What steel to use first?

N

nailcreek

Joined
Sep 21, 2003
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I'm going to try making a knife (first one), using the stock removal method. What I would like to know is what steel should I get ahold of .. I've read that car springs are good, what about that steel you can buy at the hardware store?

Suggestions please?

nailcreek@hotmail.com
 
If your going local most car leaf and coil springs are 5160. You could get a good leaf spring (Honda or such) for a few dollars at a scrap yard and stock removal several blades from it. I'd prefer forging it but, it will still make a great blade. Just have to straighten the spring. You can do that with a torch, though.
 
Don't forget if you use car leaf spring you will need to anneal it (soften it) to file it, or cut it.

Leaf spring steel is quite cheap to by new. I bought a 6m (18 feet)length.from the local metal supplier $35 Lots of knives in that.

when I forge I get it from the tip for free or a couple of dollars
for a set.

I have also got some steel from the local spring maker I just got 1 knife sized piece from the factory . The guy gave it to me. I had offered to pay but it was not worth the paper work.

Good luck.
 
I would recommend buying new steel. Either 1080, 1084 or 1095. Good starter steels or old pro favorites. A good choice I feel. Just try nailing the 10xx first in my opinion.

The steel at the hardware store is usually mild steel (both hot and cold rolled), which would not be appropriate. Low carbon.
 
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