Utility\fighter blade

[Netpackrat]

The world turned upside down... A bladesmith in Spain having to import steel from the Americas....

There isn't really better quality steel than what the US and specifically CPM puts out in the world. There are a few steel makers in Seki City Japan that you can call equals to close equals, but today usually all the innovative super steels and traditional blanks of 1095, 5160, and D2 are generally all from America.

I was speaking historically.

[HTRN]

Or you can do it on the cheap. I picked up some good quality but worn German- and Swiss-made files for peanuts at a fleamarket in Bavaria last week. I think they will make excellent organ donors for some very amateur knifemaking.

That works, but be warned, a fair number of files are basically just 1095, which is good steel, but isn't like D2, 154CM, etc..

And oh, speaking of files, Nicholsen has moved production to China, so I can no longer reccommend their files. I now suggest Grobet(which were always better than Nicholsen, but they're also pricier). Since I won't pay first world prices for a product made in the third world..

[Netpackrat]

And oh, speaking of files, Nicholsen has moved production to China, so I can no longer reccommend their files. I now suggest Grobet(which were always better than Nicholsen, but they're also pricier). Since I won't pay first world prices for a product made in the third world..

That's good to know, thanks.

[Highspeed]

That works, but be warned, a fair number of files are basically just 1095, which is good steel, but isn't like D2, 154CM, etc..

I wonder how the European bladesmiths of a thousand years ago managed to produce swords that were battle tested and could cut a mans legs from under him without 154CM and CNC machines ?

[HTRN]

I know, I know. I'm spoiled.

[Weetabix]

Files are good Denis, but test the steel first so you don't screw it up at the heat treat stage.

#1) Get a little test piece red hot

{snip}

#4) Have Fun !

HS - have you ever posted a primer for the amateur wannabe knife maker?

If not, are you willing?

[Highspeed]

No, and Yes

I think I should sub title it " How to avoid making the same mistakes I did " though

[Weetabix]

Waiting patiently, but eagerly.

[HTRN]

There isn't really better quality steel than what the US and specifically CPM puts out in the world.

When big steel took it in the shorts in the 60s/70s, much of the US steel industry changed it's focus from basic refinement(IE ore into iron) to specialty products, because profits were higher. Carpenter for instance, is probably the leading producer of Stainless alloys in the world, producing both standard stainless alloys, and exotic proprietaries, like their "Custom 465" that Ruger uses for cylinders in their Casull Super Redhawks.

I think I should sub title it " How to avoid making the same mistakes I did " though

But mistakes are how we learn.. "Okay, we don't push this button when the machine is running. It makes it crash".

[Darrell]

Very nice, HS.