12-12-2017, 07:01 PM
files and rasps are usually high carbon steel similar to 1095 or W1. that said, most companies will not tell exactly what they are made of. Is it steel that would make a good blade? sure. Is it worth the effort, considering you might mess up on heat treat? not for me. there is plenty of good knife steel available that can be heat treated in a 1600F furnace. go to Alpha Knife Supply and look. https://www.alphaknifesupply.com/shop/pr...-materials a piece 1/8" x 1 1/2" x 12" of 8670 or 15N20 or 80CrV2 or 52100 will be less than $6. the same heat treat works on all four steels. Place in preheated 1500F furnace. remove after ten minutes. quench in 100F degree canola oil. put in freezer for 1/2 hour. wipe off any oil. 350F oven for an hour. rinse in cold water and scrub with green scotch brite pad. 325F for an hour. should give you Rc 62-64. I am amazed at how locals here go ga-ga over knives made of railroad spikes or horseshoes and turn up their noses at similar knives made of O1 or 80CrV2.