Steel for knife making

I have been making knives for several years. I have used everything
from files to old cross cut saw blades to hacksaw blades. Every now
and then I get lucky while at the local junkyard and find a piece that
makes exceptional blades. Last summer, I found an old cross cut saw
blade that must have been from the first half of the last centruy. It
made strong blades with just a little flexibility that would sharpen up
to a razor edge. They held their edge pretty well (not quite as long
as a buck, but were sharpened differently). Most knives were set with
antler handles. The few blades I made from files were strong but
brittle (chipped) and consumed a lot of grinding wheel. I make mostly
pelting/skinning knives and hunting knives. I am interested in hearing
of any other experiences with blade making and what materials worked
best. Also what you use for handles and how you mount them.
Rider

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Relevant Pages

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