Are Railroad Spikes Good for Knife Making?

Railroad spike knives look impressive. Forged from industrial steel with a rustic feel, they make for great conversation pieces. But if you're wondering whether they’re good for functional use, especially in demanding tasks — the answer is more complicated than it looks.

Let’s break it down by what matters most in knife making: the steel.

Steel Composition and Carbon Content

Railroad spikes are commonly used in blacksmithing, including knife making, because they’re cheap, widely available, and easy to forge. But steel quality matters more than shape.

Standard spikes are made from low-carbon steel, usually around 0.2% carbon. That’s about 20 points on the carbon scale — not nearly enough to hold a sharp edge for long.

Even "HC" (High Carbon) marked spikes only have around 0.3% carbon. While higher than standard, it still falls short. Knife-quality steel typically needs a minimum of 0.5% carbon for hardness and durability.

That means even high carbon railroad spikes don’t qualify as good steel for serious knife making.

What That Means for Your Knife

Here’s the short version: knives made from railroad spikes are soft. They won’t hold an edge and need frequent sharpening. They also don’t harden well in heat treating, making them poor performers for cutting tasks.

Still, that doesn’t mean they’re useless.

Railroad spike knives are great for:

  • Practicing forging techniques
  • Creating decorative or collector pieces
  • Selling or gifting as novelty items

They're not good for:

  • Cutting meat or vegetables
  • Heavy-duty outdoor use
  • Repeated slicing or carving

If edge retention and long-term durability matter, you need better steel.

What the Pros Say

Professional blacksmiths and knife makers regularly caution against using railroad spikes for functional blades. On blacksmithing forums and in workshops, the consensus is clear: use spikes for learning and decoration — not performance.

For real performance, you’ll want to work with steel like:

  • 1084
  • 1095
  • O1 tool steel

These materials are known for hardness, toughness, and the ability to maintain a sharp edge. They are specifically engineered for blade use and can be heat-treated effectively.

So Why Do People Use Railroad Spikes?

Because they’re accessible, cheap, and easy to forge. If you’re a beginner learning how to shape and work steel, railroad spikes are an ideal place to start. You’ll get a feel for hammer control, heat cycling, and shaping without the pressure of working expensive materials.

But don’t expect the result to be anything more than ornamental.

Where to Get Better Tools — and Sell What You Forge

If you’re a knife enthusiast, hobbyist blacksmith, or professional chef — KnifeMarket is the platform built for you.

We’re the first online marketplace dedicated entirely to knives and knife-related gear. Whether you’re looking to buy, sell, or just browse, our secure and transparent platform makes it easy.

At KnifeMarket:

  • You can list your handmade blades in minutes.
  • You get visibility to a global audience.
  • You don’t need to worry about marketing — we handle it.

Our mission is to support the knife-making community, from skilled artisans to collectors. We make it simple for you to find quality knives or set up your own virtual storefront.

If you’ve forged a few railroad spike knives and want to sell them as collectibles — KnifeMarket has your back. If you’ve moved on to high-carbon steels and want to build your reputation as a maker — we’ll help you grow.

Final Verdict

Are railroad spikes good for knife making?

Not if you want a blade that performs. But if your goal is to practice forging or craft a one-of-a-kind piece with character, they’re a great place to start.

And when you're ready to take your skills or collection to the next level, KnifeMarket is where you’ll find your audience.