starting stock types?

[ScottA]

I am just getting my feet wet with the forge aspect of this craft and am very inspired and humbled by the artistry and depth of knowledge found here.
Besides older files, auto springs & saw blades I would also like to start with other steel materials that have already been used in a previous life and wondered what types will work well. Like an old hefty 8" long bolt I found on abandon farm land (circa 1960-ish)? , old tools (screw drivers,pliers, wrenches...circa 1950's)?

thanks!

[Ragnarok Forge]

When you branch out to far you find steels that either don't work well, or have to low of a carbon content to make a good knife.  Stick with materials that should be fairly uniform.  By the Machinery's Handbook on fleabay or amazon and it will tell you what a lot of scrap steels are and how to heat treat them.

[ScottA]

Thanks, that is sense-making info. I will plan to forge ahead with known entities.

[Scott Roush]

google the New Jersey Steel Baron.