Using rail road spike steel for cladding.

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I have a big box of railroad spikes just sitting around, and I've been messing with forge welding. I've been wondering how well these would work for a San Mai blade. I would basically just draw out the steel, flatten, and weld it if I did.

These ones say m c. So I'm assuming they're medium carbon. Idk what that amounts to for a railroad spike, because I know the hc ones are basically medium carbon steel.

I'm wondering if these are a good choice for doing that.

 

[Ken H>]

From my understanding the original San Mai used low carbon steel for cladding since the high carbon was much more expensive. Your RR spikes are most likely in the .20 to .30% range carbon. This should work just fine for cladding.

 

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From my understanding the original San Mai used low carbon steel for cladding since the high carbon was much more expensive. Your RR spikes are most likely in the .20 to .30% range carbon. This should work just fine for cladding

Thats my plan. I want the cladding to be soft. I was just concerned of potential complications that would possibly come from them, or maybe if it's some specific alloy they use for these, that would make them less idea, than normal mild steel, wrought iron, or a stainless cladding.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

They should work fine. The issue with cladding is getting a good clean weld. Make sure mating surfaces are flat and clean.