What are old auger bits made of?

[Leon Husock]

I bought a bunch of cheap old tools that I was thinking of reforging (files, chisels, etc) including some old auger drill bits. They look quite old, so I was hoping they wouldn't be made out of HSS and so I could probably put them in a canister since the spiral pattern is pretty neat. Anyone know what they're made of? I cleaned the edges off and did a quick acid etch, but all that really told me was that they seem to be all the same type of metal (meaning the point isn't HC while the rest of the drill bit is mild or something like that).

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Likely high carbon steel. A spark test on both ends will give you a clue.