CURRENT RAILROAD SPIKE KNIVES BY RAY RANTANEN

My first spike knife was made in the summer of 1990. It was made as a lark and turned out to be more than expected. After hardening and tempering, the blade would shave hair and cut through steel rivets by pounding on the back with a hammer and still remained shaving sharp. Many experiments were performed to determine the best quenching medium for hardening and the tempering colors that gave the best edge.

The goal was to make a reasonably priced knife that would perform as well as higher priced knives and was unique. Currently old spikes are used that show a particular spark when ground that definitely is not mild steel. The railroad spikes used are high in carbon near .55 to .6 %. Spikes with the designation H C somewhere on the head have the high carbon content. These were typically used on curves and switch yards where a tougher spike was required.

After shaping and grinding, the blade is normalized then heated to a hardening temperature and quenched in quenching oil. The temper is achieved by applying heat to the back of the blade and letting the oxidation colors advance towards the cutting edge. At the first hint of yellow oxidation near the edge the blade is cooled in water. The result is a knife that is hard on the cutting edge and softer in the back and handle area. The cutting edge has tested at a Rockwell C scale hardness of 58 to 59 and the blade back and tang at 40.

The finished product is available in many blade styles. Laminated Birch wood slabs or elk and deer antler attached on each side of the handle with the spike head polished to a bright luster makes an attractive knife. Popular styles are trailing point, drop point, skinners, Clip point and fillet/boning knives. The head of the spike on the end of the handle is great for cleaning the blood along the backbone of large fish. It also allows a positive grip when drawing the knife from the sheath.

The sheaths are made by sewing along the blade edge with a welt in between to keep the blade from hitting the stitching. They are all hand stitched from 9-10 ounce vegetable tanned leather.

Small narrow gauge or mine rail spikes make excellent neck knives. These small knives can be worn on a thong around the neck or on a belt. The popular blade shapes are a straight point, drop point or a trailing point. These also make an excellent belt buckle knife.

The total package is an affordable, durable, unique knife of almost any blade shape. They make a good backup knife for skinning or other unique applications or make a good everyday knife that performs well. Reports indicate they out perform many commercial knives for sharpness, edge holding and ease of sharpening the convex ground blade.

The knives shown in this catalog are the more popular styles. I make many more styles depending on the desires of the buyer.

Handle choices vary from antler to natural woods and the very beautiful laminated birch. If desired the handle can be made by twisting the spike and polishing instead of laminating handle materials on the sides of the flattened area. Write, call, fax or email if you have questions or a special request.

I have been forging iron, steel and knives since 1974. My products are different than most you will encounter. My doctorate degree in physics from WSU has helped immensely in understanding the complex task of forging, hardening and tempering steel. I have other catalogs for Damascus and tool steel knives as well as carving tools and carved totem poles.

HOME