What steel did William Scagel use?

[flatgrinder]

Anyone know what steel William Scagel used for his knives? I remember reading somewhere that it was German "Silversteel" ... or was that someone else??

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

According to Dr. Lucie, Bill used "silver Steel" ,which is a European term for high carbon steel. Sort of like our old 3X plow share steel. It was similar to 1095.
Here is an analysis:
Silver Steel BS1407 Chemical Composition
Analysis Range (%) Typical Analysis (%)
C .95/1.25 1.13
Si .40 max. .22
Mn .25 / .45 .37
P .045 max .014
S .045 max. .018
Cr. .35 / .45 .43


Stacy

 

[steelshaper]

I am no expert but in an article in Knives 97 Jim Lucie says that Scagel used several types of steel from several souces. He even used air hardening steel, but mostly oil hardening. Some are as follows: Jesops bar stock, Ryerson steel Company, SKF steel, and Timpken roller ball bearings. He also used some leaf springs but not usually. Jim makes note of the fact that Mr Scagel was making knives through the war and had to use what he could get. At that time steel was being used for the war more than anything.

I am sorry I cant be of any more help I wish I knew more on the subject. I certainly hope others chime in.