Thank you for all the great replies. Glen asked me to provide references so others could verify what was said. Being who I am, I had to wing it, stream of mind so to speak. Naturally, now I can't find the particular book I am looking for. But I will provide some foot notes and let you guy correct what I get wrong. Starting at the top; MikeHr, h-13, possibly the most popular air hardening alloy, at least among blacksmiths. Thomas, what exactly do you mean? I somewhat agree, with Thomas on spring stock. It is great for making tools of many types. With a carbon content generaly between .6-.8%, It can be readily hardened to a sharp edge for wood cutting, or tough and strong(softer) for a wrench or pliers, plus it makes great springs. Please be aware that present day spings can be deformed cold however, not sure what has changed to allow that. Evfreak, how does red hard spark? You do realize it is a low carbon alloy right?(Metals Handbook) QC, thanks for not peeling me apart like an onion, which I know you could have done. 6013, see my previous post on s.s. quench tubs, the cleaner water was the main reason for the design. B.T., would like to compliment your truck, but the link didn't go. Finaly, todays point is, There are two different kinds of people in the world, those that believe there are two different kinds and those that don't. Different strokes for different folks and all that. Here is an example. I make a lot of bolts. Not the crossbow type. That means I make a lot of bolt headers. A piece of s-7, 1.5" diameter, from Mcmaster-Carr, lists for $175 plus shipping. My bolt headers are only 1.25" long. If I were to order that stock, to make one tool, in short order, my steel inventory would surpass my net worth. When I find that book, I can explain my reverse engineering method, of finding tool steel in the wild, where it can live, and be had for free. Thanks for listening.
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