For anyone that forges knives curious if Railroad Rails makes good steel for quality knives?

Make fine anvils

We have a lady here that makes them out of the spikes , I don't know how well they cut but they look neat.

Might try asking on Blade Forums.

https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/railroad-track-knife-blades-%E2%80%93-worth-a-try.1780192/

Rail is a special alloy that will be extremely hard to work with.

Ive heard that the curved sections of rails are a tougher and better alloy for making knives. I have no idea. Just buy yourself some known steel. But I understand where you're coming from!

Like previously mentioned go with a known steel and get the correct austenitizing process and heat treatment info.

Like previously mentioned go with a known steel and get the correct austenitizing process and heat treatment info.

That info is all stamped on the rail.When rails are removed due to failure or defects identified by the sperry car all the info on the rail is recorded.
Rail is a relatively soft steel except on curves where they use chrome steel.Curves are also greased to prevent excessive rail wear.
The rails are softer than the wheels,and are made to wear instead of wearing out the wheels.
Probably would want chrome rail for making knives.
You could surely skin a pile of beaver with the knives made from one rail

Known steel is 2 railroad rails in area of abandoned line