well my lawnmower blade passed! Recycling! Yeah!

[McAlpin Blades]

Well I heated to critical today the remaining blade from which my chisel point American style tanto was born, and quenched in 125 degree oil. Then I put it in the vice and gave a sharp pull. It broke clean and quick. The grain of the steel looked pretty smooth and fine. It looked as I seen Ed McAfree state it once "like smooth ice cream." I think this blade is a keeper. I also noticed that in one of my Wayne Goddard books he made a knife from an old lawnbmower blade. I have lots of them so if they all pass this test they will get used. I know sticking with one steel is the best way but it is alot more fun using good steel from recycled parts. It is challenging as every part may require a different process. It forces me to keep experimenting plus recycling is good for the environment. I have no intentions of building knives to sell anymore. I do it STRICTLY as a hobby. That way I can do it on my own time with no deadlines. I love knives so I get to build one whenever and whatever I am in the mood for one. Today Japanese tantos, tomorrow hunting knives. Fun fun! Cory

 

[B . Buxton]

cory,

Thats great, I'm glad it turned out to be a lawn mower blade made from the good stuff, to put a lot of time into a blade and not have it harden can be a disappointment, but a good learning experience, believe me I know ,, keep it up and have fun.

Bill

 

[ddavelarsen]

Cory, it sure is fine to hear you making knives again. After you've made a few, you'll have too many for yourself -- and you'll end up selling knives anyway. Looking forward to photos.

Dave

 

[Michael Bennett]

Cory,

I've used lawn mower blades after reading about it in Goddard's book. They're a great source of admittedly unknown metal. Repair guys pay to have their scrap removed, so they're always willing to part with a few hunks of steel. Good practice forging material, too.

I've taken a liking to leaf springs lately. I scrounge them, whole or broken and chop them into strips with my angle grinder. I haven't completed forging any, but I have plenty of material for knives and other tools, like tongs. All I need is time.

As for selling and taking orders, I'm strictly hobby/no orders, for the same reasons as you. I can take my time and sell or not sell as I see fit. No pressure, all fun.

Mike