03-01-2018, 11:55 PM
In 5160, you have medium-high carbon, so it doesn't over-harden, or work harden, which is key. It has a little chromium, and a little manganese, which I'm sure helps, but I think it's just a tough steel that has a simple HT to make it springy and stable.
I doubt if those springs are hard enough to have edge stability, but I don't have first hand knowledge. Springs are pretty specialized, especially in heat treating. I could probably find out a lot about Wolff springs, which would be a great starting spot for investigation.
I think you'll find that HT has as large a role as steel. I think it's important to know about edge stability, and the optimum harness for each steel's edge stability. I'm sure you'll find tool (knife) steel isn't the best for springy steel. Their optimum hardness is too hard. Very springy steel will probably be highly alloyed,
I would expect soft steel to roll more in general, but straighten out easier.
Sorry, I don't have an abundance of knowledge right off the top of my head
I doubt if those springs are hard enough to have edge stability, but I don't have first hand knowledge. Springs are pretty specialized, especially in heat treating. I could probably find out a lot about Wolff springs, which would be a great starting spot for investigation.
I think you'll find that HT has as large a role as steel. I think it's important to know about edge stability, and the optimum harness for each steel's edge stability. I'm sure you'll find tool (knife) steel isn't the best for springy steel. Their optimum hardness is too hard. Very springy steel will probably be highly alloyed,
I would expect soft steel to roll more in general, but straighten out easier.
Sorry, I don't have an abundance of knowledge right off the top of my head