Why no mild steel?

W

wordsmith

Joined
Apr 17, 2009
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116
I see all kinds of things used for bolsters and guards and pins from brass, nickel silver, and copper to aluminum and wrought iron. I never see mild steel, even though it is workable, durable, available, and can look nice. It doesn't rust more readily than wrought iron or discolor any more than tarnished brass. It can even etch to a nice gray. What's the deal, or is there one?
 
wordsmith said:
I see all kinds of things used for bolsters and guards and pins from brass, nickel silver, and copper to aluminum and wrought iron. I never see mild steel, even though it is workable, durable, available, and can look nice. It doesn't rust more readily than wrought iron or discolor any more than tarnished brass. It can even etch to a nice gray. What's the deal, or is there one?
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I use it. Never had a problem.

-d
 
I don't know about others but I have used it. I have one on the bench right now with a mild steel guard.

Here is one with a mild steel guard that was etched with FC.

SDS

048.jpg
 
Well alright then! I guess that settles that. I'm interested to see pictures of others' mild steel usage in knifemaking, just for grins and inspiration, and in any discussion of pros/cons.
 
Here ya go. Mild steel guard and spacers. Engraved and French Grayed with my secret formula, diluted oxpho cold blue. The pommel matches and is also mild steel aka 1018

100_2846_edited.jpg
 
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For that matter, I'm about to forge about 100lbs of 1018 and nickel into damascus for a customer....

-d
 
Farmer Phil said:
That cowboy fella (hording more 5160 than you could possibly imagine) uses it a fair bit. He does a lot of hot blueing of it. Lets see what's his name....?

Oh ya, Karl Anderson of Anderson Forge.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=636949
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=634094
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=630812
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=642201
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Guess I have been known to use some.
Don't forget the Anders"e"n Forge!

did3-1.jpg
 
Wordsmith,
Thanks for bringing a great topic to light ! I've been thinking about material for a hidden tang knife and was really considering the use of mild steel. As I now see I'll be in darn good company making this choice so I guess I'll go for it !

Am I crazy, or is this a prime example that the cost of materials means very little to the value of the end product and that craftsmanship is THE thing that adds value.

-Josh
 
Rob, that's a nice lookin' bowie!

The guard & pommel of this one are mild steel.

hilt1gh1.jpg


Couple more pictures here if you're interested.
 
wordsmith,

I'm a newer maker with a few knives under my belt. I don't have a lot of extra cash for nice furniture, (Nickel Silver, Damascus, Wrought Iron and such) so I use whatever I can get my hands on. I picked up some mild steel (1018) from MSC , 36" for around $18.00 and used a little on my first attempt at a fighting knife. I use a lot of Copper & Brass.....though I've heard the Brass is not in fashion at this time.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=651122
 
I am working on nitre bluing mild steel for bolsters as we speak... I just do not have the equipment to get the salts to the temp I need for the depth of blue I want.
 
gixxer said:
I am working on nitre bluing mild steel for bolsters as we speak... I just do not have the equipment to get the salts to the temp I need for the depth of blue I want.
Click to expand...

You could use a propane Coleman campstove. Cheap and works good.
 
Josh Dabney said:
Am I crazy, or is this a prime example that the cost of materials means very little to the value of the end product and that craftsmanship is THE thing that adds value.

-Josh
Click to expand...

You're not crazy. Maybe a little weird, but not crazy. :D

I've used mild steel for guards and cold-blued some and patina'd others with vinegar or mustard; I want to learn to do hot-bluing for a more durable finish and case-hardening just because it looks so darn cool.

Just inform your customers that it needs to be kept fairly clean and dry, just like a carbon-steel blade.

Sorry for the topic-drift, but...
bobbywett said:
I use a lot of Copper & Brass.....though I've heard the Brass is not in fashion at this time.
Click to expand...

I don't personally care for the look of brass, but my main complaint about it is that no matter how nicely I finish it, it seems to get dull and nasty-looking very easily. I suppose it could be protected with Ren wax but not a lot of users/customers keep that on hand. Is there a better way? Would it make sense to coat it with super-glue or something to keep it nice and shiny?

I love the look of copper but haven't worked with it yet. Any tips on finishing copper and keeping it looking pretty? I make working knives, not safe-queens.
 
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