Stainless questions

I

iowashtr23

Joined
Apr 19, 2009
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57
I have a question about stainless. I have a friend that has a bunch of stainless kick plates that he will give me if I want them. They are 1/8 thick to 3/32 thick. I was wondering if anyone knew what type of stainless these may be and if these would be worth getting or using to make knives out of?? They are non-magnetic so guessing in the 300 series?? Anyone?
 
Since you don't know what kind of stainless the plates are, you wouldn't be able to heat treat them properly so I would not make knives out of them. If your friend doesn't have a use for them and you have room to stash them, I'd grab them up asap, especially if they're clean!!! :D
You'll find a thousand uses for them down the road!!!
 
I can get alot of them from 6 inches by 38 long to 36 in wide by 38 in long. I thought about taking some and trying to HT and see what happens??
 
My guess would be a kick plate will be 316 stainless, so it won't make a knife. If the source has a ISO number on the steel, you can look it up and see what it is. If there is a manufacturer, you can call or email then and ask.

That said, stainless steel has lots of uses in the shop. A big sheet can make a stainless work table top.
 
I figured I couldn't make a knife out of them but I had to ask. I did grab all he had, maybe I could use some for SS spacers and other misc. things. Thanks for all the info
 
I read in Backwoodsman magazine that the rods in shocks and steering stabilizers on cars and trucks are made from a good quality stainless that makes good knives.
 
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