ConchoMan

Thanks for the help. It was just something that I had the idea for since I have the black sands already. I have made some blades from truck springs and one from a broken chrome vanadium ratchet extension. I also have a small billet of Damascus that is a mix of rebar, file peices, and some valves from a small block chevy motor. I think I may not after all try making one from scratch. Though I may try it in the future.

Ok here is the deal, I am wanting to make a knife. Now to make it I am hoping to use iron ore from the Llano area. I just happen to have a supply of black sands concentrates from my gold panning adventures. I have about 2 pounds of it. Now I figure only about half of it is actual iron the rest is either hematite or other sand to sub sand grain sized heavy gem stones and I plan to use a magnet to separate it out. I got the idea to make a knife out of it from the history channel when they made an axe out of some meteorites. I figure I will make the blade then add some high carbon steel from a junk file to the blade edge so that it is actually usable. My only question is what type of crucible I will need. I have cast some jewelry but my casting machine and crucible is way to small to melt this much material. I also have plenty of lime stone for flux. You thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks