steel mix up

[G.Scaffe]

I got some 440c mixed with some 1084 and can't tell which
is which. Is there any way to tell them apart. They have not been harden yet.
thanks
Gene

 

[R Dockrell]

Gene
1084 will rust quicker.
1084 will become none magnetic at a much lower temp.
1084 will forge a WHOLE lot easier than 440C.
440C will air harden 1084 will not.

 

[Bruce Evans]

They will also spark differently.But I am not sure of what the 440 will spark like...
This would be scarry in my shop as I would have to heat it and see if it air hardened then use it...
Sorry I am not much help here..
You could give all of the pieces a misting of water and see which ones rust fast as the 440 shouldn't rust before the 1080 series will.
Bruce

 

[C L Wilkins]

I know this won't sound like much help but 1084 sparks "a lot" more than 440C. You'll know right off.

C Wilkins

 

[Arthur Washburn]

C.L. is correct. I work with lots of stainless and carbon. The slainless will not throw the huge shower that carbon will.