What kind of steel?

bodfish

bodfish

Joined
Apr 1, 2007
Messages
101
Hello, this is my first post, and I would like to introduce myself. I've been making knifes for a few years (my first was a way, way long time ago). However, back then I didn't have the equipment to do quality stuff.

What I have in mind for my next project involves some ivory or ebony inlays in the slabs. I only make working knives, so they would be subtle. Maybe some filework, too, but only as an aid when skinning or doing close work.

My question is this:

In doing a knife that is slightly more than a beater, what kind of steel should I use? Normally I like 1085 or W1, maybe O1 once in awhile. I have some L6 onhand, but it does rust, but is very tough, though.

I haven't sold my stuff online before, so am catering to a small community. Should I step up to a higher end steel? I haven't met another knife maker before and have no idea if I'm making a silk purse out of a sow's ear or what not. Most of my stuff gets a mild acid bath anyway to dull the blade, and I like the simple steels for their predictablility and useability.

Any thoughts on this from some of you experience smiths?

Thanks for any thoughts about this and any help regarding suppliers would help, too. Right now I get my steel from old sawblades and scrap tools.
 
Welcome Bodfish.
You didn't tell us exactly what use the knives will get, but I assume they will be used in hunting and fishing. 1085 and W1 will make excellent skinners and fillet knives, L-6 for tougher camp knives. The rust is a problem of most any non stainless steel. Unless you want to go to a stainless ,like CPM 154 or S30V ,I would stay right where you are with steels. A good hunting knife with an etched blade will be fine if cleaned and oiled after use. Make a "Knife Care" paper up and enclose it with each knife. It should tell how to properly sharpen, clean, oil, store,etc. a knife.
If you wanted to try a high end steel that will get super hard and sharp, try M4. It will rust, but boy will it take an edge and hold it.

Check out some knife shows and the big clubs in CA.
The Southern California Knife Club is a good start:
http://www.scblades.com/

Stacy
 
There is nothing wrong with your current steels. They are good steels. They may rust, but about anything other than talonite will rust if abused.

Do a good heat treat. Make sure your fit and finish are good. Then go for it.

The stainless steels mentioned are good steels, but stainless is a personal preference with buyers. Some like it, some don't. You might do nearly identical knives, one in stainless, one in W1 or L6 or O-1 and see which sells faster.

Good luck.

Gene
 
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