failure, doom, despair

[boltcutter]

The spring for my first folding knife bent when i went to put the tension on it. really bums me way out. does anyone know if that spring should be tempered less? hardened more? i'm using 0-1
steel. thanks for any help.

 

[BossDog]

if your back spring bent, it probably needs to be a bit harder.

 

[Calvin Robinson]

Tracy is right, the spring needs to be between 46 and 49 rockwell c. Bend it back and re-harden or make another spring, don't give up, keep trying, you'll get it right eventualy.

 

[boltcutter]

thanks. i'm still working on these springs. going to try 5160 (spring steel) which makes sense i guess.

 

[Bgbdwolf]

I've had good results with 5160, I could get it at one time in 1/8" thicknesses from tortion bars on old VW vehichles. Already heat treated, just cut out your spring surface grind and drill holes.