steels

[VenezianoJ@xxxxxxx]

The amount of carbon in a steel alloy does indicate its ability to hold an edge and wear better, depending on the alloy.  All steels are an alloy, different metals and elements combined with iron to create steel.  One of the more commonly added elements is carbon -- the higher the carbon content, or "points", the better the ability of the steel to hold an edge, also effects wear resistance.  Other elements, like chromium and molybdenum, also raise carbon content.

With stone work, something to keep in mind is, not only do you want wear resistance and edge holding, you also want the tool to withstand shock.

"Alloy steel" is a term used to indicate, usually, that the tool has been made of an alloy that's good for its use.  Its also sometimes a marketer's way of making it sound "snazzier" =)

"High Carbon Steel" designates any number of steels with a carbon content above a certain point, the exact area escaping me.  This includes "tool steel", and "spring steel".  Properly heat treated, these would be good steels for stone tools.

Some steels that would make good stone tools

5160 (aka coil and truck springs)
O-1
S7
H-13
Atlantic-33

avoid A-36 like the plague

Heat treating is a whole other ball game, depending on the specific steel.

Jerry Veneziano
Blacksmith