Has anyone ever used mild steel bar stock like what you can get at the hardware store and if so how is it?

Mild Steel is not good for a blade. It's usually 1018 which does not have enough carbon.

If you have a Fastenal store in your are, they usually carry drill rod which is O1. This makes a great blade, but has a very particular heat treat, which can be difficult for a new maker.

  A cultivator spring, harrow point, old saw blade, etc. makes good knife steel.
                                    Lin

lin do you think that the mild steel is not durable enough or it will not take an edge?  I usually use 01 steel bet ran out and was bored and found some mild bar stock and made a few knifes.  I hope that my steel order gets here soon.

Dave,
      Mild steel just wont hold an edge. I would hate to see your efforts go into something you wont be happy with. I would try to find some high carbon "junkyard" steel and recycle it.

                                    Lin