mild steel

[dave hiltz]

Has anyone ever used mild steel bar stock like what you can get at the hardware store and if so how is it?

[Lin Rhea]

Mild Steel is not good for a blade. It's usually 1018 which does not have enough carbon.

 If you have a Fastenal store in your are, they usually carry drill rod which is O1. This makes a great blade, but has a very particular heat treat, which can be difficult for a new maker.

   A cultivator spring, harrow point, old saw blade, etc. makes good knife steel.
                                     Lin

[dave hiltz]

lin do you think that the mild steel is not durable enough or it will not take an edge?  I usually use 01 steel bet ran out and was bored and found some mild bar stock and made a few knifes.  I hope that my steel order gets here soon.

[Lin Rhea]

Dave,
       Mild steel just wont hold an edge. I would hate to see your efforts go into something you wont be happy with. I would try to find some high carbon "junkyard" steel and recycle it.

                                     Lin