first knife supplies what kinda scrap should i use?

[GHEzell]

The problem with rebar is there is no consistency to the quality of the steel. Just because you managed to make a decent knife out of one piece does not mean the next piece you try will even harden. Rebar is held to some of the lowest tolerances in the steel industry. I understand that some of the larger files and rasps are case hardened, but most are simply high-carbon steel (.9%+), and therefore can be made into good knives. Springs can be made from any number of different steel grades, but any steel that will make a decent spring will also make a decent knife. Just watch for damage from it's previous life as a spring coming back to haunt you, as it may have become scrap for a reason.

Basically, any tool that requires a durable edge can be re-made into a servicable knife. Finding the best heat-treatment, now, that can take quite a bit of experimentation.

[lilzee]

hey i was wondering....
would bolts work at all?
like i said my dad tears apart old trucks so he's got quite a few big ol' bolts layin around.
would these be high carbon or low or pearlite or martensite or what?

thanks so much for the info guys.

[Ed Schempp]

Besides leaf springs, I have hi speed roller chain,(5160) harvester chain from large hydraulic chain saws for clearing brush along road ways(L-6 or 15N 20). Chainsaw chains and chain saw bars are fairly good L-6 or 15N-20. I have old cable that has fair Carbon determined from a test quench. Wrist pins and ball bearings are a good source of 52100. Drill steel is probably S-7. Most of the 15N-20 in the neighborhood is from recycled timber band saw blades. Steering linkage and rock shafts from tractors is probably 5160. Bailer forks and tines are probably 1084-1095. When in doubt do a test forge and quench then check with a file or break the material. Many planer blades are D-2. A Rockwell test would be good.

I've made simple knives that I have given to supervisors or owners of different buisnesses. This gives me access to almost unlimited supplies. This also helps find new friends...Take Care...Ed

[DragonScale]

...snip...will the rust really matter?...snip...

I shouldn't think a bit of surface rust would be a problem, you'll be getting scale anyway.

One thing you definately want to stay clear of is galvanised metal. Heavy metal fever is a killer.

Have fun

DS