[TheForge] Re: Steel question

[Andrew Vida]

Mike wrote:
>> L6 was traditionally used in large saw blades, where contacting a
>> knot and being shocked was likely.  Very tough stuff, a bit red-hard
>> under the hammer.  Makes a good blade in bowies, camp knives etc.
> 
> The old guy I got my Jardine 25# from made butcher knives -- very
> wide, hefty ones used for real butchering -- from band saw blades,
> several inches wide, that he got from a contact at a big
> industrial-scale sawmill.  He didn't forge them, just cut them out,
> sharpened and polished them and put slab grips on.  Claimed they were
> best quality knives.  He'd been making knives for butchers and
> fishermen for decades so he should have known.
> 
> I have a blank he cut out.  One of these times I'll finish it to his
> shape and see what I have.

	I would imagine that this method should make an excellent blade.  The 
HT is already there and probably perfect for a "kitchen" knife.  I think 
it would be a waste of time and other resources to forge them.

	OT: I never thought I would experience anything more emotionally 
draining than a Jewish wedding.  Today I discovered the Jewish funeral. 
  Right now I'm thinking they should have covered me up as well.