What would be a decent test, nonscientific of course, that one could use to determine if a random metal would make a decent knife. Not a high quality, indestructable knife, but something that would hold up to light use. Like , say a reinactor, or rondezvouer, who would never actually use it.
I collect just about any metal that is of appropriate size, then hit with the grinder before trying to make anything. The more it sparks, the greater a blade it seems to make.
My knifes are sold cheaply, and the buyers made well aware of what they were made from. It seams the more unusual the material, the higher the price they fetch. My proudest sell was to a motorcycle dealer who gave me a part from a bike to make a letter opener from.