Starting out

I

IronKnuckles

Joined
Aug 14, 2004
Messages
104
I've really been wanting to start making knives for a while, but the only thing I've managed so far was a theatrical dagger for shakespeare's Macbeth. It wasn't horrible, but it took many many hours to file due to the fact that the steel was almost half an inch thick. Anyway, the point of this thread is that I'm looking for some steel... I've checked the many auto repair shops and body shops around here for scrap steel, and apparently there's already someone who comes around and beats me to it every time. I'm currently looking on the internet for some steel, but most of the places I've found sell it in bulk and I only really want enough to make a knife or two. I was hoping you guys might be able to suggest a place online where I could just buy a piece or two of steel, and maybe some suggestions of what kind of steel to use (I was just thinking 5160 spring steel, but if you guys have any other ideas as to what might be easy to file by hand). Thanks in advance.
-Chris
 
O1 is an easy steel to file. Most knifemakers supply companies sell it. You can get 1/8" thick. That would be good to start with. www.texasknife.com is one place. There are more.
Scott
 
Tool and Die has O1 in about every size you can imagine, and they're inexpensive and quick to ship. Make sure the order submission page is secure (https:blablabla); if not call your order in. Good luck! And welcome to the addiction. ;)
 
Another easy way to get steel is to use saw blades. Most are made out of a pretty decent carbon steel.
 
Texas Knife supply,K&G supply,Koval,Jantz,etc.The knife suppliers will have all the steels you need - by the foot.They also carry finishing materials and supplies,as well as good books on knife making.
 
ironknuckles,
I like the handle. When starting out, know the steel you are working with.
You will progress faster. You can't heat treat if you don't know what you are workng with. If all else fails, let me know, I'll stick a stamp on a piece of 5160 and drop it in the mail. Above all else, don't get discouraged.
Bushido, Fred
 
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