Hi guys,
I've been poking around this site a little and I've learned a fair amount either through posts or links to the point I want to give making a blade a try.
Now, I've noticed most of the tutorials use a high carbon steel from old saw mill blades. I don't have any mills around me, but I do have saw blades, but mine are HSS (high speed steel) I think and not L6 or high carbon steel.
The carbon steel you guys have been using is mostly pure with a varying carbon rating. I've also seen high carbon steel from files used. I've also seen the sawmill blades labeled L6. Now I know all those steels vary somewhat.
HSS is a steel alloy comprising of iron and carbon like the other steels, but also varying amounts of chromium, tungsten, molybdenum, vanadium, cobalt, and silicone, which depends on the rating of the HSS (T1, M2, M7, M35, M42).
Now, comparing these steels, it seems the carbon content will fall anywhere from .03% to about 1.25% carbon by weight.
My question after all that info is simply this; how much does the tempering style change among those three types of steel (HC, L6, HSS)? If I'm wrong in the type of steel I have for the tempering process I use, what affect will that have on the final product? If I remember correctly, I'm aiming for a hardness of 45-65 (may be wrong). I know tempering affects the hardness based on the type of steel and temperature you bring it to before cooling. So if I'm wrong on the process for the steel, how much of a variation am I looking at or should I not worry as a rookie/amateur knife maker?
Also, just for reference, it will be a wood handle since its easiest for me right now, but Crash, I loved the homemade micarta tutorial.
Thanks guys. My apologies if this has been covered and I missed it or if its just a duh question, but I like to make things well when I make them.
Edit: Also, WOW! Some of the knives I've seen made by some of you guys are incredible. I hope I can reach that level (especially if I can sell a couple. God knows I could use the money).
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