TruebloodLowery

Thanks for linking the information about the break test. I read through it and the test was a success (i think). After quenching in oil, I let it cool to the touch and tempered at 425 F for two hours. It was a dark blueish color after tempering. I then took it out to break it. It bent over a lot (exhibited ductile failure), and took probably 10-15 hard hits from my hammer (not my good forging hammer) before a crack formed. I've attached some pictures. Sorry I couldn't get a better quality picture of the grain structure. The color on the inside of the material is much lighter than I expected, but I have never done a break test before. Overall, I think this is what I want from the material for an axe.

I removed a portion of the item, heated just above critical temperature (checked with a magnet), and quenched it. It hardened up and skated a file quite nicely. My next question before doing a break test is, should I temper it? I think that if I temper it, it will be a lot harder to break. Also, I'm not sure if tempering has any impact on the grain structure or not. If I do temper before doing the break test, I'll get a better idea of how the material will behave when I use it. Any help is again greatly appreciated!

Hi Lazyassforge/ Bill, thanks for sharing! I’m very interested in my heritage, so the more I learn the better. Goods, I will do a test sample and see what happens. Someone above also recommended a break test to see the grain structure, which I’ll also do. I’ll post the results when I get the tests done.

Just a quick update. I believe that I purchased this at an antique store in the Southeastern corner of Indiana, where I used to live. (I have updated my current location to Washington State). First, I annealed the piece. Then, I removed the mushroomed edges and cracked areas. While cleaning it up with the wire wheel, I noticed there appears to be a stamp of some sort. The letters " O, W, E, and R" seem visible, as well as a possible Spade symbol before it? I'm not sure what to make of that. I've attached a picture. My only possible solution is that it could have been passed down to me from my grandfather (our last name is Lowery), who gave me many of his tools and odd bits of metal. If that's the case, then I did not purchase it at the antique store (where I bought several old tools and bits of metal). He grew up in the northern Kentucky area, so it was possibly used there. I've decided to go ahead and try to use it as the base for an axe. I plan to forge weld a bit of 5160 steel for the edge, after it's shaped up. I'll post some updates when I've made some progress- currently working on another piece that just finished tempering.

Thanks for the heads up swedefiddle. I did a bit more careful grinding and you’re correct about it having many cracks in the mushroomed area. I will be sure to get that top area cleaned up to prevent projectiles. ThomasPowers, my main concern was whether it would be suitable material (I’m wanting a tough material that is not brittle) to form the head of the axe. Perhaps I’m wrong, but I was under the impression that wrought iron or cast iron would not be as good as mild steel for those properties. So, I suppose I don’t “need” to know the exact material. I did want to ask around and learn though. I’ve seen high carbon steel sparks and this was definitely different. I plan to use a 5160 bit and forge weld it to this steel. It’s my first axe, but I have made small tomahawks with this method and they turned out ok. If it fails, then oh well. I can try again. You’re right, I’m not expecting perfection haha. Thanks for your responses!

Hello and Thanks for the welcome. I did read that first, and I also read a file about Metallurgy that was linked as a resource on this website. The sparks appear a golden yellowish color and are roughly 6 inches in length, with either "sprigs" or "forks" at the end. I am fairly new to blacksmithing in general, so I wanted to ask some more experienced folk. Based on the chart you linked, it could possibly be a form of cast iron. I didn't want to waste the item if it is not suitable material for an axe. Thanks again for your help!

Hello, I would like to use this item to form the butt, cheek, and eye of an axe. I have attached a picture of the item and a video of a spark test. A little bit of research leads me to believe it is composed of medium carbon steel. Would anyone please help me correctly identify the material? Thanks so much in advance! IMG_1003.MOV