bg7m

I don't know for sure what you have is 52100. I've heard there are some stainless ball bearings, but I have'nt come across one yet. The balls I use come from bearing out of large electric motors. I first normalize the steel, then weld a rebar handle on it. I forge it in a coal forge. This steel don't move very good at the lower temp that I forge at, but I think it makes a better blade forging at a lower temp. I start forging the ball to a square shape about 1/2" square then forge it out to the blade shape. I normalize three times,anneal three times, grind to final shape, heatreat,. Hope this helps, Buddy

Here is a hunter I forged from a 1 1/4" ball bearing, stainless guard and spacers, stag handle. Triple quenched, triple tempered. I left the blade dark from the acid. Thanks, Buddy

Small folder with fluted pearl, titanium bolsters, and my damascus blade. Thanks, Buddy

Here is a photo of one of my damascus folders with fluted mother of pearl handles and some of my nickel damascus. Thanks, Buddy