Just asking---

[RkyMtn Joe]

Hey Folks---

I have seen some photos etc. from guys who built small tomahawks from railroad spikes.  I have some questions.

First:  I am never sure how large those tomahawks are---how do they compare in size to one of Ron LaClair's "hawks"?  A spike is not really very large.

Secondly, is the metal in a spike of any real value when it comes to making a knife for example?  And what about other RR hardware?  Like some of their 7 inch long by 1 inch diameter bolts?  

I live close to a railroad and can walk 100 yards along any stretch of it and find several pounds of steel lying in the gravel or alongside the tracks---I'll wager there are millions---yes SEVERAL MILLION tons of steel RR workers have discarded or lost along the railroads.  

If that stuff is any good, I'd be interested in knowing before I start trying to use them to make knives/hawks etc.

You guys who actually do this stuff---tell me, is that metal any good?

[Ragnarok Forge]

RR spikes are either 1030 / 1035 or 1040 / 1045 steel.  The harder steel spikes have an HC on the head.  They make a nice throwing hawk and an ok knife.  They don't hold an edge particularly well.  The rail road clips are generally 1060/1065, which makes good knives and will take a hamon.  You had better have some serious arms or a press / air hammer if you plan to work rail road clips.  They are thick and tough.  I am not sure what the bolt steel is you could probably research that on the web.  

One important point to think about is that most RR tracks are in an easement or on RR property.  It is illegal to collect cast off steel along most tracks anywhere in the US so check you local regs before you go scrap hunting.  All the local rails are posted no trespassing in my neck of the woods.

[RkyMtn Joe]

I hadn't thought of that---stuff thrown on the side of the tracks just seemed like fair game to me.  

I have watched them work---they sure as heck don't pick up scrap/throwaway material and use it---they just pull it off the repair unit they are with and discard the old stuff.

Good points though and thanks for making me more aware.  I'll investigate further.

Joe

[Wampus]

Those track anchors that look kind of like a big hook made out of square bar have about 0.5% carbon. Should be good for a big chopping knife.  Most spikes are a good bit lower than that and probably wouldn't hold an edge very long in a knife.  Spike knives sure look neat though.

[KHALVERSON]

joe
most of the high carbon spikes do make fair  tomahawks just not great ones
i have some buddys that use them on there trap lines and really like them
not alot of weight to lug around and they get the job done
when ever i make a couple they dont stay around here long
kevin