Having made a bunch of stock removal knives, I have now forged only my second knife from start to finish. Now I see what all the fun is about! Now my question: Can I forge an old stainless steel gun barrel taken off one of my rifles? It was a Hart match grade barrel that was made of 416 R stainless steel, and eventually got "shot out" after a few thousand rounds and had to be replaced. Because it was responsible for so many deer and other big game animals, it kills me to just see it sitting on my work bench doing nothing. I would love to try to forge a section of it and give it a new life as a knife blade if possible. Wacky thinking, I am sure, but I was just wondering if anyone had tried it and if it could be done.
I researched back on this site and saw a thread about forging stainless, and in 25 words or less the consensus was that it can be done, but it is a pain in the butt, use a power hammer. That thread was refering to 440C and ATS-34 though I believe, obviously not the same steel used in rifle barrels.
Just wondering...thanks in advance for any replies.
I researched back on this site and saw a thread about forging stainless, and in 25 words or less the consensus was that it can be done, but it is a pain in the butt, use a power hammer. That thread was refering to 440C and ATS-34 though I believe, obviously not the same steel used in rifle barrels.
Just wondering...thanks in advance for any replies.
