Hi, metalwork teacher here, I have been permitted for a few years now to make knives in class. I was using an old bandsaw blade from a closed down sawmill for all my knives, I don't know what it was, but it was easy to work with and heat treat. I have run out and that source has dried up. My budget is pretty low, so buying blade stock is expensive and I see quantities are limited in many places. I am looking for ideas on where I might be able to get flat stock to recycle into blades. I have used chainsaw bars before but they make a pretty thick knife and I only have two belt grinders so I can't tie them up for long periods having students grind them thinner. My blade smith unit has always been simple, minimalist to give them a taste of that artform. I don't really have the ability for them to forge them out of bearings and that kind of thing either. and circular saw blades are pretty thin. Any suggestions on things out there in this world that come in or around 1/8"-3/16" in flat form I could recycle into knives?
The best option in my opinion would be old files. The older typically the better as there's less likelihood they could be crappy case hardened steel and are usually made from something similar to 1095. Car leaf springs are also an option you might be able to get from a scrapyard. You want them to be 5160, and a lot are, although not always. It's never something I've looked into so I'm not sure how likely they are to be 5160.
I would look for large bandsaw blades from large wood mills. The blades are usually 15n20 and very easy to harden. They are not thick blades but make great paring and small hunting knives. Not lots of grinding either.
@kmcghee I am not sure if the ‘forge,’ crowd will agree with me, but mystery or recycled steel in my opinion is folly, made more popular by a certain TV show. Just a few years ago we had maybe two choices up here in Canada for steel between your local Metal Supermarkets and Rob at knifemaker.ca Now we are spoilt for choice. For instance Maritime Knife Supply has 1084 1/8 x 2” x 4ft is $48 bucks 1075 3/16 x 1.5” x. 5ft bar is only $44 I think you’d spend $50 in gas rounding up scrap. Just my 2 cents (no sense lol) Griff
Thanks, I am out of files unfortunately. I can get all the leaf springs I want from the local auto place, and hell you should see the 1" and 2" thick springs I can get from the local logging company from their fat trucks. But I want to try and find a cheap source for intro knife making for beginners that require less work and commitment than leaf springs require.
I agree with you on all accounts but I don't really have the budget for buying material, its the rock and the hard place I get put in, create an engaging program, but don't spend anything on it.
Not sure where you live but I’d google to find the next nearest mill. They literally throw tons of these blades away. When I was making Damascus I had a friend that frequented these type mills and brought me hundreds and hundreds of pounds. Just need to research new mill source and I’m sure you will get what you need. where are you located? Jim
I agree totally and like to source known steel. I’ve been buying steel from the USA for 20+ years. Admiral and New Jersey Steel Baron have been great places to buy from. Much cheaper as well. I do understand that without much of a budget you won’t be buying much great knife steel with known properties. That’s why I recommend large bandsaw blades used at large wood mills. Most of this steal is 15n20 from Uddleholm. I’ve used hundreds of pounds of it. Mostly for Damascus and some for filleting knives, paring knives and small hunters. The mills usually give it away (I built and gave knives to the fellows that gave me the steel over the years). Just need to find the mills closest to you Jim.
The closest mill is about 500 km away, and I know they give their blades to the surrounding schools and I do not like tapping into another schools resource so that's a no go for me sadly.
The mills I got my blades from had 1000's of pounds of blades. These blades were 8"- 9" wide by 30'+ long. They even sheared it into 4' lengths so it was easy to man handle. I don't think schools would be able to use that much steel for kn life making. I really don't think you would be limiting the other schools of the supply they require.
I'm with Griff. Buying actually known material will always be better. Maybe reach out to one of the suppliers and see if they can get you a deal. A 1 foot by 2-inch bar could probably fit 6 little puukko knives or something similar. thompsonmetals.ca might be a good one to reach out to since they seem to offer more in the bulk department. Also the following: Knifemakerdirect.ca Maritimeknifesupply.ca Knifemaker.ca
I agree that buying known steel is the best. However this fellow is telling us that there is no budget for buying new knife steel. If we could put our heads together and once we know where he is located and then maybe one of us could possibly source the bandsaw blades or other similar material that he’s looking for. I think it’s great that he’s able to teach young fellows how to build a knife in school.
If you can find some old spring harrows, they make good knives. 2” wide and 1/4” thick. Just straighten in forge
A couple years ago I had a guy who wanted un ulu. He was going to trade a whack of antler for it. I didn't have any sheet AEBL and I couldn't cross the boarder to pick up my order because of covid. He asked if I had anything. I sparked tested some old circular saw blades I had lying around. The old school kind without carbide. Then heated treated some coupons and got hardness about 63 from what I remember. I was able to cut the blade out with a bandsaw but once hardened it turned out surprisingly well. Its the only time I have used unknown metal but I may be another option.
