Unlimited Supply of A8 Tool Steel w pics

[Ragnarok Forge]

So my father in law works at a wood mill where they have a chipper than can chip an entire log. He picked up a bunch of worn down blades for me. Simmonds Int. sells the blades.  After chatting with the rep they are either D2 or A8 tool steel.  I suspect they are A8 based on the conversation I had with Simmonds this morning.  After some research I found A8 makes good punches, chisels, stamps, and chopping tools like hatchets, tomahawks and camp chopper type knives.  

The first pic is of a 14 inch long 3/8 inch thick back up blade.  The second pic is of two different main blades that are over 1/2 inch thick. The long one is 30 inches long

 

 

After reading up on the specs, A8 is a deep hardening, air hardening steel.  I have an unlimited supply of the worn chipper blades if I want it.  I will have to have the blades cut down to forge able stock sizes.  I plan to do that through a local water jetting company.  This steel will also be a great reason to buy the kiln I have been drooling over.  I will need it to anneal and properly heat treat the steel.

Anyone here worked much with D2 or A8 Steels?  What do you think of them?  Is it worth the time and headache to process these huge chunks of steel down to bars that I can make various things out of.

[swp]

1) I wouldn't be standing there barefoot taking pics of the blade
2) NICE toenails! You paint those yourself????
3) You gonna make me a tomahawk outta that?

[OconeeDan]

I have worked with D2, no A8.  D2 is air hardening as well, it requires very high temps to harden it (1950F or so).

Your biggest problem is going to be annealing it.  
Hopefully, someone here can chime in on how to anneal large pieces of steel.  You won't like working it until it is annealed.
Dan

[Ragnarok Forge]

SWP

Those are the wifes toes.  No I don't paint them personally, she has that done at the pedicure shop.  I did mention to her that a 20 lb blade and bare feet while taking pics is a bad idea.
I will be making all sorts of tomahawks out of that steel, once I get an electric kiln so I can get it to harden properly.

OcaneeDan,  My forge is capable of welding steel so it gets plenty hot to work this steel.  What process are you using to anneal, normalize, and harden D2?  This will be an entirely new process for me so I am going to be on a learning curve with this steel.  Any help on process and method will be greatly appreciated.  I have the charts that cover the various phases of the steel.

[OconeeDan]

For D2, I can't remember, I have it written down and can't go get it right now.  But there are directions I think on Jantz site or others, do a search.
I do know I was wrapping in foil, 1950 F, can't remember how long, seems like it has a pretty good soak time.
Remove from oven and put between 2 slabs of steel, it'll cool pretty quickly.  Then temper, can't remember for sure, but I think about 400 for an hour, 3 times.
I do know that the steel will field dress several deer before needing a touch up.  And is more "stainless" than most other carbon steels.
Dan

[Ragnarok Forge]

OD,

I will dig around on the web tonight to see if I can find some directions for D2.  A8 has huge soak times hence the need for an electric kiln to work the steel properly.  Thanks for the tips.