steel vs steel.

[Axes bows n knives]

Hey guys I have read alot about tool steels and stainless steels for knife making recently and would like to know which steel you guys think is the best for a handmade knife as a general hunting/bushcraft knife with about a 3-5 inch blade. Also what is the best way to temper this steel.

[TheBigRedArcher]

I am partial to D2 myself. Holds a good edge.

TBRA

[Lin Rhea]

Are you planning on making the knife yourself?

Doing your own heat treat etc.?

[Axes bows n knives]

Yes I was planning on making it myself

[Lin Rhea]

I've seen some pretty nice knives made from spring steel or from US made files. It all depends on the effort you put in. These types of steels are commonly called "simple" steels, because they have relatively few alloys and they are comparitively simple to manipulate. I outlined a few steps of heat treating in the thread "Thoughts on Heat Treating". I'd be glad to offer my help if you need it.

 Thought on Heat Treating a Blade

[Scott Roush]

Get your hands on some 1084. Extremely easy to harden with primitive equipment and is tough as heck. Contact the New Jersey Steel Baron and buy a bar. You won't be sad.