carving knives

S

scroller99

Guest
I was trying to make a couple of minature carving blades. I was reading in the carving book that the guy used a common nails to make his. I heated the nail and shaped on my anvil, filed and then tried to harden, heated to a red bright red and quenched in oil three seperate times which was what the author suggested. they are still soft, and didn't harden as I thought they should? should I have used mason nails? Any help for a newbe would be appreciated. thanks
 
As far as I know common nails will not heat treat or get hard.

I dont know about every nail but I dont think any nail or screw will harden.

Maybe some of the pros will chime in!!
 
You can buy W1 Drill rod at most machine shop and industrial 'fastener suppliers.
The small sizes are dirt cheap.

If not that, then try finding some black Grade 8 Screws (Bolts)
 
Masonry nails or cut-nails will harden, but you would probably be better off just using drill rod so you don't have to wonder.
 
Thanks, now I have something to work with. I guess even though its printed in a book it can still be wrong thanks again H
 
Back
Top