Composition of Steel for Blade Pickups?

[Stratz]

I made some blades one time for a sidewinder type pickup I was experimenting on out of metal salvaged from the top of an oil drum. But I didn't like the sound that much,

I've found that 5 W30 drums are thin sounding while 15 W40 drums have a nice thick sound.
If you're going for a pure vintage tone use straight 30 Weight drums.

[SpareRibs]

Hello,
OK, I found a local place to buy 1018 bar stock. It comes in cold rolled or hot rolled. I also have to buy it in 12' sticks. It will be 1/8" x 3/4" x 12'. So I am looking for suggestions on purchasing either hot rolled or cold rolled. I know there are a lot of variables but I don't want 12' of steel that is I will have no use for.
Thank you in advance.

[copperheadroads]

My findings have resembled what Dave said.

Thicker Lower Carbon = Warmer. Thinner Magnetic Stainless = Brighter. And all the variables in between.

On early blades I used the cold rolled stuff from the hardware store.

Is there an Echo in here ?

[restorationad]

Is there an Echo in here ?

I like to pile on.