane45-1911 said:
You could, but why?

Both are higher-carbon steels and wouldn't contrast much (if at all) after etching. You would not get the typical damascus look.
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I'm very new to the idea of different steels. So I wasn't sure before asking the question. I'm familiar with 1095, 80, etc. and 15n20 being commonly used. And I know spring steel is usually 5160. But I was not sure if 5160 would be high in carbon or not.
And I know, I could have just looked it up. But I like posting to these forums for direct insight, rather than scouring the internet for advice that may or may not be correct.
 
TopoChico said:
I'm very new to the idea of different steels. So I wasn't sure before asking the question. I'm familiar with 1095, 80, etc. and 15n20 being commonly used. And I know spring steel is usually 5160. But I was not sure if 5160 would be high in carbon or not.
And I know, I could have just looked it up. But I like posting to these forums for direct insight, rather than scouring the internet for advice that may or may not be correct.
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No worries, lots of good people and info on this forum.

Never be afraid to ask questions, we all had to learn everything we know from someone else.
 
There's a reason 5160 isn't popular for forge welding.... it's chromium content doesn't like to play with other steels.
 
TopoChico said:
What about 4063bc? I know it's used for welding, but the internet holds no merit on inforimation about this steel.
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Are you automatically opposed to using common/widely accepted steels for pattern welding?

You know there is a reason that certain steels are common/widely used for pattern welding, right?
 
J. Doyle said:
Are you automatically opposed to using common/widely accepted steels for pattern welding?

You know there is a reason that certain steels are common/widely used for pattern welding, right?
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Foremost, I am very new to bladesmithing. So my knowledge on metallurgy is at this moment is limited to knowing that 1095 is a really good (and common) steel.
I bring up 4063bc, not for welding or damascus; I just wanted to know if someone else had any experience with that steel.

So to answer your question about steels and pattern welding, no.
 
The usual general advice for beginner forging is to grab some 1084. It moves well under the hammer, it's quite inexpensive, and it's easier to get decent heat treating results with than say 1095 or O1.
 
You should ask the mods to move this to the knife maker section......You had one very knowledgeable maker. J. Doyle J. Doyle who makes beautiful damascus,, chime in here!!!! More info is always helpful...
Hit the report button below and ask the mods to move it...
Good luck and happy hammering!!!
 
jfk1110 said:
You should ask the mods to move this to the knife maker section......You had one very knowledgeable maker. J. Doyle J. Doyle who makes beautiful damascus,, chime in here!!!! More info is always helpful...
Hit the report button below and ask the mods to move it...
Good luck and happy hammering!!!
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I'd love piggyback, but I'm still very very new to this (the website, and the hobby). So I'll try and leave this thread to whoever see's it!
 
TopoChico said:
I'd love piggyback, but I'm still very very new to this (the website, and the hobby). So I'll try and leave this thread to whoever see's it!
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Its up to you!!!
Belated welcome too....Eventually you will find what you seek.....Good luck
 
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