Frank, first when I was looking through the tread I said it was made from scrap iron and tin. I should actually said scrap wrought iron and nickel. The blade is very sturdy and holds a razor sharp edge. The layers of steel act function as if is a serrated edge knife, but on a microscopic level. That is one of the reasons Japanese sword are razor sharp, some have thousands of layers of steel. Since the knife contains a very low carbon steel rusting is be a problem.
My brother-in-law is the expert and he provided the technical support behind the project. Once the blade blank was made I cut a wood blank with pine to design and grind the blade first in wood since I would only have one chance at the real thing. When I make the pocket knife I plan on using a medium and high carbon nickel steel so I can carry and use it as needed.
Well that is all I have to say about that. I think I heard that somewhere before.
Take care
Andy