Introduction
If you are passionate about forging and blacksmithing hobbies, sourcing suitable materials is essential. High carbon steel is particularly favored for crafting blades, tools, and other durable items in your workshop. In this comprehensive guide, I will explore various sources and what to look for when hunting for high-quality steel, ensuring you get the most out of your efforts.
Table of Contents
- General Guidelines
- Automotive Scrap
- Lumberyard Materials
- Railroad Steel Sources
- Old and Used Tools
- Working with Unknown Steel Alloys
General Guidelines for Identifying High Carbon Steel
Before diving into specific locations, it’s important to establish some foundational knowledge for recognizing high carbon steels. Here are some key tips:
- Coatings and Platings: High carbon steels are usually free of galvanization, zinc coatings, or other surface treatments. If a steel piece is heavily coated or plated, it’s typically low carbon steel or alloyed material.
- Application Clues: Observe the current use of the material. Items like cutting blades, shearing tools, or hardened shafts are often made of high or medium carbon steels, designed for durability and edge retention.
- Hardness Testing: A simple yet effective method is to perform a file test. If a steel file skates off or shows minimal wear, the steel is likely hardened or high carbon. For precise measurement, consider investing in a portable hardness tester, which can give you reliable readings on-site.
These guidelines help you filter out unsuitable materials early, saving time and effort. Now, let’s explore specific sources where high carbon steel can be found.
Vehicles and Automotive Parts
Automotive scrap yards are treasure troves for high carbon steels. With permission, you can access a variety of components that are often made from resilient steels designed to withstand stress and impact.
- Coil Springs: Typically manufactured from 5160 or similar spring steels, coil springs are excellent for forging projects requiring high toughness. They are suitable for making large knives, punches, or forging tools like mandrels and chisels. Exercise caution when removing springs, as they are under significant tension and can be dangerous if released improperly.
- Leaf Springs: Flat, curved steel strips from truck suspensions are ideal due to their shape and composition. They often contain medium to high carbon steel, making them great starting material for blades or tools. Inspect for cracks or fatigue before repurposing.
- Sway Bars and Stabilizers: These components are made from spring steel alloys and can be reshaped into useful tools or knife blades.
- Steering Shafts and Axles: While some are made from medium carbon steels, older parts may contain high carbon alloy steels suitable for certain projects. Always verify with a hardness test.
Lumberyard Materials and Waste
Forestry operations and lumber mills often discard or repurpose steel components that can be repurposed for blades and tools.
- Chains and Chain Links: Heavy-duty chains are frequently made of high carbon steels optimized for strength and wear resistance. Carefully examine and test sections with a file or hardness tester to confirm suitability.
- Chain Saw Blades: Though challenging to reshape due to their design, these blades are made from high-quality steel. They can be used to craft Damascus steel or other specialty blades, but working with their curved shape can be complex.
- Old Bearings: Steel balls and races from industrial bearings are crafted from high-grade bearing steels, making them excellent for making resilient blades or other tools.
Railroad Steel and Track Components
Rail yards are excellent sources of durable metals, primarily medium to high carbon steels. Be aware of the types of components available:
- Rail Tracks: Steel rails are made from high-quality steel and are extremely tough. They harden further with hammering, making them ideal for anvils or forging hammers. Use caution when cutting or shaping, as the material is very dense and tough.
- Rail Spikes: These spikes are often used for knife making due to their striking appearance. Though typically medium carbon, they can be reshaped into blades or other tools with proper heat treatment. Refer to detailed guides for working with these materials.
Old Tools and Hand Tools
One of the richest sources of high carbon steels is old, well-used tools. These are designed specifically for durability and edge retention.
- Chisels and Gouges: Often made from high carbon steel like 1095, these tools can be repurposed into blades or punches. Examine for cracks or excessive wear before using.
- Old Files: Many vintage files are made from high carbon steels, perfect for knife making or other blades. Newer files may be softer, so verify with a hardness test.
- Hammers and Mallets: Especially those with steel heads, are great for forging and shaping. Inspect for cracks and hardness; they are often made from high carbon or alloy steels.
- Wrenches and Spanners: Generally made from alloy steels not suitable for high hardness applications. However, some older or thicker wrenches might be worth testing for potential use.
My top recommendations for scrap steel sources are large leaf springs, old hammers, and bearing steel components, as they tend to provide consistent and reliable material for forging.
Working with Unknown or Scrap Steel
When sourcing steel from unknown origins, there is an inherent risk—material composition and heat treatment history are often unknown. This can pose challenges during forging and heat treatment processes.
To mitigate this, always perform a hardness test using a reliable file set or a portable tester. This helps you determine the approximate hardness and suitability for your project. Keep in mind that forging with unknown steels requires patience and experimentation; expect multiple attempts to achieve the desired results.
Remember, the world is filled with discarded steel components that, if properly processed, can be transformed into beautiful, functional tools and blades. Recycling scrap steel not only saves money but also contributes to sustainable practices, making your projects more rewarding.