What metal do you prefer for a forge welded bit?

Kentucky

Kentucky

Joined
Dec 13, 2008
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We are doing more and more forge welded hawks. Folks like the traditional look and feel I guess (I know I do:D)
In the past we have used 1095,5160,damascus,cable damascus and W-1 tool steel. We also used a lot of files. Espically old "Black Diamonds" Its basically 1095 or W-1 which specs out with added carbon. About 1.22%. Hard stuff, has to be drawn way back. Looks cool when you leave the teeth on and etch it.
Just bought a small bar of 1084fg to try as well. If you could pick what metal would you like for a forge welded bit? In your hawks and small axes?
 
I think any hard carbon steel would do. As long as it preforms well, I'd use it. Seriously I don't baby my axes or hawks no matter how much I spent on them unlike my knives. A hawk is more of a tool to me than a knife (least I use/abuse them more)
 
I have no preference just what ever carbon steel i have laying around that are to small for a knife and big enough for a bit.

Bob
 
I kinda thought most folks wouldent care but I was curious what the guys that do care like. CPL, Ive been trying to find 5160 in square stock form. Ive found it in flat bar of course but would like to find it a bit thicker than I have. Since Lisa has taken over the forge she likes to make everything heavy duty :D Which is a good thing I guess ;)
 
I think anyone would be willing to its just kinda hard to find in large form. I might be able to point you to a maker who makes some hawk heads totally in 5160. I think they run about $100+ just for the head though
 
Kentucky What do you think is the best steel for the bit? You seem to have used more than anyone here!
 
Well, I suppose in my humble opinion W-1. Though I have to say all that I have tried have worked fine. 5160 works well too. A lot of the old file steel like black diamond is almost identicle to W-1. W-1 just seems to do well for me. Tough, sharpens easily and holds an edge well..I do have high hopes for Aldo's 1084fg that every raves about. Im gonna give it a try just for fun.
 
I like the 10XX plain carbon steels. I just seem to have better luck with them. But I have used just about every thing from coil springs,leaf springs and any other thing that might be around the shop.
 
Craig Barr uses 5160 for the whole head. I heard somewhere that he wont do custom work. not first hand info. just hearsay.
 
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