What he said.

I grew up in the home of a machinist and made my first hammer and screwdriver at age 5.

Case hardening does you no good.

You need a good high carbon steel. And then heat it thoroughly and harden it.

I work at a lot of Navy yards now. I'm going to see if they will give me any high carbon scraps.

Mom still has a lathe and milling machine in the basement.

If I make one and it turns out ok, maybe I'll cut a bunch and offer them here.

Or maybe I can get some HY80 or 100 which is really high quality low carbon which I think might really be the ticket. Has very little impurities it in which is why usually is what gives you the issues with tools.

Trying to remember what Dad taught me.

Case hardening is not all bad as long as you use quality steel.

That's what it's all about.

Will keep you posted.