Thread: An experiment in steel

Nice reading this thread, I've just come accross it and have been going down the same route for past few months on and off. I'm using 1084 though.
I to am determined to use the least amount and cheapest of equipment.
Not fired my blank yet, I plan to use canola oil as quenchant. From what I've read about gauging temp by eye it's advised to quench piece when the cherry red glow reappears after the shadows. I don't know for sure but I thought 01 liked a little soak time?? must watch temperature though as grain growth could result.

Rule of thumb simple forge = simple steel.
Nice thread.
Deckard

Just out of curiosity guys, how thick is a nickel?, Brits wouldn't know.
I to am learning as this is my first. I've left on about 0.040", I fear it may be to thin

Deckard

A nickle is one of the thickest American coins, not sure of size...
But on my second razor I had the edge almost to a cutting edge and it took the heat treatment just fine.
You can use almost any coin for your example, just remember that you lose some metal in your heat treat, and if there is any warpage you will need a little extra to grind it away.

Thanks for posting your project - great to see all the steps along the way. Also like how you've tried to keep everything basic - equipment wise. Like your blades btw!

Also great to see feedback provided by everyone.

I'm planning on having a go at razor making myself sometime.

All the best,
Michael.

Originally Posted by Deckard

Just out of curiosity guys, how thick is a nickel?, Brits wouldn't know.
I to am learning as this is my first. I've left on about 0.040", I fear it may be to thin

Deckard

A nickel is about 1.5mm (I googled it).

Originally Posted by Deckard

Just out of curiosity guys, how thick is a nickel?, Brits wouldn't know.
I to am learning as this is my first. I've left on about 0.040", I fear it may be to thin

Deckard

The United States Mint Coin Specifications

The five cent coin (nickel) is 1.95 mm thick.

There are exactly: 2.54 cm/1 inch.

And remember, don't take any wooden nickels!

Originally Posted by niftyshaving

The United States Mint Coin Specifications

The five cent coin (nickel) is 1.95 mm thick.

There are exactly: 2.54 cm/1 inch.

Oops! That's correct. Thanks! I googled it and then promptly wrote the wrong value! <headslap> I'm not to be trusted with numbers. I call it the left-handed math.

Blade #1 polished nice and shiny, blade #2 in process...
I've had really good luck using a wet piece of papertowel to keep the heat down while grinding...
I am not taking these to a true mirror finish, but they are going to be close.

Also I tried using wax and warm vinegar to etch the O-1, it doesn't work very well...
no mark on these two, I need to look into making a stamp.


Do you guys want pictures of the scales as they come along?
I've made quite a few scales so there isn't any experimentation left until it comes time to hone and test them...

Do we want more pictures? Stupid question.