steel question

C

cjd1980

Joined
Sep 3, 2008
Messages
236
Hello everyone

my cousin is restoring a 1950's f100 and is replacing the original leaf springs. Anyway he wouldlike me to make him a knife from the springs and i was wondering if there was any way that i can find out what it is. I know alot of stuff is 5160 but id like to get a better idea if that was what they were using in the 1950's thanks for the help guys
Chris
 
Only real way is to send a chunk to a lab and have it tested. Prices don't seam to bad, around $75 to $200 a test.
 
I would take a piece and see if you can harden it and then draw the temper on it. Take it to non magnetic and quench it in canola oil. I would draw it at a temp of 350.
Frank
 
The steel is ROFS steel - Rusty Old Ford Steel.

Frank's suggestion is good, but the temperature for hardening is about 100° above non-magnetic. I would temper it at 400°F.

The steel is something similar to 5160. It could be many alloys in that type group, but if you use the forging and hardening procedures for 5160, you will get a suitable knife.

The caveat is that leaf springs can form micro-cracks along the grain boundaries. These may weaken a knife blade. If making knives for sale, I recommend against old leaf springs. If making a memento knife from a sentimental truck, it is fine.
 
thanks guys i used to use old springs alot when i first started but haven't used them in years i justed wanted to see what you guys thought
 
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