This is an old issue that keeps popping back up. I used to have the metalurgical
makeup of the RR spike. But I do remember they have a minimum carbon content of
.30%. Depending on the batch they probably vary from .30 to .40% carbon. I
forged one that I would swear was .45%. Anyway, RR spikes were minimum .20%
carbon until about 1970, then they switched to the higher standard. Which they
labeled HC for "higher carbon" content. RR spikes are not high carbon steel,
they are at best a medium carbon steel. Also, if you see an extra "C" on the
head that means a little copper was added to the alloy to increase electrical
conductivity. I use the ones that have HC only on the head.
I know guys that have quenched spike knifes in superquench to get maximum
hardness. No tempering. Superquench is a fast soapy brine quench that will
shatter steel that is more than 50 points of carbon. For the formula do a search
for Rob Gunter+superquench.
Rob Wichita, KS
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Rob Wichita, KS
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