Steel Identification

[the4th]

I found what appears to be a leaf spring of some type (unsure) and have started roughing out my first knife blank. Could anyone out there identify the type of steel if I send some scraps to them?

I'll post pics of the knife tonight sometime.

 

[Darrel Ralph]

Many leaf springs are 5160. Do a spark test..


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[the4th]

Of course! A spark test.... why didn't I think of that before!

Oh yeah.... what's a spark test?

 

[magnum .44]

different steels make different sparks, by seeing what type of sparks they make will determine what type of steel it is. your have to search the old shop forum for info on how to do one.

 

[the4th]

Thanks for the info. More has been sent on this topic via e-mail too. I will check the archives shortly.

In the interim.... here's a link to the knife in question. Joel's first knife.


[This message has been edited by the4th (edited 05-13-2000).]

 

[mikeS]

I would first do a quench test to be sure it is not mild steel. Heat it to nonmagnetic quench in oil, put your safety glasses on and try to break a piece off the end. If it bends, put that piece of steel back where you got it.

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It is better to bear the rebuke of a wise man than to enjoy the flattery of fools.

 

[the4th]

It looks like I need to buy a knifemaking book. Anyone have one and take PayPal payments?

I don't have a kiln or furnace or oven hot enough to take this thing to non-magnetic. Maybe I'll do some bar-b-queing for Mother's day. Gotta find a good magnet too.

What type of oil? How fast do I dip it in? Tip or edge first? At what temp should the oil be?