I've had my eye looking for one of these for years.And the other day i was given a 56in blade from an old mill.I've never tryed a piece of one for a knife.I know some of you use these old blades,are they good for a knife?This one is very old.Its not rusted up at all.The fellow that gave it to me,always kept grease rubbed on.it.I have no idea what kind of steel it is.Thank You!

Probably L-6 steel, if so very good knife steel!
You could use an angle grinder to cut blanks, anneal then layout and profile.  A quick test would be to take a piece and heat to non magnitic, quench in water then let the edge hang over the anvil edge or the vice and tap it with a hammer, if it snaps easly it's high carbon steel.  Also look at the grain it should be silky smooth.

Steve
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Potomac Forge

Steve i thank you.Think i'll give it a try.I'll let ya know how it works out.

How thick is it?<><

Frank its a tad over 1/8 in.

yeah thats gonna be great steel. <><

Stic thanks buddy!