Spring steel

[Brad Lilly]

Hi
Since I got such a great amount of info from my other post I will ask another question. Standens manufactures leaf springs and a local dealer carries their stock in a variety of sizes. Dose anyone know if this steel is 5160?
Thanks Brad

 

[EdCaffreyMS]

15 years ago I would have said yes...but things are not what they used to be. Things have become so "tight" with manufacturing that many times materials will change from run to run. It's gotten to the point where most companies no longer specify a particular steel type to suppliers....they give the required specs/characteristics of the finished item, and use whatever material is the least expensive to obtain those specs.

That's one of the reasons that you hear so many of us recommending new steel.

 

[Brad Lilly]

Thanks Ed
I was looking at buying new material (raw stock) for a few hatchet heads and camp knives, ½ thick 5160 is hard to find around here. How would someone know for sure they were getting 5160? Only buy from knifemaking suppliers?
Brad