leaf spring swords?

[Kenny]

Hello people,has anyone made a sword from a leaf spring?
I am wanting to make my own sword and have been reading and watching all that i can on the internet.
Blacksmiths seem to be of the opinion that you can not do the sword blade/car spring cold ie,streighten the leaf,but have to do it hot,normalise then work,heat again to harden then temper.
The guy from Blankenshield says it can be done cold.
i am concerned about the saftey aspect of the spring blade NOT breaking!
What are your thoughts?

[Ben]

Leaf spring is fine - though it's easier to get spring steel flat bar before it's been made into leaf springs and use that

[Kenny]

Thanks Ben i check out the local spring maker in Dunedin and let you know how i get on,thanks

[Mad Jim]

Hey Kenny do you do any re-enacting and or sword practice?

[mikep]

One of the dangers of making a blade from used leaf spring is the stress cracks that can occur and you run the risk of the blade snapping etc. You are much safer using unused stock from a spring manufacturer.

[Kenny]

Hi Jim,i have never had a go at reenacting but would give it a go.
Yes mikep that is what i was concerned about.
I am just starting out in this hobby,and have been studying it for quite a while now.
I have been gathering gear to make armour and am just starting on a forge at the moment as i would like to make my own sword etc

[mikep]

Are you going for coal or gas for your forge?

[Kenny]

Hi mikep,coal, if i can get the good stuff.
Im looking at the cheapest way of doing this as im on a limited budget.

[mikep]

Fair enough, it can get quite expensive. I've been using a small gas setup called a one brick forge. Works really well for heat treating knives and is also useful for annealing files etc.
Hopefully you will be able to post some pics