where to find

[Jesse]

I know you use saw blades and lawn mower blades but if I want to make a larger knife from 3/16 to 1/4 stock what should I be looking for?  Lawnmower blades have too many holes in them.  Ideas?  I would rather reuse old steel than buy stock, thanks for all the great ideas I see, still trying to figure out to make a reasonable forge!

[Toecutter]

Might want to give leaf springs a try. I think it's 5160.  Good stuff for knives.

Nathan

[sticshooter]

I have a big saw blade 1/4" thick I have made a large Nessmuk knife from it already. Going to cut a few more large blades from it soon(when it warms up here just a little) How big of a knife you looking to make?<><

[Jeremy]

OCS steel is readily available and like Nate said, it's generally 5160.  Tough stuff that makes a nice blade; especially nice in large blades where they'll be taking lots of abuse.

OCS = Old Chevy Spring  :D

[Leftieshot]

This leaf spring steel... Do you have to anneal it before you work it?

[Jesse]

Hi Frank looking to make something with about a 7" blade and 5" handle.  With a 1 1/2 to 1/3/4 wide belly, made for chopping and hacking abuse want to pair up a normal size for skinning and cleaning.

I would think on leaf spring steel would definitely need to anneal huh?

thanks for the input!