- Joined
- Nov 2, 2005
- Messages
- 7
I like making knives out of old files, I understand they are w2 steel. can I use oil and not water to harden?
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what type of oil
- Thread starter Jim R. Glines
- Start date
I may be all wrong on this, but........
My understanding about old files is that the steels used in them can vary widely. Some cam make excellent knives, others not. Basically mystery steel.
When I make a knife I want (need) to know exactly what kind of steel I'm working with so that the end results will be predictable and repeatable.
Jmho.
-Mike-
My understanding about old files is that the steels used in them can vary widely. Some cam make excellent knives, others not. Basically mystery steel.
When I make a knife I want (need) to know exactly what kind of steel I'm working with so that the end results will be predictable and repeatable.
Jmho.
-Mike-
- Joined
- Jun 28, 2005
- Messages
- 206
old files generally fall into one of two categories: high-carbon and case hardened. If it's high-carbon, it'll work and can be hardened in oil. I use used cooking oil. If it's case hardened, it likely is no good for a knife but may be used for something else. I haven't got a good way to tell the difference.