O6

Even though it is simple enough and has plenty of carbon this one is not suited too well for heating up and hammering on. It has plenty of carbon because free graphite has been added to it to facilitate easier machining, thus it is known as "a free machining graphitic tool steel". What does all this mean for bladesmithing? Well graphite can be used as a dry lubricant and it is this sort of thing that allows mills or lathes to tear this steel apart easier, the same applies to hammers at high heat! If you are really careful (and all that moly will make you work for it)and manage to get a blade out of it, I would keep it small.

Click on the appropriate link below to go the the Crucible Service Center or Admiral Steels O6 page:

Crucible Service Center®: O6