Steel suitable for hand tooling

P

peppen108

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Apr 14, 2012
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I´m currently nourishing a dream, stock removal hand tools only. Mostly because i don´t have access to a proper belt sander but also because i like the therapeutic side of filing.

I´ve finished my first batch of smaller scalpel typ knifes and is currently working on a mid sized rescue knife in AEB-L. It really takes a toll on my tools. The bacho file is pretty much the only ting in one peace (now that he handle came of).

IMG_0545.jpg


picture thread

http://www.jaktsidan.se/ipb/topic/34844-rr-ett-laangtidsprojekt/page__pid__580315#entry580315

Now the the question. Witch is the easiest steel to work whit when had tooling? Say fore a 3/16” thick 7” survival type knife. A plus if it can be hardened whit a simple field forge.
 
I find 1084 to be very forgiving on tools and HT. it is also cheap and makes a great blade.
One note: in the handle came off the file, drill a quarter inch hole in a golf ball and then hammer it onto the handle end of the file. it makes a cheap, if not optimal, handle.
 
Thanks!

I´m over in Europe so the closest thing to 1084 is found is the spring steel CS80

C. 0.80%


Si. 0.25%


Mn. 0.70%


S. 0.015%


P. 0.015%

Does it seem to fit the bill. Or are there better options?
 
Last edited:
Yes, that looks good. If it is properly annealed.

A low alloy steel with low levels of chromium and moderate carbon will file easily if it is fully spheroidized annealed.

Even a steel like O1 and A2 isn't too bad because, being tool steels, they're usually fully spheroidized, whereas 1084, 1095 can be just plain jane hot rolled annealed.

You might look for a tool steel like W1.
 
Thank you!

I´ve got a supplier that has Uddeholms variety of 01 called Arne. I´ve worked whit this steel before so its some what of a reference.

Am I correct in my assumption that 1084 is slightly easier to file and easier to HT for a beginner than 01?
 
About the same to file but the 1084 is easier to H/T properly.
Stan
 
One more thing, does it mater if its hot or cold rolled?

Is 0,9% carbon preferred over 0,7% carbon?
 
If this works i could get started right away.And also very happy!

Spring steel
C- 0.6 Si-1.60 Mn -1,0 Cr - 0.2

Heat treating: 780 - 830 C (1440 - 1530 F)
 
I´m abot to order the spring steel.

C- 0.6 Si-1.60 Mn -1,0 Cr - 0.2

Am I about to make a misstake?
 
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