Steel grade in commercial power hacksaw blades?

[roxtar]

I've got a bunch of used commercial power hacksaw blades; 2" X 30" X approx 1/8" thick.
Getting steel grade info from the manufacturers is like trying to get the orig Coke recipe.

Does anyone have any info on these?

 

[Nathan the Machinist]

Some are M2 HSS, which is great. Most are not. A welded on tooth or a hardened edge zone is a bad sign.

 

[roxtar]

One solid piece, no welds, no fusion lines.

 

[drewfacehotm]

then they should make useable knives, great for short machetes. may need a carbide bit to drill handle holes

 

[ob1]

double post. sorry

 

[ob1]

With an old file try to file the back side of the saw blade. If the file just slips off it is an all hard tool steel blade, usually M2 steel. This steel can take an edge easily and hold it for a looong time. Even the all hard blades have the two ends (near the holes) relatively softer. Try to use the ends for the tang, probably using the hole as a lanyard hole. It is extremely hard to drill holes anywhere away from the ends. You will need good quality carbide bits, or diamond bits. It is much easier to cut a slot at the center of the tang with a cut off wheel on an angle grinder. This material is also extremely hard to grind. Take care to keep the blade cool when you are grinding. Keep a bucket of water nearby and dip the blade at least every two passes on the grinder.It is a lot of work, but I can assure you the knife you make will hold an edge like no knife you have known. PM me if you have any questions. I have made so many knives from this material.

 

[roxtar]

Sweet, thanks for all the help.