[TheForge] Stainless steel

[Lynn Emrich]

IMHO, the people suggesting 300 series stainless
haven't done any leather work. Leather is hard on
tools. Suggesting high carbon steels is better. They
do take care but last a long time. Old coil springs
work the best for me. They are something like 5160
steel and are forgiving when hardening. Spring steel,
whether 5160 or  1095, will resist rust much better
the higher polish you put on the tool.
If you feel you must use stainless use at least 440C
or one of the knife steels. They are available from
knife supply companys in lots of configurations. I
wouldn't suggest that you do the hardening yourself
but send it to someone who does this a lot.
Just what I think,
Lynn



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