saw steel

T

tmr

Well-Known Member
A couple of thoughts about using saw steel.......a few years ago a whole bunch of very large sawmills in our town all closed down because of a down turn in the markets......a good friend of mine who owns the largest saw shop in central canada went to the close out auctions and bought all the saw related inventory......after going thru all this inventory he called me and offered me all of the obsolete inventory for my forge .....It was all new still wrapped in the box saw blades between 20 and 25 in diameter.....1/8 to 3/16 in thick......two huge stacked pallets over a ton each....I have literally made hundreds of knives using this material by itself or in my damascus.....I have given all of the students at my bladesmithing classes all the steel they needed....the performance of the knives has been great either used by itself or in damascus mixed with 15n20 saw steel from the huge bandsaw blades he also gave me....I have read so many negative things about using this material that I thought I should chime in here a little .....I have torture tested and destructive tested this material for years and I find it to make great performing knives....just a little info I thought I would share
 
A friend of mine gave me half of a 24" saw blade it was heavily rusted and pitted. I made a Tactical Tomahawk for a Bounty Hunter friend of mine. The thing is brutal and the rust pits gave it an awesome texture and interesting look! I tested this thing on trees 2x4s an old door etc.. not a mark on it! I was worried about the spike, but no issues?
 

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With almost 2 tons of steel it might be worthwhile to have it tested to see the composition. I've heard it's not that expensive, but I wouldn't have a clue where to send or cost.

I understand you've got the HT down pat, but sometimes it might be nice to know?

Congrats on the steel.
 
I live in the saw mill capital of WV. I've used a ton in my early days. To be honest it's hit or MISS. I like most now days people would rather use my time and materials with a known steel. You mileage may vary. But it's true the steel is the cheapest comportment of knife making. Whatever blows your hair back.
 
Coop, I'm with you. In my early days I used "mystery" steel with good success.... except when it wasn't. In this case the OP has a couple tons of what should be the same "new" steel. That's why I thought it might be worthwhile to have it tested to see exactly what steel it is.
 
KenH said:
With almost 2 tons of steel it might be worthwhile to have it tested to see the composition. I've heard it's not that expensive, but I wouldn't have a clue where to send or cost.

I understand you've got the HT down pat, but sometimes it might be nice to know?

Congrats on the steel.
Click to expand...
I agree with this, materials are pretty cheap, unless of course your using Mammoth or insane handle material!
 
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