Would this steel be OK for sword?

[gamecockfan04]

I have access to a mobile home "hitch/tongue" and I'm curious if anyone knows what kind of steel it is and if it'd be a good steel to use as I'd like to try my 2nd attempt at a sword build.
(like in the pic)

Thanks!

 

[Lorien]

that's a lot of good material to practice grinding and handle and guard building, but my guess is that's probably mild steel

 

[DevinT]

Not enough carbon or alloy to make a good sword.

Hoss

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

I agree, won't work for knives and swords. You want at least .50% carbon for a sword. .70% -.80% is just about perfect.

 

[gamecockfan04]

Thanks for the replies. What's a good scrap metal that I could look out for to use?

 

[Natlek]

Thanks for the replies. What's a good scrap metal that I could look out for to use?

leaf springs

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

If you fill out your profile, you may not even have to use scrap steel. People here often pass along excess steel.

Leaf springs will work for a sword. but there is always the concern over micro-cracks. It isn't a big concern in most cases. The problem is getting a long enough piece with no holes.
If you go by a custom spring shop, they may give you a piece of 5160 or similar steel (or sell it to you very cheap)

If you have the forging skills, O-1 or W-1/W-2 round rod from a place like Fastenal works well. It is pretty cheap.