Is 1045 metal good enough to make knives?
thank you
Johnny
Johnny, 1045 would not be the best choice. With .45 percent carbon it is likely it would not get hard enough. However that being said I do know of one maker that used 1045 to make Japanese style blades, that would be Scott Slobodian. He made beautiful blades with hamon. I am pretty sure he quenched in water or brine and did not temper the blades. I think you would expect a hardness of 54 to 56. Personally I prefer at least .60 percent carbon and normally use 1084, 1075, W1, W2, and 1095.
Brion
Brion Tomberlin
Anvil Top Custom Knives
ABS Mastersmith
thank you
johnny
not a bad steel for swords were the added toughness is helpful, in that regard it is serviceable but not a great performer. I wouldn't use it for knives but I do keep it in the shop and use it for axes, and hammers and it is very well suited to those items.
MP
